UArizona College of Nursing celebrates 2024 convocation

May 17, 2024
Photos by Kris Hanning, UArizona Health Sciences Office of Communications
A University of Arizona College of Nursing professor carries a Nurse-Midwifery graduate. Both are dressed in graduation caps and gowns and laughing.

University of Arizona College of Nursing assistant clinical professor Lisa Kiser, DNP, CNM, lifts Julia Chan in celebration of her earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice in the first cohort of the Nurse-Midwifery program during the college’s spring convocation.

Photo by Kris Hanning, UArizona Health Sciences Office of Communications

The University of Arizona College of Nursing honored its spring 2024 graduating class at Centennial Hall on May 9. A total of 135 Wildcat nurses celebrated the successful conclusion of their programs in front of family, friends and faculty. 

The keynote address was delivered by Lesly Kelly, PhD, an alumna of the college and nurse-scientist at CommonSpirit Health. “While nursing is sometimes considered a calling, I often describe it as a passion. More than just employment and even more than a career, nursing provides a deep-seated sense of purpose and commitment to caring for others,” Kelly said. “It is because of this passion that we give our all. We have an unwavering commitment to excellence, a fierce dedication to advocacy, and a profound sense of desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients and communities. We are so grateful for your passion and that you have chosen to not only be a nurse, but a Wildcat nurse.”

The event honored 50 Bachelor of Science in Nursing conventional pathway graduates, 61 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Integrative Health Pathway graduates, 22 Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates, and two Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing graduates.

“Even though we all came to this program for different reasons, we are all leaving with the same goal; to care for every patient with empathy, compassion, dignity, respect and to see and understand them beyond their symptoms and diagnosis,” said student speaker, Clarissa Padilla, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing-Integrative Health Pathway degree. 

Graduate spotlights on a BSN and PhD graduate are available on the College of Nursing website.

Three University of Arizona College of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing students in graduation gowns show the decorated tops of their graduation caps.
Five University of Arizona College of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing students smile as they stand together outside. Some are wearing graduation gowns and have University of Arizona sashes on.
About a dozen smiling University of Arizona College of Nursing students wearing graduation caps and gowns stand backstage waiting for their convocation ceremony to begin.
Two University of Arizona College of Nursing faculty members in graduation caps and gowns stand together smiling.
Six University of Arizona College of Nursing students dressed in graduation caps and gowns stand in a hallway while two of them are taking selfies.
Three University of Arizona College of Nursing students in graduation regalia smile and raise hands in the air in celebration of their graduation.
Four University of Arizona College of Nursing staff members work at a check-in table backstage during the convocation ceremony.
Two University of Arizona College of Nursing faculty members in graduation caps and gowns stand together smiling as they hold an award plaque in their hands.
A University of Arizona College of Nursing professor places a hood over the shoulders of a nursing student. Both are dressed in graduation caps and gowns.
A University of Arizona College of Nursing professor and student, both wearing graduation caps and gowns, stand side by side smiling.
A University of Arizona College of Nursing professor places a hood over the shoulders of a nursing student. Both are dressed in graduation caps and gowns.
A University of Arizona College of Nursing professor hugs a nursing student. Both are dressed in graduation caps and gowns.
A University of Arizona College of Nursing professor places a hood over the shoulders of a nursing student. Both are dressed in graduation caps and gowns.
Two University of Arizona College of Nursing professor flank a student on stage. All are wearing graduation caps and gowns.
A University of Arizona College of Nursing professor places a hood over the shoulders of a nursing student. Both are dressed in graduation caps and gowns.
Two University of Arizona College of Nursing faculty dressed in graduation caps and gowns stand on a stage smiling as they look off to the side.
A family stands on either side of a recent graduate of the University of Arizona College of Nursing who is dressed in a graduation cap and gown. The family members have white paper hats with a red cross on them.
A University of Arizona College of Nursing student in a cap and gown holding flowers stands next to her friend outside. Both are smiling.
A University of Arizona College of Nursing doctor of nursing practice graduate stands outside smiling in a graduation cap and gown. He has flowers around his neck and a necklace made out of a variety of medical supplies used in his profession.
Two University of Arizona College of Nursing graduates in caps and gowns smile as they hug.