Pinning ceremonies for Dental Hygiene and Nursing

EPCC Dental Hygiene celebrated the pinning of its Class of 2025. They also are celebrating the 50th class to do so. What a remarkable accomplishment!  Congratulations to the graduates. #EPCCpride @epccrecruitment @carloscamaya

EPCC nursing student Michelle Mendoza, left, held a candle and a Lamp of Knowledge as she and her classmates recited the nurses pledge during the pinning ceremony for the Class of 2025 Thursday

El Paso Community College (EPCC) Nursing Program has been a beacon of light in El Paso for 50 years, and today, the program celebrated its' 50th Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) Pinning Graduating class. 

85 graduates took the stage to celebrate with friends and family. The occasion was marked by the first-ever DAISY Award to an ADN faculty member AND a student. Winners were Nursing Instructor Stephanie Baldwin and student Alexa Rodriguez.

The DAISY Award is a recognition program to celebrate and recognize nurses who go above and beyond to not only provide patients and families with excellence in clinical care but also compassion. 

It was a fun day to celebrate, even with mariachis, as EPCC cabinet members, administrators, faculty, and staff were on hand with hundreds of family members to celebrate this monumental achievement. 

Instructor Daniel Parada had been selected by the students as the Faculty Keynote Speaker, and student speaker was Carlos Mercado. Masters of Ceremonies were Ms. Claudia Loera and Ms. Gabriela Ramirez, both also serving as Pinning Committee members.

“Today we celebrate your journey, your sacrifices, your resilience, and above all, your calling," EPCC Nursing Instructor Daniel Parada said. Parada spent 18 years as a factory worker in Juarez, Mexico, before making the life-changing decision to pursue a career in the medical field. “The Pinning ceremony is more than a tradition, it's a rite of passage. The pin is a symbol not only of professional achievement, but also personal transformation."

“I am really proud of you guys, I could not have chosen a better group to graduate with," student speaker and ADN graduate Carlos Mercado said.

In the 50-year history of the Nursing program, founded in 1972, EPCC has graduated over 6,100 nurses.

“This morning is very special, not only is it one of the largest graduating classes we have had in years, but you mark the 50thgraduating class, something to be very proud of," EPCC Dean of Nursing Dr. Hafid Guerrero said. “You have shown strength, commitment and compassion in getting to this point."

Many celebrated with family who were present and honored those who recently passed away. “It's been a journey, I lost both of my parents John and Mary Lou Seelig right before I started Nursing school," ADN graduate Valerie Negroni said. “So today this is extremely meaningful, my family has been super supportive and I'm just so proud."

EPCC graduates approximately 175 nurses per year from our programs, with 65 full-time and part-time faculty. “Our graduates work in many roles in our community and beyond, from direct patient care to administration, research, and higher education," added Guerrero.

For more information on the EPCC Nursing Program, please visit: https://www.epcc.edu/Academics/Health/Nursing