BCC Holds Pinning Ceremony for Nursing Graduates

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) students honored

PITTSFIELD, MA — Berkshire Community College (BCC) held a traditional pinning ceremony for 32 graduates of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program on Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Robert Boland Theatre on the main campus.

The wearing of the school pin symbolizes the right to serve others, signifying the acceptance of the responsibilities of the practice of nursing and the educational preparation of the wearer. The ceremony is a time-honored nursing school tradition dating to the turn of the twentieth century. The gold center of the pin features the college seal, including the words “To travel hopefully.”

Four graduates received awards:

  • Rachel Moriarty received the Academic Excellence in Nursing Award, which is presented to the student who has the highest GPA within the ADN program and is given in acknowledgment of academic excellence in nursing. This award recognizes the student’s hard work and determination demonstrated in the pursuit of nursing knowledge.
  • Thomas Gwinnell received the Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award, which is presented to a student who performs exemplary delivery of nursing skills in the clinical setting. This award recognizes the role of advocacy in nursing by promoting compassionate and holistic patient-centered care.
  • Petrina Roberts received the Professionalism in Nursing Award, which is presented to a student who is committed to high quality patient care, and who also serves as a role model for teamwork and collaboration. The award recognizes the importance of communication and critical thinking while promoting the positive image of nursing.
  • Santiago Diaz Charry received the Berkshire Healthcare Systems Spirit of Caring Award, which is given to a graduating Associate Degree Nursing student who best exemplifies the spirit of compassion. The recipient of this award is committed to clinical and service excellence, optimizes each patient interaction to its full potential, and shows caring and concern for patients and their families.

The ceremony honored the following Class of 2025 graduates:

Connecticut

  • Bloomfield: Petrina Roberts
  • East Windsor: Camela Smith
  • Stafford: Trevor Maffuccio

Massachusetts

  • Adams: Emma Moser
  • Clarksburg: Cara Moulton
  • Dalton: Victoria Partridge, Courtney St. John
  • East Otis: Max Koivisto
  • Great Barrington: Stephanie Sanchez-Heredia
  • Lee: Amber Fabiano, Alexandra Saunders
  • North Adams: Alanah McLear, Payton Miller, Kelly Therrien
  • Pittsfield: Santiago Diaz Charry, Melissa Cobb, Thomas Gwinnell, Kobe Holloway, Laura Murphy, Clarinda Osei, London Steinman, Nicholas Stockley, Sally Twumasi
  • Richmond: Grace Ellrodt
  • Savoy: Jeremiah Reagan
  • South Egremont: Rachel Moriarty
  • South Lee: Nicole Bianco
  • Southfield: Peter Regan
  • Springfield: Kelly Phipps, Myrna Shapiro

New York

  • Stephentown: Jenessa Fuller

Visit Allied Health and Nursing programs, or call the Admissions Office at (413) 236-1630 for more information.

About BCC

BCC, situated on 180 park-like acres, is located four miles from the center of Pittsfield in the heart of the beautiful Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1960, BCC was the first community college established in the Commonwealth. As a public, fully accredited community college, BCC strives to place higher education within reach of all residents of Berkshire County and beyond, offering associate degree and certificate programs to approximately 2,000 enrolled students per year. The mission of BCC encompasses five core values: integrity and engagement; innovation; diversity and inclusion; service; and sustainability.