Brookdale Community College Celebrates Spring 2025 Nurse Pinning Ceremony

In a ceremony filled with pride, purpose, and emotion, Brookdale Community College honored the Spring 2025 graduating nursing class with its traditional Nurse Pinning Ceremony. Fifty graduates took their place among the proud lineage of Brookdale nurses, representing compassionate care, resilience, and academic excellence.

The event, held on campus, marked the culmination of a rigorous academic and clinical journey through one of the nation’s most distinguished nursing programs. Brookdale’s program is one of only nine in the country with roots in the Cooperative Research Project at Columbia University and has been recognized twice as a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing.

The atmosphere was celebratory and intimate as families, faculty, and peers gathered to witness a cherished rite of passage that officially welcomes nursing students into the profession.

“We did it, guys. We’re at the finish line,” said Jael Cordero, delivering the Address to the Graduates with equal parts humor and heart. “Now you all get to just smile and celebrate. Lots of tears, but that’s over now. We are nurses.”

Cordero’s heartfelt tribute touched on shared struggles and triumphs, singling out unforgettable moments from clinical rotations. “My first time ever seeing a baby born—I almost passed out. But I learned so much. I learned to respect the sacrifice it takes to bring life into this world.” He also reflected on personal motivation, honoring his late grandparents. “Every nurse has a ‘why,’ and mine was them. I know more now than I did when they were sick, and I hope I’ve made them proud.”

Eryk Wlodkowski, President of the Student Nurses’ Association, served as Master of Ceremonies, opening the evening with pride in his peers’ accomplishments and camaraderie.

The event also honored the academic excellence and leadership of select students inducted into the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Chapter, for their outstanding academic work, professionalism and integrity and service to the community. These students are: Nicole Casey, Danielle Chueiri, Gisele Jimenez, Emily O’Connor, and Daniella Payne.

In her moving keynote address, Katie Lynch, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Brookdale, praised the graduates’ commitment and the indispensable support of their families.

“No one succeeds alone. All of you had loved ones behind the scenes, lifting you up when you were down, cheering when you passed a test, and never letting you quit,” she said. “And to our faculty, thank you. Your work is sacred. You nurtured the future of healthcare in every lab, every classroom, every clinical setting.”

Jayne Edman, Ed.D., Dean of the Health Science Institute, led the Presentation of Pins and Nursing Honor Society Awards, underscoring the academic rigor of Brookdale’s program. “You have met a high standard of excellence. You are not just graduates, you are Brookdale nurses. That title means something across hospitals, clinics, and communities across this state,” she said.

Professor Helen Heinmets, MSN, RN, CNE, served as the guest speaker, offering both encouragement and realism about the journey ahead. “The science of nursing will challenge you, and the art of nursing will change you,” she said. “You are stepping into a world that needs your heart and your skill more than ever before.”

The ceremony closed with a touching farewell from nursing graduate Danielle Chueiri, who echoed the emotion that permeated the evening. “We’ve become more than classmates, we’re a family now. Every late-night study session, every tear, every clinical shift has brought us to this moment. We are ready.”

As the pins were awarded, the Spring 2025 Brookdale Nursing graduates stood not just as healthcare providers but as symbols of perseverance, compassion, and excellence.

“You’re a great nurse, and it’s official now,” Cordero beamed in his speech. “We might just be one of the best cohorts to come through Brookdale. And we’re only just getting started.”

About Brookdale’s Nursing Program:

Accredited since 1979, Brookdale’s Nursing Program is nationally recognized for innovation and excellence in nursing education. It remains a leader in preparing skilled, compassionate nurses ready to meet the evolving demands of healthcare.