On Friday, December 19, 2025, at 4 PM in the Memorial Union Ballroom in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the University of North Dakota's College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines will host its annual BSN pinning ceremony, both in-person and via Zoom. This rite of passage equips new nurses for a healthcare landscape strained by shortages and rising demands, symbolizing their commitment to compassionate care amid evolving public health challenges.
Ceremony Program and Key Speakers
The event unfolds with a processional, UND Land Acknowledgement by Chantel Vazquez, BSN, RN, RAIN Nurse Mentor, and welcomes from Dean Maridee Shogren, DNP, CNM, CLC. Travel ER Nurse and Medical Service Officer Mallory Kostelecky delivers the keynote, followed by the pin presentation and closing remarks from Undergraduate Nursing Chair Stephanie Christian, PhD, RN.
- Master of Ceremonies: Tracy Bergum, BSEd, Assistant Director, Office of Student Services
- Pinning Announcer: Caroline Bodine, Semester 3 Nursing Student and Nursing Student Council President
Evolution of the Iconic UND Nursing Pin
Since the first UND nursing class graduated in 1951, the gold pin featuring a green Maltese Cross has embodied nursing's heritage. Designed by seven pioneers, the cross draws from the Knights of Malta's legacy of caring for the sick, aligning with university colors and the profession's ethos.
Updates reflect institutional growth:
- 1959: "School of Nursing" to "College of Nursing"
- 2014: "College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines," then "UND Nursing" to honor expanded departments like Social Work and Nutrition.
This pin not only honors tradition but adapts to modern multidisciplinary healthcare education.
Class of 2025: 55 New BSN Nurses Ready to Serve
These 55 graduates join a workforce where BSN-prepared nurses correlate with 10% lower mortality rates in hospitals, per studies from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Amid a projected U.S. shortage of over 200,000 RNs by 2030, their training positions them to lead in rural health, emergency response, and preventive care—critical as North Dakota grapples with aging populations and telehealth expansion.
Implications for Nursing's Future
Pinning ceremonies like UND's reinforce professional identity at a pivotal time. With BSN magnets programs proliferating and emphasis on evidence-based practice, these nurses will drive quality improvements, bridging gaps in underserved areas. As healthcare shifts toward value-based models, their entry underscores nursing's role in resilient systems, fostering innovation in community health and pandemic preparedness.
