The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing celebrated the Class of 2026 during its annual pinning ceremony, a longstanding tradition that symbolizes students’ transition into the nursing profession. More than 200 graduates were recognized during the ceremony as they officially joined the ranks of Vol Nurses.
Each graduate received a nursing pin from Dean Victoria Niederhauser, marking the completion of their nursing education and entry into professional practice.
Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Programs Phillip Moore welcomed graduates, faculty, families, and friends to the ceremony and reflected on the significance of the nursing pin tradition, which dates back to the 1860s and Florence Nightingale.
During her remarks, Dean Niederhauser shared several stories highlighting the impact of Vol Nurses across the country and praised graduates for their resilience, compassion, and dedication to the profession. “You will be the calm in the chaos, the steady hand, the voice of reassurance,” Niederhauser told graduates. “You will provide extraordinary care to people in their most vulnerable moments.”
Student speaker Miana Rankin addressed the traditional BSN cohort and reflected on the strong sense of community developed throughout nursing school. “Beyond the gift of knowledge, the greatest gift this program has given us is each other,” Rankin said. “We became a family.” She also thanked faculty, staff, and loved ones for their support throughout the students’ academic journeys.
Representing the accelerated BSN cohort, Paige Pecoraro reflected on the growth students experienced throughout the program. “Nursing school wasn’t about becoming perfect, it was about being present,” Pecoraro said. “It was about walking into rooms where you didn’t feel fully ready, and choosing to show up anyway.”
Several students were recognized during the ceremony for outstanding achievements. The DAISY In-Training Award, which honors nursing students who demonstrate compassionate care and dedication to the profession, was presented to Mary Frances Froula.
The Heins-Laning Award was presented to Miana Rankin. The award recognizes the graduate who best reflects the philosophy of the College of Nursing and demonstrates promise as an outstanding professional nurse.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of nursing pins and the recitation of the professional nursing pledge by graduates, faculty, and nurses in attendance, recognizing graduates’ commitment to compassionate, ethical, and patient-centered care. Families and friends joined graduates following the ceremony to celebrate the milestone and recognize the beginning of their professional nursing careers.