Yeah , mama ! On Thursday , Aug . 21 , 2008 , those two words echoed throughout the full auditorium in the East Hartford Community Cultural Center , as 43 Goodwin College nursing graduates received their pins at the tenth Nursing Pinning Ceremony . This moving tradition marked the culmination of many months of intensive study , during which many of the graduates overcame tremendous personal challenges and formed close bonds with their classmates .

With more than 375 students graduating from Goodwin College’s Nursing Program since it began in 2003 , this ceremony has come to symbolize the commitment of so many students not only to a profession dedicated to caring for human life but also to their families who have supported them during this journey .

As graduate Feleita Bhairo noted in her address to the audience , “ My two daughters are the driving forces in my life . As a single mom , I just wanted to make my baby girls proud . ”

Helping students to accomplish their goals , Goodwin College’s faculty and staff seemed like an extended family to many of the students . Georgina Amuzu , who came to Goodwin College from Africa , faced many financial challenges , since she did not qualify to receive federal student aid .

She found , however , that Goodwin College’s staff was willing to work closely with her to ensure she could remain in the nursing program . She urged her fellow graduates to embody that same spirit in their care of patients , stating , “ Let’s take the chance to … go the extra mile . There’s always something youcan do . ”

According to Assistant Professor Catherine Thomas , the students have already begun to show that attentive care while progressing through the nursing program . She observed , “ I get to watch students be special to a patient , to a family , and to each other . ”

Loudly applauded by the graduates surrounding him , James Grigaitis was recognized for his efforts to support his classmates by receiving the Clara Barton Service to Humanity Award , which honors a student who goes out of the way to help his or her peers .

Propelled by heartfelt cheers from the audience , each student shared an emotional moment with Nursing Department Chair Jan Costello as they received their pin , revealing the deep meaning of the occasion to the graduates , their loved ones , and the Nursing Department faculty .

Standing together with their new pins proudly displayed , the graduates recited the International Council of Nurses ’ Pledge by candlelight , taking another important step toward entering their new career . After passing their board exam to officially become registered nurses , the graduates will soon take positions as nurses in hospitals , elder-care services , and health care centers , helping to ease a shortage of nurses in Connecticut .

As Costello thanked the loved ones who supported the nursing graduates , excited spouses , parents , grandparents , and children stood or were lifted up to share the graduates’ proud moment . Costello shared , “ We don’t ever do anything alone in this world . ”

To learn more about Goodwin College’s Nursing Program , please call 860-528-4111 or send an e-mail to mharris@ goodwin . edu .