Family and friends filled Joseph Deaton Gymnasium on May 9 at 4:00 p.m. at Southeastern Illinois College as the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) classes of 2024 proudly accepted pins from their clinical instructors.
“The pin is a symbol of the student’s academic accomplishments and pledge to maintain and elevate the standards of the nursing profession,” said Amy Murphy, Associate Dean of Nursing and Allied Health. “At SIC, the pinning ceremony is an honored and precious tradition. It is a milestone for stepping over into the role of a healthcare professional.”
This year’s nursing pinning ceremony celebrated the achievements of 21 ADN and 22 PN graduates. A celebratory reception followed at the Shirley Oshel Nursing Complex, providing an opportunity for graduates, faculty, and families to connect.
The ceremony welcomed Dr. Tara Lannom, an alumna of SIC’s nursing program (PN – 2003, ADN – 2005), as the keynote speaker. Dr. Lannom has had an impressive 20-year career in nursing at Southern Illinois Healthcare culminating in her current role as Chief Nursing Executive at Harrisburg Medical Center. Drawing on her experience, Dr. Lannom concluded her speech with the powerful message: “You have made it. Now go save lives.” Her words were a fitting send-off as the graduates embark on their own journeys in healthcare.
The nursing department and graduating class also extended their gratitude to Amy Murphy and Sylvia Moore, who are retiring after dedicating 24 and 16 years respectively to the SIC Nursing and Allied Health division. Their passion for nursing education and commitment to student success have left a lasting impact on countless graduates.
The Southeastern Illinois College nursing program began in 1955 with a class of 13 students in the lower level of Harrisburg High School. It was the only program of its kind in Illinois south of St. Louis at that time. Since then, it has grown to approximately 100 students each year. The Associate Degree Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
SIC graduates boast a 96% average pass rate for the state licensure exam since 2010. Nursing program applications must be submitted by March 31 for each fall semester, and a number of prerequisite classes must be completed. For more information on nursing, contact Amy Murphy, director of nursing, at 618-252-5400, ext. 2330, or [email protected], or visit www.sic.edu/nursing.
