MAYS LANDING – The nurses pinning is a time–honored tradition that began nine centuries ago as a way to recognize the accomplishments, dedication and perseverance of those who vowed to care for the sick and wounded. The nursing profession, itself, is one that is built upon empathy for others, the desire to help the sick, heal the wounded, care for the injured and follow an innate calling to serve.
Atlantic Cape Community College’s Nursing Program held its Annual Nurses Pinning Ceremony on May 20 in the Walter E. Edge Theater on the Mays Landing campus. This jubilant event celebrated the Program’s 90 graduates for completing their arduous educational and clinical journey, and for going above and beyond to serve their patients and families during some of the most important and difficult moments of their lives.
Atlantic Cape President Dr. Barbara Gaba congratulated the members of Nursing’s Class of 2026 and stressed how valued their role as a nurse is in the community.
“It's an honor to stand before you today to celebrate such an extraordinary group of individuals — our nursing graduates. Today marks not just the completion of a rigorous academic journey, but the beginning of a lifetime commitment to compassion, resilience and service. You are not only joining one of the most respected professions in the world, you are stepping into a role that is essential to the very foundation of our healthcare system.
“Undoubtably, these experiences have changed you. You are a different person today, having gone through the program, compared to when you first entered Atlantic Cape. You are more skilled, knowledgeable, and prepared to meet unexpected challenges. Nursing is not just a career, it is a calling that will inspire you, stretch you and shape you into leaders who make a profound difference in the lives of others.”
Former Nursing Professor and current Executive Director of Nursing Education Jill Acevedo was particularly emotional as she addressed many of the same students whom she previously taught before starting her current position this past Fall Semester.
“Tonight is especially meaningful to me because, many of you sitting before me, we were once in the classroom, skills lab and clinical setting. I've had the privilege of watching you grow from nervous nursing students into capable and compassionate future nurses. Many of you sat in my office looking for guidance, candy, tissues, or simply a prayer. We have shared moments of laughter, frustration and moments where you questioned whether you could keep going.
“I've watched you doubt yourselves, push yourselves through exhaustion, wipe tears, calm fears, encourage one another and continue moving forward even when the road felt impossible. I’ve watched many of you face significant personal challenges, financial hardships, the loss of loved ones, family responsibilities and health concerns. Yet, despite it all, you continued to show up, continued learning and continued fighting for your future.”
Before a full theater of boisterously–cheering, loving and supportive families and friends, each of the 90 graduates on the stage received their nurses pin, along with adoring hugs and handshakes, from Acevedo.
Keynote speaker and Assistant Professor of Nursing Deborah DaGrosa addressed her students one final time before they graduated.
“I want you to look down at your hands. For the past few years, those hands have been so busy. They have turned textbook pages, typed ATI and ILA assignments late into the night and practiced taking pulses. Tonight, that changes. Think about what those hands will do in the months and the years to come.
“They will deliver life–saving medications, document clinical notes for a patient who can no longer speak or advocate for him/herself, wrap a newborn baby in a blanket for the very first time and hold the hand of a person, who is about to take their final breath, so they know they are not alone.”
Professor of Nursing & Health Science and Department Chair, Academic Affairs, Dr. Geralyn Michelfelder, who is retiring after 24 years of dedicated service to the College and the Nursing Program, presented the 3rd Annual DAISY Award.
This distinction, which celebrates and honors extraordinary nurses for their compassionate care that goes above and beyond within their clinical setting, was presented to Emma Pileggi. Pileggi was selected by a confidential nomination process from a field of finalists that included 20 other nominees.
“Our graduates leave here tonight not only with a pin, but with a profound responsibility to care for others with skill, compassion, integrity and humanity. Nursing is more than a profession, it is a calling that requires strength, resilience, empathy and dedication every single day,” said Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs, Dr. Josette Katz. “Tonight marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another. As you enter the workforce, others will look to you during moments of fear, uncertainty, healing and hope. The knowledge you have gained here at Atlantic Cape is important, but equally important is the compassion and care you bring to your service.”
Visit atlanticcape.edu/nursing to learn more about Atlantic Cape’s Nursing Program.
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About Atlantic Cape Community College
Established in 1964, Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States-accredited, Hispanic-serving institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers more than 50 undergraduate degree programs and 34 certificate and workforce development professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City, and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and to its highly acclaimed Nursing program for more than 60 years. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
