Nursing honors over 250 graduates at fall convocation

Today
A young women in a graduation cap and gown pumps her arms in the air and smiles as a professor puts a ribbon around her neck

Taylor Carrillo celebrates as she is “pinned” for earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Integrative Health Pathway degree by Stephanie Tippin, CNP, an associate clinical professor at the U of A College of Nursing during the college’s 2024 fall convocation.

Photo by Kris Hanning, U of A Health Sciences Office of Communications

The University of Arizona College of Nursing honored its fall 2024 graduating class at Centennial Hall on Dec. 19. More than 250 Wildcat nurses celebrated the successful conclusion of their programs in front of family, friends and faculty. 

The keynote address was delivered by Catherine Dewsnup, MSN, an alumna of the college and chief nursing officer at Oro Valley Hospital.

“One of the greatest lessons I have learned in my career in nursing is that nursing is a team sport. Not one nurse can do it all,” Dewsnup said. “Whether you work with physicians, allied health professionals or fellow nurses, it’s a collaboration and a shared community. The relationships you build and the teamwork you cultivate will sustain you through your career.”

The event honored 54 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates; 58 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Integrative Health Pathway graduates; 69 Master of Science Entry to the Profession of Nursing graduates; 70 Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates; and two Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing graduates.

“Some may see a nurse as someone who cares for the sick, but the truth is, being a nurse is so much more. It’s about becoming a beacon of strength when others feel lost. It’s about being a comforting presence in moments of fear, and a fierce advocate for when our patients need their voices to be heard,” said student speaker Sarah Aljameel, who received her Master of Science Entry to the Profession of Nursing degree during the ceremony. “As we embrace the future, let us remember that the world doesn’t just need good nurses; it needs extraordinary ones. It needs fearless advocates, passionate educators and relentless problem-solvers. That is what we have become.”

Five University of Arizona nursing students stand outside wearing graduation regalia as they smile and show the Arizona Wildcats hand sign.
Two University of Arizona nursing students wave their arms in celebration while standing outside in their graduation caps and gowns.
Several decorated graduation caps are held out by University of Arizona College of Nursing students. The caps have graphics and text on them noting “2024” and “RN,” along with various other messages.
Five male nursing students wearing caps and gowns smile and wave as they stand side by side.
Five female nursing students wearing caps and gowns smile while taking a selfie as they stand side by side.
More than a dozen University of Arizona College of Nursing faculty and staff members dressed in graduation regalia smile as they line up in a room.
Two University of Arizona College of Nursing faculty members dressed in graduation regalia stand together on a stage, smiling and holding a plaque.
Two University of Arizona faculty members place a ceremonial hood over the shoulders of a student during a graduation ceremony.
Two women in graduation regalia smile and hug.
A Doctor of Nursing Practice student wearing a graduation cap and gown smiles as an unseen professor places a hood over his shoulders.
A woman wearing a hijab and traditional graduation regalia smiles as she walks across a stage.
A woman in graduation regalia waves and smiles as she walks across a stage.
A woman wearing graduation regalia looks up and smiles as a traditional graduation hood is placed over her shoulders by a professor standing behind her.
A young woman wearing graduation regalia smiles and waves as she walks across a stage.
A young woman wearing a graduation gown raises her arm in celebration as she stands between her smiling parents.
A smiling woman wearing a graduation gown holds a child who is wearing her graduation cap outside.
Five University of Arizona College of Nursing graduates in caps and gowns stand together, shielding their eyes from the sun.
A young women dressed in a graduation cap and gown smiles as she hugs her smiling father.
A young woman dressed in a graduation cap and gown holds flowers as she is flanked by her parents.