December 29, 2021
Good Samaritan College of Nursing & Health Science (GSC) graduated its fourth class since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifty nurses earned degrees during the December 16, 2021 ceremony at Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains.
Of the degrees awarded, 43 students received Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) and are eligible to sit for the national examination required to become licensed registered nurses. Seven registered nurses (RN’s) earned their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
This year’s fall graduates are hitting the front line fighting the pandemic. Despite the emergence of the new Omicron variant and a record number of new COVID cases, GSC leaders say the students are prepared for what lies ahead. “We’re proud of these students and are confident in their ability to provide competent and compassionate care during an unprecedented time,” said Judy Kronenberger, Ph.D., GSC President. “For 125 years Good Samaritan College has been teaching others how to take care of people whether there’s a pandemic or not,” noting this is the second pandemic this college of nursing has witnessed with the first being the pandemic of 1918.
Through both asynchronous and synchronous learning, students were on campus every week of the 15-week semester for clinicals and rotations.
“Thankfully, our clinicals were conducted in-person while following pandemic safety protocols,” said Celeste Nye, a new graduate. “The hands-on experience is especially critical when it comes to nursing.” Nye has accepted a position in the Emergency Department at Good Samaritan Hospital and started working immediately after graduation.
Nine students graduated with academic honors. Five AASN students graduating with honors include:
- Rebecca Denise Burdette
- Elizabeth Rose Moore
- Celeste Julia Nye
- Carley Nicole O’Donnel
- Aimelin Tamara Schweitzer
BSN students graduating with honors include:
- Angela Lynn Hollin, Cum Laude
- Allyson Nicole Lomboy, Magna Cum Laude
- Meredith Grace Miller, Magna Cum Laude
- Rebecca Toussaint, Cum Laude
Three students were inducted into the Alpha Delta Nu National Honor Society ahead of the ceremony.
Additionally, three students were recognized with awards from the GSC Alumni Association for their commitment to academics, GSC and nursing in general. Students recognized by the Alumni Association include:
- Bailey Christine Hopple, Exemplary Service Award
- Tayloranne Elizabeth Kaufmann, Outstanding BSN Graduate
- Elizabeth “Lizzie” Moore, Outstanding AASN Graduate
Alumni Award winners are nominated and voted for by GSC faculty and staff. Each winner received a certificate at graduation and a $250 check from funds provided by the Alumni Association.
Two students also completed the short-term certificate in Medical Assisting and are eligible to sit for the national certification exam to earn the credential RMA (registered medical assistant) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
The full list of Fall 2021 graduates is available online.
Click here to see the story by Local 12 honoring this year’s graduates.
Pictured: Bailey Christine Hopple, Exemplary Service Award
Pictured: Elizabeth “Lizzie” Moore, Outstanding AASN Graduate
Pictured: Tayloranne Elizabeth Kaufmann, Outstanding BSN Graduate
Excellent article. Congratulations to all of our wonderful graduates from GSC!
Posted by: Beatrice Hodovanic on January 05, 2022
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SO great to see these students graduate, especially at this time! Very proud!
Posted by: Julie Schuster on January 05, 2022
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