We Found Our ‘Why’: Nursing Grads Inspire at Summer Pinning
Westmont’s first nursing cohort to graduate during the summer term honored 19 new registered nurses at a traditional pinning ceremony Aug. 20 at Montecito Covenant Church. The Westmont Downtown | Grotenhuis Nursing Program has quickly expanded to include three cohorts studying each year.
The ceremony, which dates to the 1860s, symbolizes both the mastery of healthcare skills and the commitment to a calling of healing and service. Each graduate recited a pledge, a nurse’s version of the Hippocratic oath.
Westmont President Gayle D. Beebe reflected on the profound role nurses play in the community, citing early Christian theological traditions regarding service. “Saint Augustine was once asked to sum up the love of God and said this: ‘God’s love has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of others,’” Beebe said. “This is what God’s love looks like and how I think of nurses. We’re grateful for your willingness to go through the training, and we look forward to your service in our community.”
Dianthe Hoffman, who directs the nursing program, recognized the network of support surrounding the graduates. “No one reaches this day alone,” she said. “Behind every graduate is a circle of family, friends and mentors who believed in you, who cheered you on through every exam, sat with you through every doubt, prayed with you and reminded you why you started.”
David and Anna Grotenhuis, whose generous support helped establish the program, attended the ceremony. Students expressed appreciation and gratitude for the couple’s vision and leadership.
Ilyssa Glick addressed her peers in an inspiring reflection about finding their “why” in life, sharing memories of early pharmacology flashcards, late-night study sessions and clinical rotations. She highlighted the central theme of discovering purpose through the rigorous accelerated curriculum.
“The funny thing about the story of our character is that it never truly ends,’ Glick said. “It continues to evolve, kind of like us. ‘Why’ will continue to be with us as we navigate our careers, care for patients and serve as advocates. We’ll make phone calls and lean on one another for support throughout the rest of life. I’m so inspired every day by each of you. You’ll forever be my ‘why.’ It has been such an honor to come to this calling with you, and I thank you for giving me my ‘why.’”
Nursing instructor Jessica Barbosa praised the students for their grit, curiosity and resilience throughout the intensive program. She urged the new nurses to lead with both clinical competence and moral clarity as they enter healthcare settings.
“You’re going out into the world as nurses, grounded in the liberal arts and guided by Christian values, and I want you to hold that identity with intention,” Barbosa said. “It means bringing not only your clinical skill but moral clarity, not only technical knowledge, but your genuine humanity.
“The world needs who you are. Go forth with confidence, lead with compassion and never underestimate the difference you will make.”
Cohort 8 includes Lesly Alatorre, Anika Terese Boncich, Madison Ann Burnett, Baby Jane Marcial Catura, Lara Cisneros (Cum Laude), Sarah Marie Easley, Monique Esparza, Lea Yee Gillett (Cum Laude), Ilyssa Glick (Cum Laude), Mikayla Marie Gonzales, Cindy Gonzalez, Nicole Herrin (Magna Cum Laude), Casey Milne (Magna Cum Laude), Jacquelyn Monet Kortenhoeven, Keala Christine Newman (Cum Laude) Emma Jayden Samano, Tiffany Tran (Magna Cum Laude), Savannah Weber (Magna Cum Laude), David You (Cum Laude).