Virtual ceremony celebrates Class of ‘20

Faculty use innovative ways to share congratulations

The University of Minnesota School of Nursing celebrated the graduation of 240 students at a virtual commencement ceremony May 16, following the University’s virtual commencement. Deborah Trautman, PhD, RN, FAAN, president and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, delivered the address to graduates, encouraging graduates to always strive to learn more and apply the knowledge gained along the way.

“Today is a celebration of the nursing profession,” said Trautman. “You have been prepared by the finest nurse educators in the nation, which benefits you, the profession, and the patients and the communities that you will serve. You are part of the solution to improving health and health care.”

Degrees were conferred to School of Nursing students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Post-Baccalaureate and Post-Masters Certificate, Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD in Nursing programs, as well as to students in the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing Post-Baccalaureate Certificate and Master of Arts in Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching programs.

BSN students were mailed their School of Nursing pin and encouraged to do home ceremonies to keep the more than century old tradition alive.

“The Class of 2020 will forever be remembered because what you experienced will make you different. It will shape the way you pursue the profession,” said Dean Connie White Delaney, PhD, RN, FAAN, FACMI, FNAP. “You will carry forward the imagination and innovation that have been lived in your final months of being students; these will remind you of what is possible. They will remind you of the resilience you have shown. These experiences will empower you throughout your career and life.”

Faculty sent congratulatory messages to graduates via a video and Flipgrid.