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By: Amy Charles | May 10, 2025
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) College of Nursing and Human Services (CNHS) recently honored students graduating from the university’s nursing and social work programs during a pair of pinning ceremonies.
On Thursday, May 8, the Elliott School of Nursing held a pinning ceremony in Booth Auditorium, honoring 30 Associate of Science in Nursing students receiving their nursing pins. The ceremony commemorates the students’ successful completion of their nursing coursework and clinical rotations.
Karen Damron, Ph.D., RN, dean of CNHS, addressed the graduates, honoring their accomplishments and recognizing their commitment to the nursing profession.
Congratulations Class of May 2025. You are persistent, you are prepared, and most importantly, you’re ready to make a difference,” said Damron. “So as you receive your well-earned pins today, remember that this is just the beginning of your nursing career. You’re about to embark on a journey filled with challenges, triumphs and unforgettable experiences.”
Sara Conforti of Williamson, W.Va., was the recipient of the Elizabeth Akers Elliott Award, selected by the nursing faculty as a student who best exemplifies the very essence of nursing, who combines qualities of critical thinking, professional judgment and caring, and who exceeds what is expected of a new graduate.
Alexis Combs of Hazard, Ky., received the Spirit of Nursing Award, an honor bestowed by fellow classmates to the nursing student they would most like to have caring for themselves or their family if they became ill. Combs also received the Vivian Day Award, presented to the graduate with the highest grade point average in nursing courses.
Tommy Caldwell of Paintsville, Ky., received the Compassionate Service Award, presented to the student who embodies the heart of nursing, providing care that goes beyond clinical competence to include genuine compassion, advocacy, presence and respect for human dignity.
On Friday, May 9, the UPIKE School of Social Work held its pinning ceremony in Booth Auditorium, honoring seven graduates receiving their bachelor’s in social work and 25 graduates receiving their master’s of social work.
Genesia Kilgore-Bowling, Ph.D., MSW, CSW, chair and professor with the school of social work and director of the master’s program, celebrated graduates along with friends, families, professors and colleagues in attendance. She reminded students to combine compassion with action as they enter the social work field as professionals.
“Tonight marks a very significant milestone. One that represents not only your academic achievements, but also so much personal growth, perseverance and purpose,” said Kilgore-Bowling. “Each of you have faced challenges, embraced uncertainty and committed yourself to a path that is routed in service, injustice and compassion.”
The Outstanding Achievement in Undergraduate Social Work Award was presented to Ethan Doebel of Grethel, Ky., for achieving academic excellence in both the social work program and overall.
The Spirit of Social Work Award was presented to Caitlyn Coffey of Georgetown, Ky., and Jessilyn Tibbs of Elkhorn City, Ky., for best exemplifying the spirit of social work, its values and its ethics.
Corissa Cline of Turkey Creek, Ky., Gavin Hunt of Pikeville, Ky., and Alizé Morales of Pikeville, Ky., were the recipients of the Excellence in MSW Scholarship Award for consistently showing a mastery of social work concepts, skills and theories, as well as embodying the profession’s values and ethics throughout their coursework and fieldwork.
The Outstanding Practicum Student Award was presented to Stacy Hunt of Salt Lick, Ky., Jacob Qualls of Lexington, Ky., and Alexis Thacker of Pikeville, Ky., for going above and beyond in practicum work, and demonstrating exceptional social work knowledge and skill in their interaction with clients and colleagues of all professions.
Emily Jones of Grethel, Ky., was the recipient of the Excellence in Undergraduate Social Work Award for exhibiting leadership, commitment and values to the ethics of the profession of social work.