On May 7th, 2026, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) hosted an inspiring and memorable Nursing Pinning Ceremony for the Nursing graduating Class of 2026, celebrating the achievements, resilience, and dedication of its future nurses. The ceremony brought together university leaders, faculty, healthcare professionals, family members, and friends to honor students transitioning from nursing education into professional practice. Held in an atmosphere of celebration, gratitude, worship, and reflection, the event highlighted not only the accomplishments of the graduating cohort, but also the international recognition recently achieved by USC’s Nursing Program through accreditation.
Dr. Phyllis Wolford, Director of the Nursing Program, officially welcomed attendees to the 2026 Nursing Pinning Ceremony and emphasized the significance of the occasion, describing it as a celebration of perseverance, professional growth, and leadership. She noted that the ceremony was particularly meaningful because USC’s Nursing Program recently received a five-year accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), an internationally respected accrediting body.
“This international achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and clinical partners who have worked tirelessly to uphold the high standards of nursing education and professional excellence,” she stated.
Dr. Wolford reminded graduates that the nursing pin symbolizes far more than academic accomplishment. It represents compassionate care, ethical practice, patient advocacy, lifelong learning, and entry into one of the world’s most trusted professions.
Shortly after Dr. Wolford, the University Provost, Dr. Len M. Archer delivered a motivating address emphasizing the importance of nursing in modern society as he referenced research consistently identifying nursing as one of the most trusted professions worldwide and reflected on the sacrifices nurses made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“More nurses died serving our society than most other professions,” he noted. “They were the ones standing on the bridge to protect us all.”
He also explained the significance of ACEN accreditation, outlining the accreditation timeline and emphasized that graduates from 2023 onward are recognized as graduates of an accredited nursing program, enhancing their global opportunities.
“This means that when you graduate, you become nurses recognized anywhere in the world,” he explained.
He challenged graduates to uphold the highest standards of nursing care and become ambassadors for USC throughout Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean, and beyond.
One of the most impactful moments of the ceremony came through the keynote address delivered by Dr. Catherine Cox, whose distinguished career spans more than four decades in clinical practice, education, military healthcare, research, and leadership.
Centering her address around the theme, “Tested by theory, proven by pressure, anchored in grace,” Dr. Cox reflected on the demanding journey of nursing education, explaining that students are tested intellectually through theory, practically through clinical experiences, and personally through moments that require resilience, sacrifice, and compassion. Drawing from her years of service as a Navy nurse, she used nautical imagery to describe the nursing pin as an anchor, steady, visible, and strong, reminding graduates that their profession calls them to remain grounded even during life’s most difficult storms.
“Good sailors are not made in calm seas, and good nurses are not formed in easy moments,” she stated.
Dr. Cox also highlighted USC’s achievement of earning ACEN accreditation, describing it as a milestone that validates the university’s curriculum quality, faculty preparation, student outcomes, and international standards of nursing education. She emphasized that the accreditation strengthens graduates’ opportunities for licensure, employment, and advanced study worldwide while also placing upon them the responsibility of representing an internationally accredited nursing program with professionalism and integrity.
In addition, she commended members of the graduating class for their participation in nursing research and professional development initiatives throughout their studies, encouraging them to remain lifelong learners and compassionate healthcare professionals as they enter the next phase of their careers.
The valedictory address delivered by Nursing Valedictorian Azriessa Dabreo was a moment of reflection for all the graduating nurses. Her speech resonated deeply with graduates, faculty, and parents as she reflected on the emotional realities of the nursing journey and the resilience that carried the class through years of sacrifice and hard work. Speaking candidly about sleepless nights, tears, clinical rotations, overwhelming assignments, and moments of self-doubt, Dabreo reminded her classmates how far they had come together.
“Think back at all the trials we have been through as individuals and as a class,” she stated. “The nights we cried, the moments we wanted to give up, and the times we felt like we couldn’t move on. Yet we are still here.”
She paid tribute to the lecturers and clinical instructors who guided students throughout the programme, describing them not only as educators but as mentors and role models, and stated that many of them are professionals that they aspire to become. Throughout her speech, she emphasized themes of faith, resilience, compassion, and growth, encouraging her classmates to embrace the future with courage and confidence.
“Life doesn’t get easier after this, but we got stronger. We got wiser. As we step into the unknown, let us move forward with confidence, compassion, and courage,” she concluded.
The central highlight of the evening was the official pinning and candlelighting segment. Faculty members and nursing representatives from across Trinidad and Tobago participated in the presentation of pins to graduates. The pinning ceremony symbolized the students’ transition from nursing students to healthcare professionals committed to service and excellence.
The candlelighting portion of the programme paid tribute to Florence Nightingale and the nursing profession’s enduring commitment to compassion, healing, and patient care. It was explained during the ceremony that the candlelighting tradition represents the passing of knowledge and responsibility from one generation of nurses to the next. The light symbolizes guidance, hope, and dedication to caring for and serving humanity.
Following this, graduates collectively recited the nursing pledge, affirming their commitment to caring for the sick with compassion, professionalism, and respect regardless of race, religion, political affiliation, or social status. The pledge emphasized confidentiality, maintaining professional standards, promoting health, and bringing honour to the nursing profession.
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As the ceremony concluded, graduates celebrated not just the completion of their academic journey but the beginning of their professional calling, as the USC Nursing Class of 2026 leaves behind a legacy of resilience, unity, determination, and service. Their journey through nursing school tested them emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually, but their success demonstrated the power of perseverance, community, and faith. As they now prepare to enter hospitals, clinics, communities, and healthcare institutions across Trinidad and Tobago and beyond, they carry with them the values instilled during their time at USC: compassion, professionalism, discipline, and dedication to serving humanity.
