MAYWOOD, Ill. – Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing held its Dedication to the Profession ceremony and reception on Saturday, Oct. 20. The annual event, which replaces the former capping ceremony, provided an opportunity for junior class nursing students, accelerated program nursing students and dietetic interns to reflect and pledge themselves to their chosen studies and the health-care profession. The faculty presided over the ceremony and blessed the hands of students and health-care professionals within the audience.
“It was a beautiful day at Madonna della Strada as the nursing and dietetic students participated in a 'Blessing of the Hands' tradition where they were reminded of the important work in which those hands will be involved as they enter the health-care profession,” Dean Vicki Keough said.
Following the ceremony at Madonna della Strada Chapel at Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus, the school hosted a reception at the Donovan Reading Room to celebrate the occasion with students, families, guests, alumni, faculty and staff.
Kara Podjasek, junior class president; Vicki Keough, PhD, APRN-BC, ACNP, FAAN, dean and professor, MNSON; Richard L. Gamelli, MD, senior vice president, professor and provost of Health Sciences Division; and Ann Solari-Twadell, PhD, RN, MPA, FAAN, associate professor, MNSON, provided the welcome remarks for the ceremony.
Renee Thomas, a recent graduate of the school and former recipient of the Dean's Gold Key Award, gave the keynote address. Student representatives from the traditional and accelerated nursing programs and dietetic interns spoke about symbolic aspects of the ceremony and the health-care profession. They also provided reflections about their student experiences and their decision to join the school and health-care communities.
“Seeing everyone come together and unite over our passion for nursing was very touching,” Podjasek said. “I will never forget how privileged I am to be part of such an amazing nursing program.”