UR Nursing Marks 10,000 Alumni at Summer Pinning Ceremony

As 80 nursing students from the University of Rochester School of Nursing’s undergraduate programs crossed the stage at their pinning ceremony, the moment marked a major milestone for the School: on the cusp of turning 100 years old in September, the School is now 10,000 alumni strong too.

Graduates of the summer Accelerated Bachelor’s (ABSN) and RN-to-BS cohorts join a robust network of thousands of accomplished nurses and healthcare professionals who are making a difference in their communities through clinical practice, education, research, leadership, and countless other pathways.

“Across our community and far beyond, we already see nurses stepping up as leaders, advancing practice, driving research, and creating new models of care,” Dean Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, told graduates. “You will now join their ranks, adding your own voices, your own ideas, and your own compassion to the profession.”

Kitko praised graduates’ resilience, dedication, and choice to pursue a nursing education during challenging times for healthcare.

“That decision alone speaks volumes about your courage, your compassion, and your vision for a better future,” she said.

RN-to-BS class speaker Joyce Khairallah ’25N, a registered nurse at UR Medicine Orthopedics’ Clinton Crossings office, shared optimism about the power of nurses to address inequities and injustice in health.

“As nurses, we have the power to advocate for change, to be the voice of those who are not heard, and to improve the lives of those we serve. We have the power to make a difference, and I’m confident that each one of us is committed to using our voices to bring awareness and support those who rely on us,” Khairallah said to her classmates.

Many graduates came to the School of Nursing seeking a career change, bringing past work experience in professions ranging from music performance to hospitality. Among them was ABSN class speaker Maekeda Binns ’25N, who was previously a teacher in her home country, Jamaica, and holds a Master of Education in Biology and Sciences from Florida Atlantic University.

“As I look at each of you in front of me, I see the victories, answered prayers, and bravery that led up to today and will carry you into the future,” Binns said in her pinning speech. “In life, challenges will try to convince you to give up on your dreams. But here’s the truth: It’s never too late to start your journey, and each experience will make you stronger and more compassionate.”

Fast facts about the Class of Summer 2025:

• The student body represents 10 states – with aspiring nurses coming from as far as California, Washington, Tennessee, and Hawaii – and six countries, including Canada, Ghana, Hungary, Kenya, Nigeria, and the U.K.
• Previous bachelor’s degrees include majors such as fashion design, psychology, Spanish, music performance, education, political science, and more.
• More than 20 percent of students in the cohort are men – almost double the national average of men in nursing.