BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – Thirty-one West Virginia Wesleyan College School of Nursing graduates were recognized Friday, May 7 in the School of Nursing’s Convocation Ceremony held in Wesley Chapel. During the convocation, Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates received their pins while Masters of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates were hooded. December 2020 graduates and May 2021 graduates participated in the ceremony.

Dr. Tina Straight, director of the WVWC School of Nursing, said, “Graduation highlights the completion of academic study. However, the nursing convocation marks the important transition from student to nurse or advanced practice nurse.  The nursing convocation is a symbol of the nursing students’ hard work and dedication towards their coursework and clinicals. Throughout history, the convocation degrees ceremony has recognized educated individuals who were competent to serve as a nurse to provide health care to society.”

Assistant professor Theresa Poling, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, was the guest speaker for the ceremony. 

Emily DeWitt ’20, of Fairmont, West Virginia and Lindsay Marsh ’21, of Jane Lew, West Virginia earned their Doctors of Nursing Practice.

Masters of Science in Nursing Degrees were awarded to Adrianna Adkins,’20, of Parsons, WV; Stephanie Barker ’20, of Buckhannon, WV; Danielle Dougherty ‘20, of Elkins, WV; Matthew Griffin ’21, of Flemington, WV; Teresa Harkins ‘20, of Bridgeport, WV; Tracey Judy ‘20, of Fairmont, West WV; Letha Little ‘20, of Lewisburg, WV; Jessica Mongold ‘20, of Philippi, WV; Jessica Schoolcraft ‘20, of Renick, WV; Victoria Shomo-Cross ‘20, of Belington, WV; Steven Sponaugle ‘20, of Parsons, WV and Jessica Weekly ‘21, of Worthington, WV. 

Alyssa Christiansen ’21, of Daniels, West Virginia, was asked to give a reflection of her experience during the ceremony.

“I think I can speak for all of my graduating nursing classmates when I say that nursing school has been one of the most challenging – yet incredibly rewarding – experiences we have encountered in life thus far,” she said. “The students, faculty, and staff truly made the WVWC School of Nursing a family on which we could lean for support and guidance; I feel so grateful to have earned my BSN through such a wonderful program.”

Students earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing were Camryn Andrick ’21, of Buckhannon, WV; Savanna Michelle Bostic ’21, of Renick, WV; Alyssa Christiansen ’21, of Daniels, WV; Gabrielle Cleaveland ’21, of Hughesville, MD; Allison Crecelius ’21, of The Colony, TX; Kristin Florez ’21, of Buckhannon, WV; Dawna Hardway ’21, of Dille, WV; Kendra Heinbuch, ’21, of Accokeek, MD; Lauren Humensky ’21, of Oakdale, PA; Taylor King ’21, of Scott Depot, WV;  Elizabeth Nichols ’21, of Parsons, WV; Tori Pogue ’21, of Ellamore, WV; Kylee Rolenson ’21, of Buckhannon, WV; Siobhan Settle ’21, of Dunbar, WV; Ridge Stokes ’21, of Greenville, VA; John Taylor ’21, of Frostburg, MD; and Mackenzie Wheeler ’21, of Uniontown, PA.