While the UF College of Nursing’s pinning ceremony on May 2 continued the time-honored tradition of marking the culmination of years of hard work for nursing students, this year, the college introduced a new tradition: graduates got to choose who pinned them during the ceremony.

Traditionally, college Alumni Council members pinned new graduates, welcoming them to the profession. But on Friday, students invited a guest to perform the symbolic act.

Shakira Henderson, PhD, DNP, MS, MPH, EMBA, IBCLC, RNC-NIC, College of Nursing Dean and UF Health System Chief Nursing Executive, felt it was an important change.

“This makes the ceremony more meaningful and personal. It’s about recognizing not just the academic achievement, but also the support system that helps our students reach this milestone. Allowing graduates to select their pinners brings a level of warmth and connection to the ceremony that reflects the personal nature of nursing itself,” she said.

On May 2, 125 guest pinners joined the 145 graduates participating in the ceremony. Pinners included family members, friends and mentors.

For Jonathan Chappel, a registered nurse completing his Bachelor of Science in Nursing through UF’s RN-to-BSN program, the change made all the difference to him.

“I probably wouldn’t have attended the ceremony if it weren’t for this change,” he said. “It’s a huge deal for me to have my wife and our 6-month-old twins involved. It makes the ceremony so much more special.”

Jonathan, who has been an RN for more than 10 years, said he skipped his first pinning ceremony. However, this time, the inclusion of his family — particularly his wife, Maria, and the twins, Dior and Christian — made the event feel more significant.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to show my kids the value of education and dedication,” he said. “It’s important to me that they see how hard we worked to get here.”

Maria agreed.

“It’s inspiring to see him push through so much, working full-time, managing our Pilates business and going to school,” she said. “It shows a lot of dedication and commitment to self-improvement.”

Jonathan feels the pinning moment will leave a lasting impact on their family.

“Having the kids involved in the ceremony will show them the importance of education and that we’re doing this for them too,” he said.

The change to the pinning ceremony has also been a hit with other students, who appreciate the opportunity to have their loved ones involved.

Henderson said it is important to allow those connected to the graduates to share more personally in the moment.

“Nursing is a profession that thrives on connection, compassion and care. The pinning ceremony is a way to honor not just the academic success of our graduates, but the relationships that have supported them along the way. By allowing students to choose their pinners, we’re fostering an even stronger sense of community,” she said.

During the ceremony, the college also recognized Rodney G. B. Clements (BSN 1996) as the 2025 Alumnus of the Year and Evelyn M. Moore Mickle, recipient of a UF Distinguished Alumna Award.

With nearly three decades of experience in infusion therapy, pediatrics and emergency medicine, Clements is a Certified Registered Nurse Infusion and the president of RN Enterprises Infusion Services Inc. Under his leadership, the company has become a national leader in home infusion therapy, specializing in pediatric and complex care cases.

A U.S. Navy veteran and former nurse corps officer, Clements served in multiple high-responsibility roles, including incoming casualty receiving officer for the Second Medical Battalion with the U.S. Marine Corps. His civilian career includes emergency medicine roles at top institutions, including UF Health Shands and the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville.

A long-time member of the Nursing Alumni Council, Clements’ company is included on the UF Alumni Association’s prestigious Gator100 list, ranking No. 24 in 2024 and climbing to No. 16 in 2025.

His dedication to service, innovation and patient care makes him a standout figure in the nursing profession.

Evelyn M. Moore Mickle was honored with the UF Distinguished Alumna Award for her groundbreaking contributions to nursing, education and community service.

In 1967, Mrs. Mickle made history as the first African American graduate of the UF College of Nursing, setting a powerful precedent.

With more than 55 years of experience in psychiatric, pediatric and medical nursing, she has led initiatives in health education, clinical supervision and school health programs.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs. Mickle is a champion of volunteerism, a dedicated mentor and tireless community advocate. She was named one of the college’s 60 Gator Nurse Greats in 2016 and received the Alumna of the Year award in 2022.

UF President Kent Fuchs formally recognized Mrs. Mickle during the university’s commencement ceremony.

Morgan Luff, president of the UF Student Nursing Association this academic year, also delivered remarks on behalf of the graduating class.

The ceremony also included the recognition of students who exemplified the college’s values to Care, Lead and Inspire boldly, as well as those who exemplify excellence in community service, clinical excellence, peer support and research.

Excellence in Nursing Care Award:

Chloe Gibbs

Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award:

Morgan Luff

Excellence in Inspiring Others Through Nursing Award:

Leslie Ladino-Perez

Award for Excellence in Community Service Award:

Jonathan Chappel

Outstanding Clinical Excellence Award:

Nicholas Moyer

Outstanding Peer Support Award:

McKayla Fenelon

Excellence in Research Award:

Riley Woodard

Exemplary Student Awards:

Riley Woodard (TBSN)

Jonathan Chappel (RN-BSN)