Academics

Annual Commencement Ceremonies Cap Academic Year

26 August 2025

The Clarkson College community gathered on August 8 and 9, 2025 for pinning, hooding, and commencement ceremonies. The annual tradition of marking student achievements was celebrated by faculty, staff, alumni, students and their families.

Thirty-four graduating nurses were recognized at the Baccalaureate Nursing Pinning Ceremony Friday, August 8 at five o’clock in the afternoon at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. The traditional service was guided by the spirit of the “mother of modern nursing,” Florence Nightengale. Jina Paul, Vice President of Communications and Development, welcomed graduates, faculty, and guests. The Reverend Kim Roberts of St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church and member of the Clarkson College Board of Directors led those assembled in the invitatory. Faculty members and alumni who participated in the service included Amber Dworshak, BSN, RN, CEN and Christine Walton, MSN, RN who shared the Pinning Tradition and Madelyn Flowers, MSN, RN who led the recitation of Psalm 23. The student address was offered by Morgan McDonald. Mary Dishman APRN, MSN, PMHNP-BC, Director of Undergraduate Nursing, presided over the graduate pinning.

Master’s and doctoral degrees were recognized at the Hooding Ceremony held Friday, August 8 at five o’clock in the afternoon at Boys Town Music Hall. The historic auditorium was filled with faculty, staff, and family members, assembled to witness an important milestone for 136 graduates. The event combined five graduate level programs into one ceremony, including: Doctor of Education in Healthcare Education and Leadership (Ed.D.), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Nurse Anesthesia, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).

Opening comments were offered by Jenette Smith, Ed.D., DipACLM, MS, Assistant Professor, Doctor of Education. The official welcome included the history of Clarkson College and Boys Town, and was presented by Carla Dirkschneider, Ed.D., RHIA, Vice President of Enrollment and Retention. The student invocation was presented by Blandine Ayi, a Master of Science in Nursing graduate. The student address was offered by Stephanie Hopp, a candidate for Doctor of Education in Healthcare Education and Leadership. Daniel Aksamit, Ph.D., Professor, General Education and Education & Leadership spoke of the history and significance of the academic hood. Faculty assisting with the hooding ceremony and presentation of academic excellence awards included: Dr. Aksamit; Liz Rogan, Ed.D., MSN-Ed., MA, RN, CNE, Assistant Professor, Assistant Director of Graduate Nursing Programs; Lisa Baker, DNP, CRNA, Program Coordinator, Nurse Anesthesia Program; Jessica Fitzgerald DNP, RN, CCRN, Director of Graduate Nursing Programs; and Gretchen Jopp, MS, RHIA, CCS, CPC, Director, Healthcare Business Programs. Each graduate was presented with their hood by a family member or friend. The student benediction, presented by Agnes Mbatia, Doctor of Nursing Practice candidate, closed out the ceremony.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program pinning ceremony was held Friday, August 8 at seven o’clock in the evening in Howard Hall on the campus of Clarkson College. Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Layna Himmelberg, provided the welcome and introductions. Jessica Niemann, Program Director, represented the faculty with her address. Eight graduates were pinned, denoting the completion of their Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree. Katelyn Marie Mascarello was recognized as the Academic Excellence Award Recipient. Members of the graduating class took part in the ceremony. Alyssa Chua delivered the Student Address, a class slideshow was presented by Olivia de Torres-Estrada and Jesus Olivar, and class gifts were presented by Olivia Reddick.

Commencement exercises on Saturday, August 9 celebrated all graduates of the 2024–2025 academic year. Familiar strains of Elgar’s Pomp & Circumstance performed by The Plymouth Brass filled Baxter Arena as over 230 graduates processed to their seats. Seven academic programs and 20 different certificates and degrees were represented.

Opening remarks and introductions of special guests were provided by Jina Paul, Vice President of Communications & Development. Dr. Andreia Nebel, President, welcomed those assembled and recognized the recipient of the Maltese Cross Service Award, established to recognize Clarkson College students, alumni, employees, and community members for their outstanding community service. Olivia de Torres-Estrada, graduating with an Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant degree, was presented with a certificate, medal, and monetary award from the Nebraska Episcopal Diocese.

Rev. Kim Roberts led the baccalaureate. Nate Wiegand, Vice President of College Finance, provided the history of the Maltese Cross.

The Dr. Patricia Book Perry Faculty of the Year award recipient was introduced by Katherine Kirkpatrick, Ed.D. This annual award recognizes a faculty member’s unique and significant contributions to the education of students. In her remarks, Jenette Smith, Ed.D., an assistant professor in the Education and Leadership program, shared her passion for education, learning and teaching, and touched on the themes of perseverance and grit.

Serena Wilson, Student Senate President, introduced Shane Bret Stuart, Summer 2025 Graduate, Bachelor of Science in Nursing who shared the Student Commencement Address.

The presentation of graduation candidates & conferring of degrees was led by Dr. Nebel with assistance from registrar, Natalie Vrbka, and Carla Dirkschneider, Ed.D., Vice President of Enrollment & Retention. After receiving their diplomas, the graduates were invited to move their mortarboard tassels from right to left, signifying the completion of their degrees.

Closing remarks were provided by the chair of the Clarkson College board of directors, Matt Pospisil. The ceremony was concluded with a benediction by Rev. Roberts. As they recessed the arena, graduates walked through a gauntlet of faculty and staff who met them with thunderous applause.