LaGuardia Celebrates Graduates of Registered Nursing Program
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (December 18, 2024) — LaGuardia Community College/CUNY hosted a Fall graduation and pinning ceremony on December 16 to honor students who successfully completed the Registered Nursing Program.
The ceremony took place in the Main Stage Theater, where 36 graduates gathered with their families to celebrate their academic achievements. President Kenneth Adams presented congratulatory remarks along with Dr. Billie Gastic Rosado, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Alexis McLean, Vice President for Student Affairs; Dr. Philip Gimber, Chairperson of the Health Sciences Department; and Professor Faith Armstrong, Director of Nursing Programs.
“LaGuardia’s Nursing Program continues to receive national recognition due to its exceptional faculty and staff, who work tirelessly to prepare students for the challenges of the nursing profession,” said Dr. Gimber. “Their dedication, expertise, and passion for teaching ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Equally important are the students, who demonstrate great resilience, determination, and hard work, inspiring faculty to remain motivated and committed.”
Dr. Gimber said the program’s success is further supported by the entire college community, which provides vital resources that help students thrive.
“From ESL programs and library resources to student services, these support systems play a crucial role in ensuring student success,” he said. “LaGuardia’s collective effort and commitment to excellence have created a nurturing environment where future nurses can excel and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare field.”
The keynote speaker was Keith Winters, RN, BSN, TCRN, CCRN, who is a 2022 graduate of LaGuardia. There ceremony included the traditional pinning, candle lighting ceremony, and the presentation of Academic and Leadership Awards and the NACLI Leadership Awards. Special remarks were presented by Patrick Lee Nursing Club Vice President and I Wayan Widiarta Nursing Club President.
Professor Armstrong says LaGuardia’s Nursing Program continues to receive national recognition due to its exceptional faculty and staff, who go far and beyond to ensure student success.
Dr. Gimber says the nursing program at LaGuardia continues to move forward and he hopes for more good things to come.
“We hope to maintain the excellence we have achieved while continuing to grow and expand,” Dr. Gimber said. “This includes increasing overall enrollment and further developing the diverse pathways we offer, such as the LPN to RN and Paramedic to RN options. We are also excited to roll out a Medical Assistant to LPN pathway soon, providing even more opportunities for students to advance their nursing careers.”
Professor Armstrong says LaGuardia’s RN graduates will continue to carry “Cura Personalis,” a Latin phrase meaning “care for the person.”
“I hope they will continue caring for their patients as a whole—mind, body, and spirit—while promoting human dignity,” she said. “I want them to be leaders, patient champions, and compassionate care providers. I want them to be the change that the patient needs and present in their patient’s journey.”
Dr. Gimber says he hopes to enhance the program by increasing the use of simulation technology and distance learning, which will allow students to gain hands-on experience and greater flexibility in their education.
“As we embrace these innovations, we remain committed to maintaining the same high standards that have earned our program national recognition,” he said. “Through these efforts, we hope to prepare even more skilled, compassionate nurses who will make meaningful contributions to the healthcare field.”
• • • •
LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
####