The Class of 2019 helped usher in the new academic year with SmartStart Orientation and Convocation on August 13. The new class of 159 students and their families spent the day learning the lay of the land at MCCN, networking with fellow classmates and current student leaders, and getting tips and tools to be successful as nursing students. Students ended the day with Convocation, a traditional ceremony to mark their entrance to higher education. Led by MCCN President Christine Wynd, PhD, RN, Faculty Marshal Kathy Fernandez, PhD, RN, and key faculty in full regalia, the students walked in procession to nearby Holy Family Catholic Church, where, in addition to Dr. Wynd, featured speakers included Sister Barbara Hahl, CSC, senior vice president of system mission; MCCN Board Chair Matt Mazza; Associate Professor Kim Loscko, DVM; Assistant Professor Toni Chops, MS, RN, CNE; Director of Campus Ministry Ellen O’Shaughnessy, DMin and students Matthew Snyder, Alex Hill, Kylie Salmons, Irene Appiah-Baah, and Student Government President Elizabeth Wells, who provided a student perspective. Shawn Kenney, Holy Family’s music director and organist, and the Mount Carmel College of Nursing Choir provided music. At the conclusion of the ceremony, MCCN student Shawn Draper served as flag bearer and led the recessional out of the church.
