Congratulations to Elena Ortega MSN, ARNP, CCRN for receiving the Barry University Distinguished Alumni Award at the 2015 Nursing commencement pinning ceremony.

Every year, nursing students form the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, receive their pins during a traditional pinning ceremony that takes place before graduation.

This year, 100 nurses were pinned at the Shepard & Ruth K. Broad Performing Arts Center. The pinning ceremony is a time-honored nursing school tradition, dating back before the turn of the 20th century. Students receive their nursing pins after meeting the necessary program requirements for completion of the nursing program. The event includes the Nurse's Pledge and lighting ceremony.