Brent R. Nicklas School of Nursing at Hartwick College Celebrates 47 Graduates

After years of classes, clinical rotations, simulations and late-night study sessions, 47 graduates from the Brent R. Nicklas School of Nursing were honored during the 2026 Nursing Pinning Ceremony on May 15 in Binder Gymnasium. Held the day before commencement, the ceremony recognized the graduating class through a tradition that symbolizes their transition into the nursing profession.

The ceremony included the presentation of the white coat and nursing pins, the recitation of the International Nurse’s Pledge and reflections celebrating the graduates’ academic journey, resilience and dedication to patient care.

Kim Smith, associate professor and chair of the Brent R. Nicklas School of Nursing, recognized the hard work demonstrated by this year’s graduating nursing cohort.

“Only a very small percentage of people possess the ability, compassion, resilience and tenacity required to accomplish what you have just achieved,” Smith said. “I’m not sure you fully realize yet, but you are extraordinary. Take a moment to acknowledge that and allow yourselves to draw confidence from it. Your possibilities truly are endless.”

Smith also reflected on the unique personality and experiences of the Class of 2026. According to a senior survey, the graduates collectively spent an estimated 70,000 hours studying during nursing school while consuming 3,616 pizzas, 993 pounds of chocolate, 42,750 cups of coffee and 21,000 energy drinks. Members of the class came to Hartwick from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, Florida and around the world, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cuba, Japan, Canada and Mexico.

President James Mullen addressed the graduates as the first class to receive pins as part of the Brent R. Nicklas School of Nursing at Hartwick College.

“This occasion carries even greater significance following yesterday’s announcement of a transformational 10 million dollar investment in Hartwick College and the School of Nursing from Brent R. Nicklas,” Mullen said. “That extraordinary act of generosity will strengthen opportunities for future generations of nursing students, expand Hartwick’s impact in healthcare education and further elevate a program that has already shaped the lives of so many graduates across our region and beyond.”

Mullen also praised the graduates for embodying Hartwick’s values through their commitment to service, empathy and academic rigor.

The Class of 2026 selected Assistant Professor and Assistant Chair of Nursing Miya McCann as this year’s keynote speaker in recognition of her mentorship and impact within the program. “Remember this feeling,” McCann said. “Not because it’s the peak, but because this is proof. Proof that you can set a goal, work towards it and achieve it.”

McCann also reminded graduates that learning remains central to the nursing profession. “You are not finished learning,” McCann said. “You are just getting started and be that nurse who asks questions. Be the nurse who looks things up. Be the nurse who reflects, improves and keeps moving forward because the best nurses never stop being students.”

Senior class speaker Margaret Van Valkenburgh ‘26 reflected on the rigor of Hartwick’s nursing curriculum and the support students received from faculty, staff and loved ones throughout the experience.

“We are advocates – one of the most important skills necessary as nurses,” Van Valkenburgh said. “We are leaders – over half of us have positions on campus where we take on additional responsibilities. And most importantly, we know how to laugh at ourselves and learn from our mistakes.”

Van Valkenburgh also encouraged classmates to maintain balance and remain connected to the passions and relationships that shaped their college experience.

“Don’t let nursing become your whole identity,” Van Valkenburgh said. “Stay grounded and don’t lose yourself in the profession. Make time for what you love, and hold onto the things that bring you joy outside of work.”

Graduates from the Class of 2026 have secured positions at healthcare institutions across the region and beyond, including Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, Albany Medical Center, St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, Saratoga Hospital, Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, Stony Brook University Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center and Reading Hospital in Pennsylvania.

The full Nurses Pinning Ceremony recording can be viewed here, and the ceremony program is available here.