This post was written by assistant culture editor Allison Kowalski. 

Speakers at the School of Nursing celebration reminded graduates that now was a time to reflect not only on their personal journey, but their impact on the lives of their patients.

Jean Johnson, the school’s dean, called on the graduates of the growing program to consider their important place in the healthcare world.

“This is a time to reflect and renew your commitment to your patients and the nursing profession for being a nurse is a privilege and a calling,” she said.

Keynote speaker Michael Carter, a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, drew elements of his speech from Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Less Travelled,” encouraging students to forge their own paths and take daring leaps to push themselves ahead in their career.

“To discover is not enough, you must share your discoveries with others and help others understand as well,” Carter said.

Three awards were distributed for “outstanding student service.” They were presented to Shawna Brennfleck for community service, Diane Schade for innovation and Kathleen Phillips for research.

The school issued a “surprise award” Ellen Dawson, chair of the nursing department, who is stepping down from her position this year.