Cochise Newsroom

The tradition of nursing excellence will continue at Cochise College as the college celebrates more than 80 nursing graduates during its annual Nursing Ceremony on Thursday, May 14 at the Sierra Vista Campus.  

 

The ceremony will recognize 15 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates and over 65 Registered Nurse (RN) graduates from the Class of 2026 as they officially begin their nursing profession. The event also marks a historic milestone for the college as it celebrates its first graduating Bachelor of Science in Nursing class. Family members, faculty, classmates and community supporters are expected to gather to celebrate. 

 

 

This year’s student speaker is Shaunine Dixon, who will address fellow graduates during the ceremony. 

 

The nursing pinning ceremony traces its roots back to the 1860s at the Nightingale School of Nursing in London. Following her service during the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale began presenting medals to outstanding nursing graduates as a symbol of excellence, professionalism and compassionate care. 

 

Today, the pinning ceremony remains one of nursing’s most meaningful traditions. Each nursing program has its own uniquely designed pin representing the history and identity of the institution. At Cochise College, nursing faculty traditionally present the pins to graduates as a symbolic rite of passage into the profession. Some graduates will also be pinned by family members who are registered nurses, highlighting the generational impact and legacy of the profession. 

 

Several graduates will also participate in the traditional capping portion of the ceremony. The nurse’s cap, once worn routinely by nurses throughout the world, became a recognized symbol of professionalism and service after Nightingale introduced standards for nursing conduct, education and appearance. While caps are no longer commonly worn in the United States, the tradition continues during recognition ceremonies as a tribute to the profession’s history. 

 

Cochise College’s nursing program has earned a strong reputation for preparing skilled healthcare professionals across southeast Arizona. The program consistently ranks among Arizona’s top nursing programs and is recognized for strong nursing licensure pass rates and hands-on clinical training opportunities. 

 

The first graduating BSN cohort represents an important step in the college’s continued expansion of healthcare education opportunities in Cochise County. College leaders said the program helps meet growing workforce demands while creating additional pathways for local nurses to advance their education and careers close to home. 

 

Jazlyn Hawkins, a graduating BSN student, reflected on her experience at the college and the impact it had on her educational journey. 

 

“Thank you Cochise College for all of the opportunities you provide for our beautiful community,” Hawkins said. “This college will always have a special place in my heart.” 

 

Victorea Sanchez also expressed gratitude to the faculty and nursing staff who supported students throughout the program. 

 

“Thank you nurses and instructors,” Sanchez said. “Special gratitude to Ms. Dru for guidance and belief, and to Dr. Ashline for humor, compassion and support.” 

 

The pinning ceremony reflects the college’s continued commitment to developing healthcare professionals who will serve hospitals, clinics and communities throughout the region and beyond. 

 

For more information about the nursing program, visit the Cochise College Nursing Program webpage.