Thirty-two nursing students received their associates' degree on Thursday night at Berkshire Community College.

See more photos from the event here. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Hundreds of friends, families, and faculty filled the Robert Boland Theatre on Thursday to celebrate those earning associates' degrees in nursing at Berkshire Community College.

The pinning ceremony marked the hard work and dedication of 32 graduates over two years.

"The pin you receive tonight is small, but it's meaning is profound. It symbolizes the trust placed in you by your patients, your colleagues in this profession," said Dean Lori Moon. "Most importantly, it represents the promise you make to every patient you will encounter, to see them as human beings, to protect their dignity, to care for them with skill, integrity and heart."

Associate professor of nursing Kelley Alibozek graduated from the course in 2011, and was chosen as the keynote speaker because of her ability to inspire through leadership, empathy and an unwavering commitment to service. She addressed the graduates, some of whom she taught, and expressed how honored she felt to be able to speak before them. 

She spoke about how their time has been a "marathon" to get to the pinning and move onto their next step in becoming nurses.

"You finally found that feeling where you can breathe again, and you found that feeling where you can finally hang up and retire those nursing school marathon shoes, that marathon we've been talking about, what a milestone in your nursing journey," she said. 

The graduates celebrated together with their favorite motto: "no person left behind."

"We all know what you will do, and we know that you will pass, not if, will. You will do that by working together. You will do that by studying question after question … ," she said. "You will celebrate together, just like you are doing tonight. You will celebrate each and every success of each and every classmate. Because why? No person left behind." 

She noted how challenging nursing can be but together, she said, they can do it. 

"Now, your profession, it's challenging. It sure is. But you know what? You are entering the best profession in the world, I promise you. But it can be challenging," Alibozek said. 

They had to become the nurse who remembers the human connection and not just their skills.

"Guys, be that nurse, the nurse that offers the pause. Be real. Be human. Be creative. make that connection, because that human love, the realness, is what the patient and their families will hold on to forever, and what may be one of the worst moments of their entire lives, the simplicity. We can make a break back be that nurse."

After the pinning, graduate Grace Ellrodt reminisced on their time through the program, calling out each one of her classmates, and "how each student has nurtured patients, peers, loved ones, strong traits, and sources of joy."

"To each of you beside me, we took care of each other. and most proud of that. And to those classmates with us at any point along the way, they join us as nurses when the time is ready for you," she said. 

Awards

Academic Excellence in Nursing: Rachel Moriarty
Clinical Excellence in Nursing: Thomas Gwinnell
Professionalism in Nursing: Petrina Roberts
Berkshire Health Systems Spirit of Caring Award: Santiago Diaz Charry 

Graduates

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