For this year’s 11 nurse graduates from Warren County Community College the annual “pinning ceremony” on campus held in mid-May was the culmination of a lot of hard work and determination.

The nurses received “nursing pins” in recognition of their completion of the nursing program.

This year’s graduating class included Katelyn Henry, Jolene Harrison, Yarushaben Tishbi, Sadia Llanos, Mary Burns, Gavin Drewes, Guinevere Remo, Samantha Maddaluna, Katie Mattison, Michelle Mc Garry, and Larry Riley.

“It has been a privilege to know each of these 11 graduates,” said Patricia Stypolkowski, MSN-ED, RN, CNE, Executive Director of Nurse Education at WCCC. “They all persevered throughout the program to achieve their goal of completing the nurse education program successfully. We are very proud of each and every one of them and know they are excellent representatives of our program.”

In addition to the pinning recognition, there were a few special awards announced at the ceremony: Professional Nursing Award, Sadia Llanos; Academic Achievement Award, Yarushaben Tishbi; New Jersey League for Nursing Award, Samantha Maddaluna (for her efforts in the community and with student activities); Nurse Education Service Award, Gavin Drewes (given to someone who demonstrates quality and quantity of contributing to the college and the community); and The Faculty Award for the Most Improved Student, Larry Riley. 

Speakers during the ceremony were Dr. Anna Massimo, Instructor of Biology at WCCC and keynote speaker Debra Schrek, Teaching Administrator for Nurse Education.

Over 240 students have graduated from the Associate in Science Degree program since its inception. Many currently work in various health facilities throughout the region. Some have gone on and are now enrolled in bachelor, master, and doctoral programs.

For further information about the nursing program, please contact Nursing Director Patricia Stypolkowski at 908-835-2314.

The WCCC Associate in Science Degree program for nursing professionals was established in September 2005. The nursing program is considered one of the best in the State of New Jersey.

(Photo: Back row left to right: Larry Riley, Katelyn Henry, Mary Burns, Samantha Maddaluna, Michelle Mc Garry, Guinevere Remo, Gavin Drewes; Front row left to right: Jolene Harrison, Yarushaben Tishbi, Sadia Llanos, Katie Mattison. Photo by Cathy Miller)