SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Nearly 150 students graduated from the Mercy College of Nursing and Health Sciences
of Southwest Baptist University during a commencement ceremony Thursday, Dec. 17,
at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield.
Degrees awarded included 85 associate of science in nursing (ASN), 58 bachelor of
science in nursing (BSN) and two health science degrees.
Highlights of the ceremony include:
- Brenna Stanley of Wheatland, ASN graduate, sang “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan.
- Elizabeth Day of Marionville, ASN graduate, was the commencement speaker.
- Renee Bentley of Springfield, ASN graduate, led ASN graduates in the Florence Nightingale
Pledge, a professional mission statement that reflects the vision and values of nursing
and invokes the many professional rights and responsibilities of the practicing nurse.
- Lisa Person, vice president and chief nurse executive of Mercy Hospital, lead the
Blessing of Hands, a tradition that was started several years ago as a way of asking
God’s anointing on graduates as they embark on, or continue the practice of the nursing
profession.
Academic awards presented to ASN students include:
- Alyce Smart and Wongell Mengiste, both of Springfield — “Highest Academic Recognition”
award, which is given to the student in each fourth semester nursing course with the
highest course grade.
- Emily Dobson of Willard and Katy Finch of Springfield — “Recognition for Clinical
Excellence” award, given to the student in each fourth semester course who best meets
the clinical course objectives in an exemplary manner.
- Renee Bentley of Springfield — “Florence Nightingale Award,” awarded based on leadership,
professionalism and self-directed learning and is voted on by the entire ASN faculty.
Academic awards presented to BSN students include:
- Laura L. Smith of Springfield — “The Judy Mitchell Christian Walk Award,” given to
a student who exemplifies the Christian walk in both personal and professional life.
- Cheryl D. Shultz of Springfield — “The D’Wayne and Venita Eldridge Highest BSN Academic
Achievement Award,” given to the student with the highest institutional GPA in the
graduating class.
- Valorie A. Packingham of Springfield and Karyn J. Mitchell of Republic — “BSN Clinical
Excellence Award,” given to students who demonstrated persistence, dedication and
excellence in BSN clinical experiences.
- Brittany N. Connell of Marshfield — “BNS Leadership Award,” given to a student who
has demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities throughout BSN courses.
Master of science in nursing graduates will be recognized during the Graduate Commencement
ceremony on the Bolivar campus in May.
Mercy College of Nursing and Health Sciences of SBU offers a master’s degree in nursing,
bachelor degrees in nursing and health sciences, and associate degrees in nursing,
radiography and health sciences. For more information, go to mercy.SBUniv.edu or call
(417) 820-2069.
