The Alfred State nursing department held a pinning ceremony for the first class of Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) graduates. The graduating class of six completed the three-semester certificate that helped them gain hands-on clinical and simulation experience, learn evidence-based interventions, and develop professional communication and accountability skills.
The Class of 2026 included Brittany Drazan, Regan Hooker, Bri Long, Emily Maltby, Leann Sekoll, and Alicia Warriner. Sekoll and Snyder served as student speakers before faculty member Professor Michele McMorris, BSN, RN, spoke to the graduates and their loved ones.
LPN Pinning Ceremony Photo Gallery
“We are proud of the faculty who worked to launch this program and the students who chose to embrace the Pioneer spirit and enter the first cohort of a new program,” commented Vice President for Academic Affairs Carrie Cokely. “There is a great need for professionals in healthcare fields, and these students will enter a much-needed workforce. These graduates have persevered and overcome challenges to get to this point, and I know they will lead by example in the workplace and inspire others.”
Chair of the Nursing Department Dr. Jody Blankenship, PhD, RN, presented the pins to the graduates before Professor Kimberly Howard, MSN, RN, led the Nightengale Pledge. Professor Tara Histed, MSN, RN, delivered the Benediction to close the ceremony.
During the ceremony, Brittany Drazan was honored for Academic Excellence, Bri Long was honored for Clinical Excellence, Emily Maltby was honored for Perfect Attendance, and Leann Sekoll was honored for Exceptional Attendance.
The Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate program prepares students to work under the direct supervision of other licensed health care personnel such as registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, physicians, dentists, or podiatrists in a health care setting. Learning is enhanced using skill practice, clinical experiences, and simulation for a hands-on approach to gain expertise in a variety of health care facilities. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for licensure in NYS and sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
The next session of LPN begins on August 31, 2026.