March 29, 2019
South College celebrated 23 graduates of its nursing program at a convocation ceremony March 28 in Knoxville and also recognized outstanding achievement in the March Class of 2019.
The event, held at the historic Bijou Theatre, paid homage to nursing traditions while focusing on the ongoing success of the South College nursing program.
“It is always our honor to recognize the accomplishments of our nursing students and celebrate the entire class at a special ceremony,” said Jason Shuffitt, dean of the South College School of Nursing. “Events like this reenergize our faculty and staff to continue their great work, and we know that with every student who pursues nursing, countless lives will be impacted. Congratulations to all of our graduates.”
The convocation included a pinning ceremony, which is a rite of passage for nursing students. Each graduate walked across the stage in a white coat and received a pin as an official welcome into the nursing profession.
“The pinning ceremony is the pinnacle of a nursing student’s time with us, and you could see the pride on the faces of the honorees, parents, friends, faculty, and staff,” Shuffitt said.
High achievers in the class were recognized, including:
- Nursing Valedictorian: John Iroler
- Nursing Salutatorian: Savannah Ridinger
- Outstanding Student award: Savannah Ridinger
- Outstanding Clinician award: Cameron Schulz
- Nursing Leadership award: Heidi Davis
Heidi Davis
From Lincoln City, Oregon, Davis attended South College to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which will enable her to become a Nurse Corps Officer in the U.S. Navy. Davis, a model student, also served as a mentor to her classmates.
“For me, one dream achieved will help me pursue my next dream, and it feels amazing,” Davis said. “I look forward to taking all that I’ve learned at South College and building upon it in the future. My next stop is San Diego, where I will continue to serve while fulfilling my dream of being a nurse.”
The convocation honorees will receive BSN degrees at the college-wide graduation in June. The next convocation, planned for September, will also feature the first graduation class of Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) students from South College’s new LPN program that started in 2018.
For more information about South College, visit https://www.south.edu.
South College celebrated the graduation of 23 School of Nursing students on March 28 at the Bijou Theatre in downtown Knoxville. High achievers include, from left, John Iroler, valedictorian; Savannah Ridinger, salutatorian and Outstanding Student award winner; Cameron Schulz, Outstanding Clinician award winner; and Heidi Davis, Nursing Leadership award winner.
About South College
South College is a private institution regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to offer programs at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate and associate levels. For more information about South College retention/graduation rates, the median loan debts of students who complete the program and other important information, please visit our website at https://www.south.edu.
