Graduates of the University of North Dakota's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program received their ceremonial pins during a formal event at the Memorial Union Ballroom in Grand Forks. The tradition, dating to 1951, honors the first class from UND's Division of Nursing and symbolizes a commitment to health and caring. This pinning ceremony marks their entry into a profession facing persistent workforce shortages and evolving care demands.
A Symbol Rooted in History
The gold pin features a green Maltese Cross, chosen by seven of the nine pioneers in UND's inaugural 1951 nursing class. Green aligns with the university's colors, while the cross traces to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, a medieval order dedicated to sick care. Relocating to Malta in the late 1500s, they adopted the emblem now central to nursing identity.
Updates reflect institutional growth. In 1959, "School of Nursing" shifted to "College of Nursing." The 2012 addition of Social Work and Nutrition and Dietetics prompted a rename to College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines. By 2014, the pin read "UND Nursing," acknowledging its departmental status within the expanded college.
Ceremony Honors New BSN Nurses
Chantel Vazquez, a BSN, RN, and RAIN Nurse Mentor, opened with the UND Land Acknowledgement. Tracy Bergum, Assistant Director of Student Services, served as master of ceremonies. Dean Maridee Shogren delivered the welcome, followed by keynote speaker Mallory Kostelecky, a BSN, RN, travel ER nurse, and Medical Service Officer.
Shogren presented the pins, announced by Caroline Bodine, a Semester 3 nursing student and Nursing Student Council President. Stephanie Christian, PhD, RN, and Undergraduate Nursing Chair, offered closing remarks. The 52 graduates include Reece Anderson, Hannah Balzum, Arwyn Berke, and others, stepping into roles amid rising needs for skilled nurses in rural and urban settings.
Implications for Nursing's Future
Pinning ceremonies affirm professional identity at a time when nursing underpins healthcare systems. The Maltese Cross endures as a reminder of care's historical foundations, even as modern nurses address complex challenges like chronic disease management and public health crises. UND's program, now part of a broader college, equips graduates for interdisciplinary work essential to comprehensive patient outcomes.
These new nurses join a field where symbols of tradition intersect with demands for innovation, ensuring continuity in health services across North Dakota and beyond. Virtual attendance via Zoom extended the event's reach, reflecting adaptations in professional milestones.
