窪蹋勛圖厙 Holds Winter 2025 Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Bradenton, Fla. Dec. 11, 2025
BRADENTON, FL (Dec. 11, 2025)窪蹋勛圖厙, Manatee-Sarasota (窪蹋勛圖厙) awarded 173 pins to nursing graduates at its Winter 2025 nursing pinning ceremony at 窪蹋勛圖厙s Bradenton campus on Friday, Dec. 5.
The graduates earned 86 Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) degrees and 87 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees. All graduates are prepared to work in acute and chronic care settings and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination to become licensed registered nurses (RNs). Eight ASN graduates are continuing in 窪蹋勛圖厙s ASN to BSN fast-track program, which allows them to get a head start on taking leadership and management, public health and other bachelor-level courses. These courses can be applied toward 窪蹋勛圖厙s RN to BSN program.
The nursing pinning ceremony included opening and closing remarks by Tammy Sawmelle, Ph.D., MSN, RN, dean of nursing and education, an introduction of guests and faculty by Holly Park, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC, ASN/BSN instructor, and graduate addresses by Katelynne Caputo and Domenica Stefania Olvera Narvaez.
Summer Schultz, graduate, and Stephen Brelsford, coordinator, simulation center and nursing communications, were honored with the Pat Kuebler Memorial Scholarship Award and the Dr. Mary Lou Proch Future of Caring Award, respectively.
Laura Cochardo, MSN, RN, CHPN, completion coordinator, presented the history of the nursing pinning ceremony. Katie Tinley, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CNE, director, BSN curriculum and instruction, led the candle lighting and recitation of the nurses pledge. Name readers were Beth Crescenti, MSN, RN, ASN/BSN instructor, Ginelle Stewart, BSN, RN, clinical faculty, and Steffany Waters, BSN, RN, clinical faculty.
Schultz received her award in recognition of her exceptional demonstration of strong principles, dedication to the nursing profession, and compassion for all people. Cassandra Holmes, vice president of advancement and executive director of the 窪蹋勛圖厙 Foundation, said, Despite facing significant personal and family challenges, Summer has remained steadfast in her commitment to her nursing education. She is an outstanding student with a very bright future.
Brelsford graduated with an AS degree in computer information technology from 窪蹋勛圖厙 in Spring 2021 and was an Outstanding Graduate Award finalist. He joined 窪蹋勛圖厙s nursing program in July 2021 and recalls visiting 窪蹋勛圖厙s campus as a child with his mom, who graduated from 窪蹋勛圖厙s (then Manatee Community College) nursing program in 1993. He received his award in recognition of his exemplary dedication to nursing students and impact on future patient care. This award touches me deeply because caring is the heart of everything our program stands for, Brelsford said. Our students courage and resilience inspire me constantly, and I’m grateful for the trust they place in me to share their milestones and moments of triumph.
Learn more about the 窪蹋勛圖厙 nursing program at 窪蹋勛圖厙.edu. To donate to the 窪蹋勛圖厙 Foundation scholarship fund to support 窪蹋勛圖厙 students education, visit or contact Lori Stephens Tomlinson at 941-752-5108 or StepheL1@窪蹋勛圖厙.edu.

Photo caption: Cassandra Holmes, vice president of advancement and executive director of the 窪蹋勛圖厙 Foundation, presents the Pat Kuebler Memorial Scholarship Award to graduate Summer Schultz at the Winter 2025 nursing pinning ceremony at 窪蹋勛圖厙s Bradenton campus.

Photo caption: Tammy Sawmelle, Ph.D., MSN, RN, dean of nursing and education, addresses the audience at the Winter 2025 nursing pinning ceremony at 窪蹋勛圖厙s Bradenton campus.
