December 15, 2008
2008 Nursing graduates Gracie Nelson, Evelina Achee, Mary Devlin and Danica Broerman, thank their instructor, Mary Weiss (center).
Nursing Students Graduate
By Tiffany Zulkosky, Public Relations
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) School of Nursing Associate Degree Program celebrated the achievements of the Bethel Class of 2008 during a Pinning Ceremony held Sunday, Dec. 7.
Over 140 community members attended the noon reception, honoring four local women who will soon join the state's nursing workforce. Evelina Achee, Danica Broerman, Mary Devlin, and Gracie Nelson received encouragement and support from a handful of educators and program partners who have seen them through the two-years of preparation.
"I am so incredibly proud of these students. I feel so honored that I have been able to participate in their progress over the last two years," said Mary Weiss, Assistant Professor of the UAA School of Nursing. "It's really great for the students and really great for the community. These nurses are in their hometown and it will be a great benefit to Bethel and the state because we're growing our own."
The students, who have completed all coursework, must still pass their state licensing exam before working as Registered Nurses.
"The whole reason this program succeeded was because of the partnership between KuC, UAA, and YKHC," Weiss continued. "It could not have happened without that collaboration. There was so much support and goodwill provided by a lot of people."
