The College of Staten Island sent seventy-five new nurses into the profession last week with the Nursing Department’s spring Associate of Applied Science Pinning Ceremony. The event, which was emceed by Donna Ferreri, Chairperson of the Pinning Steering Committee, featured welcoming remarks from CSI President Dr. Tomás Morales, Dean of Science and Technology Dr. Gail Simmons, and Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences Dr. Francisco Soto.
President Morales, offering praise of both the graduates and CSI’s Nursing program, said “Our nursing program here at the College of Staten Island is one of the most selective and demanding at the College, and our graduates are among the best. CSI’s program consistently maintained one of the highest pass rates in New York State on the national exam. We are especially proud during the current nationwide nursing shortage that CSI graduates go forward into the profession and prepare to provide the highest quality of care to their patients. I am particularly proud as President, when I visit our two hospitals on Staten Island I hear nothing but praise regarding the quality of care that our graduates provide to their patients.”
The student speaker at the ceremony was Iranthi Peiris, a successful student who is originally from Sri Lanka, and who has only been in the U.S. for four years. After thanking her husband, family, friends, and faculty members in the program, Peiris recalled some of her experiences in the program—from the first injection that she gave to a patient to her service as a peer mentor. Noting that she is among many international students in the program, she said “I stand before you today to celebrate the achievement of my dream.”
The guest speaker was Rosemarie Stazzone, Executive Vice President of Patient Care and Clinical Development, and Chief Nurse Executive for Richmond University Medical Center. Anthony Ferreri, President and CEO of Staten Island University Hospital, also offered greetings on behalf of his institution.
The ceremony included the traditional pinning of the graduates, the lamp ceremony, and the recitation of the International Council of Nurses’ Pledge. Music was provided by the Michael Consolmagno Band.
