IU Kokomo School of Nursing induction ceremony celebrates new students

Faculty and staff in the Indiana University Kokomo School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions (SNAHP) welcomed the newest classes of nursing students in its traditional induction ceremony Wednesday, August 20.

Assistant Dean Stephanie Pratt welcomed the 76 students and their families, congratulating them on accepting the opportunity to become nurses.

“We are given the opportunity to serve, to share in life’s journey with others,” she said. “There truly is nothing small about this wonderful privilege that you have been given to become a nurse. It will have challenges along the way, but I want you to take a moment this evening to look around and see you are surrounded by family and friends who are here tonight to support you, as well as your fellow classmates who are sitting beside you. Not to mention, the wonderful faculty and staff here on the stage with you. You are blessed.”

Dean Angela Opsahl congratulated the students on their acceptance into the program, noting that their presence reflects their dedication, resilience, and passion for nursing.

“Your chosen path requires a high level of proficiency and skill, ethical responsibility, and heartfelt dedication,” she said. “Nursing is not just a profession. It is a calling that blends clinical expertise with compassion and empathy. As you begin in this journey, you will gain the knowledge and expertise needed to profoundly impact the lives of patients and their families by providing patient-centered, high-quality care.”

They will be challenged in the classroom, the simulation center, and in clinical placement sites, she said, preparing them to meet the challenges of a dynamic healthcare landscape. Opsahl encouraged them to get involved in campus organizations, connect with peers and faculty, and remember they are not alone, and their classmates, faculty, and families are there to support them.

“As you begin this incredible chapter of your lives, know that nurses hold the power to heal, comfort, and transform lives,” she said. “Embrace this opportunity with purpose and pride. All of you are now united in your pursuit of a common goal: To optimize health and promote the well-being of all those we serve.”

The new students, selected through a rigorous acceptance process, wore the red scrubs that marked them as an IU student for the first time as they each crossed the stage to receive a certificate of accomplishment. The incoming class also recited the Nursing Pledge, which is a promise to uphold the ethics of the nursing profession. The Indiana Nurse Honor Guard also participated in the ceremony, in Havens Auditorium.

Students honored are listed by hometown. They include:

Second degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) accelerated track:

Bringhurst: Rossanna Hartsock

Flora: Hannah Schmidt-Fisher

Fort Wayne: Zoe Riddle

Gas City: Juliana Smith

Indianapolis: Ujunwa Adirieje, Kennedi Harden

Kokomo: Caroline Conaway, Kayli Croddy, Tinelle Groover, Kaitline Martin

Lafayette: Natalie Miller, Katherine Troxell

Noblesville: Ashley Cubel, Jennifer Dewitt, Natalie Grubb

Russiaville: Heather Fisher, Crystal Hunt, Haley Scott

Westfield: Renee Fox

West Lafayette: Adyson Swihart

Zionsville: Sarah Gregg

Traditional pre-licensure BSN:

Alexandria: Trenton Patz

Anderson: Jillayne Stephens-Avery

Bringhurst: Annalese Ellis

Bunker Hill: Lexi Williams

Carmel: Karigan Durso, Savannah Valence

Converse: Macie Foustnight, Lillie Maynus

Dyer: Madison Walczak

Fishers: Kaitlin Drake

Flora: Kaia Brooks, Jenna Collins, Aydrial Taylor

Galveston: Ryleigh Ennis

Greentown: Neely McKnight

Kokomo: Amaiya Aiello-Brown, Jadyn Arnett, Elizabeth Geiselman, Emma Henry, Kelbey Jones, Isabella Lechner, Chloe McFaddin, Mikalah Osborn, Sylvia Ugalde, Erin VanMeter, Addison Waller, Berkeley Woolley

Lafayette: Viviana Gaytan, Ellen Meyer Cade, Karissa Tomson

Logansport: Jaylynn Elpers, Ashley Garcia-Quintero, Jaquelin Moran-Guzman, Jacqueline Nunez, Kyra Walker

Marion: Gabrielle Manwell

Mentone: Maria Smith

Michigantown: Landree Whiteman

Milan: Ayden Potts

Monroe: Faith Zuercher

Noblesville: Elizabeth Story, Emily Witter

Peru: Kaydence Hollingsworth, Jayma Majors, Annika Malone

Portage: Lexi Cline

Russiaville: Emily Condo

Swayzee: Emma Smock

Tipton: Chloe Reecer

Wabash: Kale Richardson

Walton: Emily Cogswell

Westfield: Olivia Adrian, Priscilla Hall, Jada Henson

Windfall: Julianna Hoover

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.