Eleven Lincoln University of Missouri Nursing Graduates Honored at Pinning Ceremony

Eleven Lincoln University nursing students are recognized during the Fall 2025 pinning ceremony, marking a significant milestone as they prepare to enter the nursing profession.

On December 12, 2025, the Lincoln University of Missouri School of Nursing recognized its newest Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates during a time-honored pinning ceremony. The ceremony celebrated the students' successful transition from nursing student to professional nurse.

The BSN graduates who received their nursing pins are:

• Annalisa Barclay
• Jeremia Francis Buluba
• Elizabeth Kaye Heckman
• Rachel Louise Holsapple*
• William David LaRue
• Hallie Grace Loethen
• Caitlyn Marie Miller
• Nehlia Mills
• Courtney June Shane
• Samuel Garrett Switzer
• Lucia Catherine Wilde

* Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

Addressing the graduates, Dr. Jennifer McCord, department head for the Lincoln University School of Nursing, reflected on the dedication of the cohort and the significant role they are now prepared to play in the healthcare profession.

“The journey to earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing has demanded immense resilience, intellect, and heart. The pin you receive today is the visible sign of your achievement and, more importantly, a sacred trust. It signifies that you are prepared to advocate for your patients, provide expert care, and promote wellness in every community you serve. We are immensely proud of your dedication and excited to welcome you to this noble profession.”

The Lincoln University nursing pin, which features the profile of Abraham Lincoln, a lamp representing Florence Nightingale’s dedication to the profession, and an open book symbolizing the continuous pursuit of knowledge, was presented to each graduate. The pin, originally designed for the department’s first graduating class in 1969, holds significant meaning.

The Lincoln University School of Nursing remains committed to quality education to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. In addition to the BSN program, Lincoln offers an online Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN degree, a part-time Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing degree at Fort Leonard Wood, designed specifically for active-duty military personnel and their dependents, and an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, which further expands opportunities for advanced nursing education and leadership development. The undergraduate nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.