College of Saint Mary recognizes 28 graduates who received their Practical Nursing Certificates
OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) recognized 28 graduates during the Practical Nursing Certificate Ceremony May 16.
Each graduate completed the year-long Practical Nursing Certificate (PNC) program and will complete the NCLEX-PN, the licensure examination required to begin working as a practical nurse.
“This record-breaking class brought heart, focus and tenacity to every challenge. They are well-prepared, eager to begin their nursing careers and nearly half have already chosen to continue at College of Saint Mary in the LPN-to-BSN program—a true reflection of the connection and experience they had here,” said Shamra Lundeen, director of the practical nursing program. “Watching them walk the stage in their gowns, surrounded by love and support, was one of the most rewarding moments I’ve experienced as an educator.”
Each graduate received a nursing pin, symbolizing the completion of the rigorous nursing program and a welcome into the nursing profession.
Pinning is a time-honored tradition in nursing, and every school designs a unique pin for students. CSM’s pin incorporates the shape of a cross bearing the gold letters BSN and CSM. The image represents the virtues of worthiness, constancy, truth, loyalty, knowledge and courage.
Wearing a pin on their uniform identifies CSM as their institution of learning and serves as a reminder of their commitment to nursing.
Christi Glesmann, assistant dean of health sciences, presided over the ceremony. Monica Cantrell, a nursing instructor, led the blessing, Lundeen gave congratulatory remarks and Shibyja Jones was the student speaker.
“In nursing school, one of the biggest lessons we were taught is to offer yourself. I have seen that from each and every one of you. I’m sure you have all heard this from your instructors or loved ones but just in case you ever question yourself again, I am here to tell you I am proud of you, you belong here, and you were created exactly for this moment,” Jones said during her speech.
Students in the PNC program learn in CSM’s multi-million-dollar, state-of-the-art health professions skills and simulation center. They also gain skills through clinical experiences at in-patient hospitals, clinics, community-based and long-term care facilities and more.
2025 Practical Nursing Certificate graduates:
Abimbola Maryam Adeyiga-Sanusi, Omaha, NE
Carolina Alcantar, Bellevue, NE
Amyiia Blake, Omaha, NE
Arely Ruiz Cabrera, Omaha, NE
Rose Calixte, La Vista, NE
Diana Chavarria, La Vista, NE
Savannah, Chavez, Bellevue, NE
Roxana Ortega Degante, Omaha, NE
Savana Drummond, Bellevue, NE
Nelly Epale, Omaha, NE
Elizabeth Gazabon, Omaha, NE
Shyan Haye, Omaha, NE
Navyd Hernandez, Bellevue, NE
D'Asha Jones, Omaha, NE
Shibyja Jones, Omaha, NE
Haley Kovar, Elkhorn, NE
Sheldine Marcelin, Omaha, NE
Milagros McAleer, Bennington, NE
Shayla Parnell, Omaha, NE
Jenny Roeber, Papillion, NE
Amonia Sayonkon, Omaha, NE
Tynikka Smith, Omaha, NE
Emily Starkey, Ralston, NE
Janet Tambe, Omaha, NE
Jennifer Vega, Omaha, NE
Stephany Perez Vergara, Omaha, NE
Ashlea Vetick, Fremont, NE
Paige Wemhoff, Omaha, NE
