UPIKE Newsroom

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, April 30, the Elliott School of Nursing held a pinning ceremony in Booth Auditorium, honoring 24 Associate of Science in Nursing students receiving their nursing pins. The ceremony commemorates the successful completion of their nursing coursework and clinical rotations. 

Dean of CNHS Karen Damron, Ph.D., RN, addressed the graduates, explaining the meaning of the pin they received and what it truly represents.

“Tonight, as you receive your pin, you are joining a tradition that traces back to Florence Nightingale, who believed that nursing was both a science and a calling,” said Damron. “The pin you receive is more than a symbol of completion; it is a promise. A promise to serve with integrity, to lead with knowledge and to care with compassion, even when no one is watching.” 

Carly Lafferty of Wayland, Ky., 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. 

Carla Hall of Grethel, 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. 

Kaleigh Deskins of Ivel, Ky., received the Vivian Day Award, presented to the graduate with the highest grade-point average in nursing courses.

On Friday, May 1, the UPIKE School of Social Work held its pinning ceremony in Booth Auditorium, honoring 12 graduates receiving their bachelor’s in social work (BSW) and 27 graduates receiving their Master of Social Work (MSW). 

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 be advocates and agents of change as they receive their pins and step into the field of social work as professionals.

“This act of pinning is more than a ceremony; it’s a transition. It marks a moment when students are recognized not only for what they have completed but for who they are becoming,” said Kilgore-Bowling. “Tonight, you are not simply being acknowledged as graduates, you are being welcomed into a profession. A profession grounded in service, guided by ethics and committed to advancing the dignity and justice and the well-being of all people.” 

Awards were given to the graduates in both BSW and MSW categories. The Spirit of Social Work Award was presented to BSW student Fidelia Koval of Pikeville, Ky., and MSW student David Sykes of Pikeville, Ky., for best exemplifying servant leadership and embodying the values and ethics of social work.

The Excellence in Social Work Scholarship Award was presented to MSW student Norman Ramsey of Pikeville, Ky., and BSW student Madison Taylor of Pikeville, Ky., for demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and a strong commitment to scholarly excellence. 

The Outstanding Practicum Student Award was presented to BSW student Victoria Hines of Louisville, Ky., and MSW students Lisa Risner of Sharpsburg, Ky., and Ethan Doebel of Grethel, Ky. These students went above and beyond in their practicum experience, demonstrating exceptional social work knowledge and skills, maintaining the highest level of professionalism, and showing a strong commitment to serving their community. 

The Outstanding BSW Achievement Award was presented to Zachary Blake of Pikeville, Ky., for achieving academic excellence in the social work program and overall.
To view these ceremonies in their entirety, please visit UPIKE’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/upikebears.