Lincoln University Holds Fort Leonard Wood Nursing Pinning Ceremony for Class of 2025

Fifteen graduates of Lincoln University of Missouri’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program were recognized during the 2025 pinning ceremony held May 7 at Fort Leonard Wood.

Lincoln University of Missouri held a pinning ceremony for its Associate of Applied Science in Nursing graduates on Wednesday, May 7, at 6 p.m. at Fort Leonard Wood.

The ceremony included a processional to “Class of 2017 Mash-Up” and the national anthem, followed by an invocation delivered by Chaplain (1st Lt.) Ricky Rodriguez. Lincoln University President John B. Moseley, Ed.D., and Brig. Gen. Bradley Leonard gave opening remarks.

Faculty member Taylor Park (MSN, RN) spoke on the occasion, and Kaitlin Timmons (MSN, RN) presented special awards. Megan Titus (DNP, MSN, RN and School of Nursing program coordinator) delivered an address and, along with department head Jennifer McCord (Ph.D., MSN and RN) awarded nursing pins to each graduate.

Members of the Class of 2025 shared special memories during the ceremony. Graduate Bliss Swayne recited the Nurse’s Prayer before the benediction, again delivered by Chaplain Rodriguez. The event concluded with a recessional to “Long Live (Taylor’s Version).”

Graduates – Associate of Applied Science in Nursing:

• Cynthia Akery
• Zyralyn Bituin
• Madison Busby
• Jenny Brock
• Genevieve Doyle
• Tonya Edwards
• Joshua Hamilton
• Kaitlynn Hargraves
• Stephen Ilodibe
• Brittoni Matchell
• Hailey Miller
• Heidi Newsome
• Alexis O’Bryant
• Bliss Swayne
• Rachael Waters

During the ceremony, several students were recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions.

Helen L. Monroe Award
Genevieve Doyle received the Helen L. Monroe Award, a prestigious honor presented to the outstanding graduate selected by faculty. This award recognizes exemplary performance in the three essential roles of nursing: Provider of Care, Manager, and Member of the Profession.

Student Nurse Association (SNA) Officer's Awards
The following individuals were honored for their leadership and service as officers of the Student Nurse Association:

• Madison Busby
• Zyralyn Bituin
• Hailey Miller
• Tonya Edwards
• Rachael Waters

Scholar Awards
The following students earned Scholar Awards for achieving a GPA between 3.2 and 3.49, reflecting their strong academic performance throughout the program:

• Cynthia Akery
• Jenny Brock
• Genevieve Doyle
• Stephen Ilodibe
• Bliss Swayne
• Rachael Waters

Lincoln University extends its congratulations to these new nurses and wishes them success and fulfillment as they enter the next chapter of their healthcare careers.