BRIDGEPORT, W. Va. — The WVU School of Nursing Bridgeport Campus celebrated its second cohort of graduates Aug. 6 during a pinning ceremony at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center.
“This is a small but mighty cohort,” said Dr. Veronica Gallo, Bridgeport Campus Chair. “These students are so dedicated and have overcome many obstacles. A few worked full-time while also being full-time students, but they have supported each other every step of the way.”
The Class of 2025 included Brenna Goodson, Cassidy Guire, Lauren Huggins, Patrick Mirandy, Blakelyn Mote, Annie Parrish, Taylor Payne and Maggie Petitto-Wilfong. These students were part of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which offers an accelerated pathway into the profession for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree. The program is housed at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center.
“I’ve been doing EMS for eight years. I absolutely love it, but I want to keep doing more. I saw this program and I thought it was a wonderful idea,” said Cassidy Guire, who will be taking a position with the pediatric intensive care unit at WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital.
During the ceremony, students received their nursing pin, which is a symbolic welcoming of newly graduated nurses into the nursing profession. The history of the nursing pin dates back over 1,000 years. Students also received superlatives from their classmates.
Two students were recognized for their achievements: Taylor Payne received the Student Scholar Award for the highest GPA, and Maggie Petitto-Wilfong received the Excellence in Nursing Award for her intelligence, compassion and service.
“It was a wonderful experience and it’s crazy to think it’s been 18 months already and we’re here getting pinned,” said Brenna Goodson, who will be taking a position in the cardiovascular ICU at WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital. “Getting my bachelor’s in nursing has been a goal of mine since I graduated high school in 2010… I’m here today showing my children that even when life can be difficult you can still chase your dreams at the same time.”
To learn more about the WVU School of Nursing, visit nursing.wvu.edu.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu