The College of Staten Island celebrated the accomplishments of its newest Associate in Applied Science Nursing graduates during a Pinning Ceremony held in the Center for the Arts. The ceremony honored the January 2026 graduating class as they marked their formal transition into the nursing profession alongside faculty, family, and friends.

The ceremony was led by Master of Ceremonies Nadira Shehadeh of the AAS Class of January 2026. Salutations and welcoming remarks were delivered by Catherine Paradiso, DNP, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing. Greetings from the College followed from Interim Provost and Senior Vice President Nathalia Holtzman, PhD, and Dean of Science & Technology Ralf Peetz, PhD.

Student remarks were delivered by Alyssa Rapp on behalf of the graduating class. The ceremony’s guest speaker, Shyla Roshin, DNP, RN, CNS, ANP-BC, Chief Nursing Officer for the New York State Office of Mental Health at South Beach Psychiatric Center, addressed the graduates, sharing professional insights and reflecting on the evolving and vital role of nurses in today’s healthcare landscape.

Graduates were formally recognized during the pinning portion of the ceremony, led by nursing faculty, and participated in the traditional lamp ceremony under the guidance of An-Yun (Emily) Yeh, PhD, ACNPC-AG, Assistant Professor in the Department of Nursing. The class then recited the International Council of Nurses’ Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to ethical practice and compassionate patient care.

Several awards recognizing excellence in leadership, clinical practice, and service were presented by AAS Program Coordinator Jennifer Macchiarola, DNP, RN, FNP-BC. The Nursing Student Alliance Leadership Award was presented to Jackeline Vega-Hernandez. The Patricia Rosenblum Memorial Award was awarded to Alyssa Rapp, and the Mary Ellen Porter Memorial Award was presented to Francis Foti. A Mental Health Nursing award, honoring exceptional dedication and compassion in the field, was presented to Micaela Jose.

The ceremony concluded with reflections from the graduating class and a recessional celebrating the culmination of their academic journey and the beginning of their professional careers in nursing.

A full photo gallery of the event is available HERE or below.

Congratulations to all the graduates below!