The IU School of Nursing celebrated a milestone week as undergraduate and graduate recognition ceremonies were held across its three core campuses in Bloomington, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis.
By the Numbers
471 School of Nursing graduates earning BSN degrees this spring
7 PhD graduates advancing nursing science and research
93 Advanced practice degree recipients entering the healthcare workforce
21 straight years: Nursing ranked the most trusted profession in the U.S. by Gallup
Four ceremonies welcomed a new class of nurses and healthcare leaders prepared to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of communities across Indiana and beyond.
On May 7, Fort Wayne hosted the first ceremony at the Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center, where 79 graduates earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.
In her opening remarks, Dean Janet S. Carpenter, PhD, RN, FAAN, reflected on the significance of the moment and the important role that awaits the graduates.
“Graduates, today is not just an ending. It is a beginning,” she said. “You are stepping into the nursing profession at a time when your voice, your skill, and your compassion are needed more than ever. The annual Gallup poll ranks nurses as the most trusted profession in the U.S. for the past 20 years. You have been prepared to respond to change, to lead change, and to help shape the future of healthcare with knowledge, courage, and humanity.”
Student speaker, Lis Navarro, delivered a heartfelt address, including a stirring moment when she spoke in her native language to her Spanish-speaking family.
“Nursing is not just about what we do, it is about who we are,” she told her classmates. “It is about resilience, compassion, and connection. As we look ahead to our professional careers, I hope we carry these values with us. I hope we become nurses who care deeply, advocate for those whose voices may not be heard, and continue to support one another.”
In Bloomington on May 9, graduates and their guests filled the Musical Arts Center as 133 students earned BSN degrees.
School of Nursing alumna Lynn Young-Bolden urged the graduates to stay connected through the School of Nursing’s network of more than 24,500 alumni.
“I challenge each of you to give back to the nursing field by supporting future generations of nursing students,” Young-Bolden said. “Whether it be through mentorship, volunteerism, scholarship contributions or sharing your own journey to inspire others.”
The Indianapolis campus hosted two ceremonies at the Indiana Convention Center on May 12, one for undergraduate students and another for graduate students.
During the undergraduate ceremony, 259 students were recognized with BSN degrees, while 100 students received advanced nursing degrees of PhD, DNP, and MSN at the Graduate Recognition Ceremony.
Carpenter closed the graduate hooding ceremony with words of encouragement and pride.
“Graduates, please know how deeply proud we are of each of you,” she said. “The time you have spent at the Indiana University School of Nursing has been filled with growth, connection, and purpose. We hope you carry forward the knowledge you’ve gained and all of the friendships and memories that have shaped your journey.”
