Los Angeles

Southwest College

Nursing Pinning Ceremony

Thursday, December 18th, 2014

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Nurse’s Prayer

When I falter, give me courage.

When I tire, renew my strength.

When I weaken because I'm human,

Inspire me on to greater length.

If doctors and patients become demanding,

And days are too short for all my duty,

Help me remember I chose to serve,

To do so with grace, and spiritual beauty.

In humility, Lord, I labor long hours,

And though I sometimes may fret;

My mission is mercy.

Abide with me that I may never forget.

Author Unknown

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Nursing Symbols

Nursing Pin The unique nursing pin from each nursing school has long been

recognized as part of the nurse’s uniform. The Los Angeles Southwest College pin symbolizes the students have completed the

rigorous program of study leading to an Associate Degree in Nursing. The Los Angeles Southwest College pin has been presented

to the graduates of this program since 1970

The Candle Lighting The candle lighting symbolizes the transfer of knowledge from the nursing faculty to the students. The transmission of knowledge by

passing of the lights has its roots in Greek mythology

The Rose As the graduates exit, they will receive a rose. This symbol of

perfection exemplifies the integrity, dependability, unity, and high ideas necessary in the practice of nursing

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Florence Nightingale Pledge

"I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this

assembly to faithfully practice my profession of nursing. I will do all

in my power to make and maintain the highest standards and

practices of my profession. I will hold in confidence all personal

matters committed to my keeping in the practice of my calling. I will

assist the physician in his work and will devote myself to my

patients, my family, and my community. I will endeavor to fulfill my

rights and privileges as a good citizen and take my share of

responsibility in promoting the health and welfare of the

community. I will constantly endeavor to increase my knowledge

and skills in nursing and to use them wisely. I will zealously seek to

nurse those who are ill wherever they may be and wherever they

are in need. I will be active in assisting others in safeguarding and

promoting the health and happiness of mankind."

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Pinning Ceremony Program

Procession of Graduates Introduction of Staff and Faculty……Dr. Catherine Azubuike, RN, DNP Nursing Department Chairperson Welcome Address……………………………………………………Dr. Linda Rose President, Los Angeles Southwest College Student Speaker....................................................Rachael Lee Pankey Presentation of Scholarships…………………………..Mr. Rick Hodge, Dean Tribute to Nursing Students......................................Chardae Godbolt Nursing Symbols…………………………………....Lorna Thompson, RN, MSN

Presentation of the Pins………………….......Indiana McClellan, RN, MSN Candle Lighting………........................Victoria Omuson, RN, MSN, FNP/ Nkonye Ezeobah, RN, MSN, FNP Florence Nightingale Nurse’s Pledge.............Dr. Catherine Azubuike, RN, DNP Closing Remarks……………………………………..Lorna Thompson, RN, MSN Presentation of Roses………………………................Rosa Song, RN, MSN/ Victoria Omuson, RN, MSN, FNP Recession of Graduates

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Los Angeles Community College District

Board of Trustees Scott J. Svonkin, President Steve Veres, Vice President

Mike Eng Mona Field

Ernest H. Moreno Nancy Pearlman Miguel Santiago

LaMont G. Jackson, Student Trustee

District Administration Dr. Francisco C. Rodriguez, Chancellor

Dr. Adriana D. Barera , Deputy Chancellor Dr. Felicito Cajayon, Vice Chancellor for Economic & Workforce

Development Bobbi Kimble, Interim Vice Chancellor for Educational Programs and

Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Albert J. Roman, Vice Chancellor for Human Resources

Jeanette Gordon, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer Camille A. Goulet, General Counsel

James D. O’Reily, Chief Facilities Executive

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Special Thanks to: Los Angeles Southwest College Nursing Program Class of Fall 2014 give special thanks to donors, volunteers, and school staffs who made this ceremony shine! Thank you very much!

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Los Angeles Southwest College Administration

Dr. Linda Rose, President Dr. Lawrence L. Bradford, Vice President, Academic Affairs

Ferris Trimble, Vice President, Administrative Services Pamela Sanford, Associate Vice President, Administrative Services

Dr. Oscar Cobian, Acting Vice President, Student Services Dr. Tangelia Alfred, Acting Dean, Academic Affairs

Vacant, Dean, Academic Affairs Felicia Duenas, Dean, LEEF-LA

Rick Hodge, Dean, Career Technical Education Phillip Briggs, Dean, Institutional Effectiveness

Vacant, Dean, Resource Development Vacant, Dean, Student Services

Dr. Juan Carlos Astorga, Dean, TRIO Programs

Department Chairpersons

Vacant, Arts & Humanities Dr. Tamura Howard, Behavioral & Social Sciences

James Hicks, Business, Computer Science & Related Technologies LaShawn L. Brinson, Child Development/Family & Consumer Studies

Reginald Morris, Counseling Darren Cifarelli, English & Foreign Languages/Developmental

Communications Vacant, Library

Dr. Todd Roberts, Natural Sciences, Health & Kinesiology Dr. Lernik Saakian, Mathematics Dr. Catherine Azubuike, Nursing

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Nursing Department

Associate Degree Nursing Faculty Catherine Azubuike, RN, DNP, Nursing Department Chairperson

Nkonye Ezeobah, RN, MSN, FNP, Assistant Director Indiana McClellan, RN, MSN, Assistant Director

Rosa Song, RN, MSN Lorna Thompson, RN, MSN

Victoria Omuson, RN, MSN, FNP

Part-time Faculty Lydia Ajao, RN, MSN, CNS

Maureen Akpofure-Ojose, RN, MSN, NP Chona Biteng, RN, BSN

Nancy De La Cruz, RN, BSN Norma Hayes, RN, MSN

Bridgette Holt-Carter, RN, MSN, NP Georgina Walker, RN, BSN, RT, NP, PA

Doris Webster, RN, MSN Marion White, RN, MSN

Dr. Eric Williams, RN, DNP

Staff Citlally Santana, MS, Nursing Department Counselor

Dr. Elma Tulloch-Reid, EdD, Nursing Skills Lab Coordinator Aracely Martinez, Senior Office Assistant

Tina Banks, Program Assistant Page 5

Wang, Alice I am so lucky to have discovered nursing as a career path because I cannot imagine any other career that I could be so passionate about. I have the opportunity to serve as not only a healthcare provider but as a source of reassurance and comfort for the frightened or anxious patient. In whichever specialty I end up in nursing, as long as I am advocating and holistically caring for my patients, that will be more than enough for me. I would like to thank my boyfriend, Michael, for supporting me throughout the nursing program. He has provided me with so much that I am forever grateful. I could not have achieved this far without him. I would also like to thank Professor McClellan, Professor Song, Professor Thompson, Professor Holt-Carter, Professor Webster and Dr. Azubuike for their guidance and encouragement, which has been essential for my success in this program. They have consistently conveyed such genuine concern for my academic, professional, and personal well-being, always making themselves available or assisting me in any way possible, that I simply cannot thank them enough for all they have done. Congratulations everyone we made it!

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Stuart, Brett I am so unbelievably thankful for the love and support I have received through this chaotic rollercoaster called nursing school. To my mom and dad, thank you for always believing in me, you are my inspiration. To my family and loved ones, thank you for giving me the continuous encouragement to keep going. To my Christopher, thank you for always being by my side and for going through this journey with me. To my friends, thank you for being so

understanding. To my professors, thank you for pushing me to many points of mental breakdown but thank you for sharing your wisdom and teaching me your knowledge. And to my fellow classmates, you have become more to me than I could have ever imagined, a big dysfunctional family, but family nonetheless. I am so fortunate to have shared such an amazing experience with an even more amazing group of people. I am so proud of you all!

Tseng, Jeny We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) This two and half year has been the most challenging period for me. Nursing program has molded me in becoming compassion, knowledgeable, and responsible individual from the beginning. Today, I would like to give thanks to my God - my provider;

my family – my protector, and my friends – my supporter. Without you in my life, it will be impossible to go through this journey by myself. I also want to give thanks to my teachers and faculty members who helped me became who I am today, a professional nurse. Last but not least, I would like to congratulate my beloved classmates, yes, we did it!

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Graduating Class of Fall 2014

Aganya, Mark

Alvarez, Edith

Asare, Jennifer

Avina, Denise

Choi, Jun Soo

Godbolt, Chardae

Iwueke, Emmanuel

Martinez, Eve

Mason, Jonathan

Okechukwu, Ijeoma

Pankey, Rachael Lee

Powell, Yezhelle

Stuart, Brett

Tseng, Jeny

Wang, Alice

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Aganya, Mark To my Aunt Grace and Uncle Moses- Thank you for all the support and kindness towards me, this day would not be possible without you. I wanna thank my instructors for the knowledge they gave me. And lastly to my classmates- Congratulations.

Alvarez, Edith It has been a hard journey to complete this program, and doing so has brought me great happiness. There were times when things became overbearing and difficult, but with the help of those around me I was able to gather the strength to continue. I would like to thank my family especially my father and mother for supporting me and helping me prosper. You gave me everything I

needed to maintain my education; words of encouragement and support and especially lunches. I would also like to thank my older my sister for being a great role model and my little brother for not annoying me when I had to study, I love you guys! Of course I can’t forget to thank the friends that I have made in this program Eve and Denise. They helped me grow as a person and I will forever remember the memories; for better or for worse we have stood together. And lastly my instructors for demonstrating what it means to be a nurse, I have learned that I should have more than just one job because well, why not?!, and that one must always be professional, and compassionate regardless of any situation. Thank you guys, you have been amazing and I hope to be as knowledgeable as you all someday.

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Pankey, Rachael Lee I would like to thank God for his blessings of this journey. I would like to thank my family and friends for being such a solid support system for me. I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you Sophia for being my bright and shining star. You always put a smile on my face when I needed one. Mommy loves you. Thank you Chris for being my shoulder to cry on and understanding my dedication to my career. Dad, I found my special gift and I am giving it all that I

can. I would like to thank the instructors for being so student oriented and laying the foundation for my future. I would like to thank my class mates for their friendship and support as well. I could not have gotten through it without your laughter and smiles. This program has been taxing, trying, and true. And I am grateful for each and everyone who has contributed to my success! Thank you.

Powell, Yezhelle These were the most difficult two years of my LIFE, and I thank you Lord for getting me through it! I appreciate and admire all of my Instructors and thank you all for the knowledge I've gained. To my family and friends, I love you all and thank you for your understanding as to why I was absent from ALL family events these last two years! Devony and Mesha you know I love you both! Tiffany, thank you for my "Monday Morning Motivation Text" before

every exam!!To my best friend Devon, thank you for carrying me through all my tears throughout this program. You were always there to lift me up and wipe my tears (literally),when the stress of the program brought me down, and I love you for that honey. Thank you for being my motivator and #1 fan! To my classmates, I will miss you all and thank you for the memorable life changing experience!

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Mason, Jonathan I want to thank my wonderful family, friends, and everyone at the Los Angeles Southwest College Nursing Department for helping me along the way.

Okechukwu, Ijeoma I thank God for his incessant love and blessings upon my life despite my unfaithfulness and inadequacies he has proven himself worthy. I thank my mum and siblings for believing and supporting me throughout my nursing career- you guys are the best. Finally, I thank my instructors for imbibing the knowledge and skills I need to succeed in my career.

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Asare, Jennifer How good is God!!! Not only is today my birthday, it is a day I will never forget. This is the best gift anyone could ask for, and I thank God for such a blessing. Today I am filled with joy that overwhelms my body and soul. I thank God for giving me strength to keep going. I am grateful to be standing here in this very moment. Special thanks to all my loved ones for their endless encouragement and support throughout my journey. I want thank everyone that stood by me

even when I didn’t have time for them. I thank those who saw so much in me, at times when I didn’t see it in myself. I admire my instructors for their passion and dedication. I thank them for teaching me things you just don’t get out of reading a book. It has been a long road to say the least, but I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world!

Avina, Denise Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Thank you father God bringing me here today...finally. Momma, I love you so much! Thank for all the sacrifices you have made so I could be a

successful woman. Michael, you make me realize how much more life can be, but also how much more I can be. I love you. Brother, thank you for just being you, and supporting me. You have shown me what it means to be a family through thick and thin, I love you so much brother. To my family, Ma, Tia Sylvia, and friends, thank you for supporting me through these challenging seasons, and understanding that I couldn't always be around. To my nursing family and my sisters without you all I couldn't have kept my sanity. Eve, and Edith we truly came into each other lives at a pivotal point, God blessed me with you ladies.

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Choi, Jun Soo I want to thank to my family, friends, and professors who supported me last 2 years. It was great and unforgettable time in my life. This is not the end, but is the new beginning. I cannot wait what will happen next! Lastly, without Google, Redbull, and Starbucks, I would not survived this program. So, I give special thanks to those who invented them!

Godbolt, Chardae The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." - Psalms 23 Let me first start off by thanking God because through him all things are possible and

without Him I wouldn't be here today. Devin, THANK YOU for being my motivation, because of you I am a better me. Everything I do, I do for you. Mommy loves you! To my family, thank you for being so supportive and understanding. I love you all! Janae and LaQuisha, its been a roller coaster ride...thank you for being on it with me, I couldn't imagine going through this journey with anyone else. Jocelyn, your constant encouragement and words of comfort are appreciated thank you. To all of my instructors thank you for the challenge and bringing out of me what I knew I possessed all along. Grandma Martha, today is your day as well. Happy Birthday, I hope I made you proud. RIP, I love you!! Now let the celebration begin...I made it!! Page 9

Iwueke, Emmanuel Special thanks to God Almighty. Thanks to my family especially my mom for her support through this journey. Thanks to my instructors and classmates, you are awesome. I pray God guide and protect us in our path as nurses and we shall be the best nurses we can be. Amen.

Martinez, Eve This has been the most challenging two years of my life and I'd like to thank everyone that helped me through it. First I want to thank my son, Jayden, I love you more than words can describe. You are the reason I never give up and I appreciate all that you sacrificed for mommy to continue her education. To my two best friends,

my sister and my husband, I will never be able to thank you enough for everything you've done for me. I love you guys and WE DID IT! To Denise and Edith, thank you lovely ladies for being good friends and I'm so proud of you. Above all else I'd like to thank God for the strength to keep on going even when I didn't think I could.

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