NEO honors 51st Nursing class with traditional pinning ceremony

Miami, Okla. – Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) celebrated the accomplishments of its 51st Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) class with the annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony on Thursday, May 8, in the Fine Arts Auditorium.

The ceremony, held just hours before the college-wide commencement, honored 39 nursing graduates who have completed one of the most rigorous academic programs at NEO.

A time-honored tradition in the nursing profession, the pinning ceremony signifies the transition from student to nurse. Each graduate received their NEO nursing pin, placed on their scrubs by a chosen family member or loved one, highlighting the vital role that support systems play throughout the demanding program.

Following the pinning, several special awards and gifts were presented to recognize outstanding achievement, leadership, and dedication among the graduates.

Later that evening, the graduates participated in NEO’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony at Red Robertson Field, where they received their diplomas alongside peers from across all academic disciplines.

“The Nursing Faculty and Staff are proud of the foundation that has been set for the 51st Nursing Class from NEO A&M College,” said Director of Nursing Kathleen Norman. “We are excited for them as they transition from the classroom to nursing practice. The students are entering the profession as nursing graduates but will become advocates and leaders to help shape the future of nursing.”

NEO congratulates the 2025 nursing graduates and welcomes them into the proud tradition of Norse nurses.