Thirty-nine nursing students at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) participated in a pinning ceremony, marking the end of their studies and the beginning of their careers as nurses. The event was attended by family and friends.
Merick Sanogo, selected as the class speaker, addressed his classmates with humor: “Y’all, it’s been two years!” He was later surprised by faculty with a pineapple, referencing a tradition he began by gifting pineapples to classmates on their birthdays.
The pinning ceremony is an established practice in nursing that symbolizes the transition from student to professional nurse. Students receive pins and participate in the lighting of the Nightingale Lamp while reciting the Nurse Pledge. This tradition dates back to Florence Nightingale.
Sanogo, who grew up in Lawrenceville, explained his choice to pursue nursing: “I have aunts and uncles who are nurses, and my mom is a pharmacist and my dad is a biomedical engineer,” he said. “I wanted a career where I could help people and be flexible enough for me to enjoy my hobbies of physical fitness, tech and game design.” He has accepted a job at Northside Gwinnett’s Cardiac Stepdown unit. His cousin is also studying pre-nursing at GGC.
Another graduate, Prudence Donald, will start her nursing career in March 2026 at Northside Gwinnett’s cardiac ICU. She described her motivation: “I’ve always wanted to care for others, especially during their most vulnerable time,” she said. “I’ll fight for them and give them the best care possible.” Donald moved from Tanzania to pursue her education in the United States. She told attendees: “Do not give up. If you can dream it, you can achieve it.”
Dr. Paula Gordon, interim dean of GGC’s School of Health Sciences and herself a nurse, reflected on the meaning behind these ceremonies: “Pinning ceremonies are emotional. It’s the culmination of a long journey and a rite of passage to welcome new nurses into the profession,” she said. “My favorite part is the lighting of the lamps, because like the song ‘Go Light Your World’ says, they’re lighting the world.”
Dr. Gordon encouraged graduates as they move forward: “Remember the little things,” she said. “Have fun and speak up for your patients, for your community, for yourselves, and for the nursing profession.”
The students will receive their diplomas during GGC’s commencement ceremony on December 12.
