Butler Nursing Program Celebrates Spring 2023 Graduates

Janet Schueller, Associate Dean of Nursing and Allied Health, welcomed the 59 nursing graduates on Friday, May 11, at the El Dorado Performing Arts Center for the annual Nurses Pinning Ceremony. “You did it, you met the standard, you are indeed ready for the challenge,” Schueller said to the nursing graduates.

Dr. Kim Krull, President of Butler Community College, encouraged the future nurses to stand up and wave to their families and friends in recognition of the support they received from their loved ones. “You all have chosen this wonderful profession because each of you innately wants to help others and you know you can make a difference in people's lives. I commend you for that because it takes a special person to do that,” Dr. Krull said.

“I’m so excited that we turned in our purple scrubs for a purple robe today,” Heather R. Bowen, nursing Class President and BSNA President, said as she began her speech on behalf of her fellow graduates. Her speech prompted laughter, nods and memories from peers as she jokingly reminisced about the challenges they faced together.

Bowen also showed appreciation for Butler and the program itself. “Butler has provided us an opportunity to build a solid foundation and we as nurses have the responsibility to cultivate that,” she said. “The health care field needs strong individuals, and we have sixty of them right here in purple.”

Current student Jesse Reed and professor Mitchell Taylor received the 2023 Daisy Awards. The Daisy Award is a national award which recognizes educators and students who demonstrate excellent nursing attributes.

Nine graduates also completed Butler’s partnership program with the University of Kansas, earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from KU and their Associate Degree in Nursing from Butler simultaneously.