Trine’s first BSN graduates receive nursing pins

August 10, 2021

BSN PinTrine University honored the first graduates of its RN-to-BSN program with a pinning ceremony held in Fabiani Theatre on Friday, Aug. 6.

Kristen Hake of Edon, Ohio, and Shannon Tew of Angola, Indiana, completed their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree requirements at the end of the summer 2021. John Shannon, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs, lauded the pair for being “pioneers.”

“Your focus, dedication and persistence are commendable,” Shannon remarked during the ceremony.

The pinning ceremony for nurses is a tradition dating back to the 1860s, when Florence Nightingale, considered the founder of modern nursing, was awarded the Red Cross of St. George in recognition of her service during the Crimean War. In turn, Nightingale presented a medal of excellence to her most outstanding graduates.

In the United States, the first nursing pins were awarded in 1880 at the Bellveue Hospital School of Nursing in New York City.

Photo: From left, Nadeena Frye, Ph.D., dean of Trine University’s College of Health Professions; Angel Jennings, Ph.D., assistant professor, RN-to-BSN program; BSN graduates Shannon Tew and Kristin Hake; and Sharon Willey, DNP, director of nursing. (Photos by Dean Orewiler)

Last Updated: 08/10/2021

News Information

Read More

All News
Trine University civil engineering students standing near bridge construction

Road trip: Trine CE seniors visit dam, cement plant and bridges

December 17, 2025

Six Trine University civil engineering seniors and two faculty members toured a cement plant and the Newburgh Lock and Dam, learned about the Ohio River Crossing project and traveled to bridge construction sites during a senior trip in November.

1/3
Three Trine University staff with Christmas wreaths

Trine donates Christmas wreaths to Northern Lakes residents

December 15, 2025

Trine University staff members, from left, Emily Chancellor, Lydia Roop and Ben Darnell delivered 51 Christmas wreaths to residents of Northern Lakes Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Angola on Thursday, Dec. 11.

3/3