As the spring semester ended, CT State Norwalk nursing students gathered for something that means more than just finishing school—the pinning ceremony.

While the nursing pinning ceremony is a long-standing tradition, it wasn’t just nurses who were honored. Medical Assistants, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Respiratory Therapists also marked their transition from student to professional in these deeply meaningful celebrations that honor compassion, perseverance, and the heart it takes to care for others.

Taking place in the days leading up to commencement, students proudly wore their uniforms to the ceremonies and stood alongside the people who had supported them. This was a moment that made juggling work schedules, family responsibilities, and demanding coursework all worth it. It wasn’t just a milestone; it was proof they made it.

Each student received a pin, a small item with deep meaning. Their instructors, who had supported them through every clinical, exam, and difficult moment, were the ones to hand them out. These pins marked more than just the end of their time at CT State Norwalk; they stood as symbols of readiness and promises to serve.

At each ceremony, faculty and student speakers acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s critical role in supporting student success. The ceremonies were a powerful reminder of why we continue to support education at CT State Norwalk. Behind every pin is a journey. And behind every journey is a future healthcare professional prepared to serve, lead, and give back.