At the conclusion of the spring 2022 semester, the UF College of Nursing celebrated its Traditional BSN graduates as they marked the end of their student careers. The pinning tradition dates back centuries and signals the beginning of a career as a professional nurse.

At this year’s ceremony, special guests were honored for their exceptional contributions to the profession. Evelyn Moore Mickle, the first African American nursing student to graduate from the University of Florida, was honored as the 2022 College of Nursing Alumnus of the Year. Read more about Alumna of the Year Evelyn Mickle and how she received her College of Nursing pin.

College of Nursing faculty Michael Maymi and Sunny Yoon were awarded the DAISY Foundation Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty for their inspirational influence on student nurses.

Several graduating students were also recognized with an award honoring their embodiment of college pillars of excellence:

Excellence in Nursing Care

Michael Vincent Ruggiero

Excellence in Nursing Leadership

Alexis Jean Bouters

Excellence in Inspiring Others Through Nursing

Jessica Gabrielle Peoples

Excellence in Community Service

Adrianna Ellice Philippe

Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion

Monica Thalia Echagarruga

Excellence in Research

Kiley Nicole Van Cleave