Albany, N.Y. (May 15, 2025) — In a ceremony filled with pride and promise, Maria College’s Class of 2025 received their nursing pins today, marking the start of their journey as healthcare professionals ready to transform lives with compassion and expertise.
The Andrea Lewis Siek School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony, held at The Massry Center on the former St. Rose campus, honored 180 graduates from various nursing programs, including RN-BS Completion, Nursing AAS (RN), Online Bachelors Nursing Completion (BSO), and Practical Nurse Certificate (LPN).
“Our Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony is an important milestone that marks our students’ transition from learners to nurses. It celebrates their hard work, achievements, and mastery of essential nursing skills to begin their nursing careers,” said Dr. Lynn Ortale, President, Maria College. “The Maria College nursing pin represents our mission and the Sisters of Mercy’s dedication to compassionate service. It reflects the values our students will carry into their future work as healthcare professionals.”
“Nursing is a demanding profession, but it is essential, and the nurses who complete our program are uniquely prepared to thrive in today’s healthcare system,” added Anne Jung, Ph.D., vice president of academic affairs, chief academic officer, dean of the college. “Their immediate demand after graduation speaks to their strong foundation of knowledge and the practical skills they’ve developed through both traditional and advanced educational techniques. They are fully prepared to offer high-quality care in any clinical setting.”
Two separate ceremonies were held as part of the event. The first honored students earning their associate degree in nursing, a two-year program that prepares graduates to become registered nurses. The second recognized graduates of the RN-BS Completion Program, AAS, and LPN programs. The college also recognized two students from the LPN and associate degree in nursing programs with Clinical Excellence awards, which are voted on by faculty. Students from each program offered reflections on their time at Maria.
During the ceremony, Richard Siek presented the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty to Jessica Shultz. For the past four years, Shultz has taught lab, clinical, and lecture courses in the Andrea Lewis Siek School of Nursing at Maria College. She also works as a cardiac ICU nurse at St. Peter’s Hospital. The award honors faculty members who make a lasting impact on the nursing profession by educating future nurses. One of Shultz’s nominators, Brenna Dyer, said, “She inspires me not only to be a better student but a better person. Her passion for nursing and education is contagious, and because of her, I strive to be the kind of nurse who truly makes a difference.”
Sydney Hill Jr., RN, a 2023 Maria College nursing graduate, was the guest speaker. Hill has worked as an emergency room nurse, an agency nurse, and is currently the rehab unit manager at The Pines at Catskill Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. Hill is continuing his education at Excelsior University, with plans to earn a master’s degree and, hopefully, return to Maria as a faculty member.
The practice of pinning ceremonies has its roots in the late 1800s when Florence Nightingale first introduced the tradition. By pinning her nurses after their training, she marked their formal entry into the nursing field, celebrating their dedication and skill.
Maria College joined this tradition in 1961, hosting its first pinning ceremony. What started as a small, intimate event for graduating students and faculty has transformed into a beloved celebration, now shared with families and friends who gather to honor the accomplishments of the graduates.
In addition to the Pinning Ceremony, Maria College will celebrate the Commencement of the Class of 2025 on Sunday, May 18, at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
For more information, visit https://mariacollege.edu/commencement-2025