CENTER VALLY, Pa. — Twenty-five students graduated from Penn State Lehigh Valley’s practical nursing program during a ceremony held at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 27 at the campus in Center Valley. Jane Knepp, vice president of human resources and risk management at Fellowship Community, a continuing care retirement community in Whitehall, provided the keynote address.
Members of the 2016 practical nursing class include:
AllentownJennifer HoranKatuara MorganBrianna RiveraAmanda Vasquez
BangorSheilah Stevens
BethlehemAshley GoodshallDavana LawsonCorine Ramos
EastonIna DuttSandra PelusoBrandie StraHolly SwintLauren Thomas
ElversonNicole Michinock
EmmausSamantha Halwick
HellertownKatie Butler
MertztownSamantha Bruchez
NazarethTami BaltzCandice Moyer
NorthamptonMaelynn CampbellJames Pak
QuakertownCasey Mason
WhitehallFrancisco IrizzaryCarmen TorralesDerek Rousseau
In addition to receiving graduation certificates and pins, five students were recognized with the following awards:
- Academic Achievement (presented to the student earning the highest overall grade-point average): Ina Dutt
- Chancellor’s Award for Leadership (recognizes outstanding leadership and professionalism during the nursing education process): Holly Swint
- Excellence in Clinical Practice (granted to the nursing student who best displays a high regard for clinical care and clinical aptitude): Candice Moyer
- Most Compassionate (presented to the student who demonstrates empathy, respect, dignity and kindness during patient care): Derek Rousseau
- Most Inspiring (recognizes a student who overcame tough challenges and excelled despite incredible odds): Davana Lawson