Pinning Ceremony
The Pinning and Recognition Ceremony’s roots extend from the 12th century when knights who aided the sick and infirm were given a Maltese cross to wear. Xavier's pinning ceremony is closely tied to an award given to legendary nurse Florence Nightingale. Graduate nurses wear their school pin as a symbol of the educational accomplishment. We celebrate BSN, MIDAS, MSN and DNP graduates at the ceremony. Students must be in good standing.
Pinning Information
The College of Nursing will purchase a nursing pin for each graduate who is present at the ceremony. Students from the ROTC program, Veterans and Reservists, will be recognized by a red, white, and blue ribbon. Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society members will be recognized by a purple ribbon. Every Xavier graduate will be recognized by a navy blue ribbon. A white ribbon and additional pin are provided to graduates earning the MAGIS award.
If you would like to order a personalized pin on your own you may do so through the All for One Shop at Xavier University. Personalized pins will NOT be distributed at the College of Nursing Pinning Ceremony.
Cliff Fehr is our Herff Jones representative at cfehrway@hotmail.com. Mr. Fehr will be happy to respond to any questions.
Ceremony Timeline
The ceremony will begin on Thursday May 14 at 3:00 p.m. in the Cintas Center and will last approximately 2 hours.
Arrival time for guests is between 2:15-2:45 p.m.
Graduates and Mentors should arrive to the Auxiliary Gym (west entrance) no earlier than 1:45 p.m. and no later than 2:15 p.m. to check in.
Graduates and Mentors will be dismissed from the Auxillary Gym and can be met by guests at the South Entrance.
RSVP for Ceremony
All students must RSVP to the link below. Please also indicate if you will have a Registered Nurse Mentor to provide your pin on stage. A Nursing Faculty member will be provided to any student without a specific mentor.
Guest Information
Invite any number of guests for the Pinning and Recognition Ceremony. Guests should enter the main (south) entrance of the Cintas Center between 2:30-3:00 p.m. Please be aware of the Cintas Bag Policy.
Parking around the Cintas Center will be free on this date.
Accessibility Accommodations
Use the RSVP link to describe accommodations for your mentor such as a wheelchair, lift to the stage, etc.
Wheelchair runners are available at the South entrance to assist with guest seating.
Ceremonial Speakers
Our ceremonial speakers include the following:- 2026 DNP Graduate, Lori Tisdale
- 2026 MSN, FNP Graduate, Brooke Nola
- 2026 MIDAS, MSN/CNL Graduate, Bryan Crouser
- 2026 BSN Graduate, Gabrielle Bonnizzio
- 2026 Daisy Award Winner, XUCN Faculty Member, TBD
- Father Eric Sundrup, The Center for Faith and Justice
Frequently Asked Questions
See what attire students have worn in the past, what the pin looks like, and the seating diagram of the ceremony.See examples of what students have worn in the past below.
See the ceremony diagram below.
