(Bradenton, Fla., Dec. 9, 2024) — State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) awarded nursing pins to 147 nursing graduates on Friday, Dec. 6, at a ceremony at SCF Neel Performing Arts Center. Tammy Sawmelle, Ph.D., dean of nursing and education at SCF, delivered the welcoming address. Katy Wilkens, chief nursing officer at Manatee Memorial Hospital, spoke on behalf of the community. Jordan Keith, an associate in science in nursing (ASN) graduate this winter at SCF, spoke on behalf of the graduating nursing class.

Of the 147 graduates, 102 received their ASN degrees and 45 received their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degrees. SCF faculty members Dawn Evancho, associate professor of nursing; Ingrid Medina Roman, instructional faculty member; and Catherine Quadir, ASN/BSN instructor, called the graduates’ names. The nursing graduates are now eligible to continue their training and become certified registered nurses.

Dawn Evancho received the Future of Caring Award, presented by Katie Tinley, director of BSN curriculum and instruction at SCF. The award was created in 2022 to recognize an SCF nursing faculty or staff member who has demonstrated exemplary dedication and support to SCF nursing students and impacted the future of patient care in the community and beyond.

Michele Tomaino, director of ASN curriculum and instruction at SCF, discussed the history and traditions of pinning ceremonies throughout the ages.

For more information about the SCF nursing program, visit SCF.edu/Nursing. To learn more about establishing a scholarship to benefit future SCF nursing students, call Lori Stephens Tomlinson at 941-752-5108 or email StepheL1@SCF.edu.