Pinning ceremony
Steeped in history, the pinning ceremony is a nursing tradition that represents a symbolic welcoming of new graduates into the nursing profession. Each school of nursing designs its own customized pin.
The University of Minnesota School of Nursing pin has been in use since 1913 and displays the symbols of this proud heritage.
What the symbols represent
- The four dimensions of a baccalaureate education
- An antique lamp represents the metaphysical dimension
- A telescope represents the physical sciences
- A plow represents the industrial arts
- An artist’s palette represents the fine arts
- The cross of St. George represents unselfish service.
Thank you to the School of Nursing Alumni Society and the generous donors to the Nursing Legacy Fund that provide the pins.
Videos from Fall 2023 commencement
Watch the full Fall 2023 commencement ceremony.
Caroline Njau, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer and senior vice president of Patient Care Services at Children's Minnesota, delivered the commencement address.
Don Waldo, BS, spoke on behalf of Master of Nursing graduates.
Jennifer Reece, BA, spoke on behalf of the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing graduates.