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Thirty-Eight MCCC Nursing Graduates Recognized at Pinning Ceremony

By Candace Zafirellis
Students from Mercer County Community College’s (MCCC) Nursing program gathered at the college’s Kelsey Theatre in late May to celebrate both an ending and a beginning.  Thirty-eight men and women stood proudly in front of their friends and family during a pinning ceremony, marking the beginning of a new career in nursing.
“We are all about learning and student success, and what a success we are celebrating tonight,” said MCCC President Patricia Donohue.
Dr. Guy Generals, MCCC vice president for Academic Affairs, thanked the graduates on deciding to pursue one of the most selfless careers.  “You should be commended for choosing this as a profession,” he said.   “Remember us and continue to strive.”
Presiding over the ceremonies was Dr. Linda Martin, dean of Science and Health Professions, who gave words of encouragement and praise for the graduating class.  Among the honored guests of the evening was Jane Foy, a graduate of one of the first nursing classes at Mercer.
Jane Plunkett of Lawrenceville was the 2012 Nursing Valedictorian.  “This has been a challenging and exciting journey for all of us,” said Plunkett, who made a career change after 25 years in the financial services industry.  “We have supported each other through the demands of our studies and the demands of our lives, sharing in one another’s joys and sorrows.”
Plunkett made the decision to go into nursing after raising her own family.  She said she had always wanted to have a “helping profession” and was glad she finally made the career change.  “Raising three children and caring for elderly parents made me realize what a difference caring health care providers can make,” she said.
In her speech to her classmates, Plunkett reminded her fellow students that while many of them had points during their studies where they thought they might not finish, by standing here today they were proving themselves worthy of the nursing field.  “Each one of us who was called to the profession must go forward with pride and enthusiasm, because we DO have what it takes,” she said.
Students and faculty also shared their gratitude towards the families of the nursing graduates, for their patience and support during years of rigorous studying and preparing for their career.