Different Journeys, One Calling: Berkeley College Nursing Graduates are United in Their Mission to Provide Compassionate Care

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Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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Photo Caption: (L to R) Berkeley College School of Health Studies graduates Nakia Neil, Amanda McNeil, and Stephanie Fernandez receive their nursing pins at the semesterly Nurse Recognition Ceremony in Woodland Park, NJ, signifying the completion of their programs. The three women were honored as outstanding graduates during the December 12, 2025, ceremony for their resilience, determination, and perseverance.

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See the Photos: Click here to view all the photos from the Nurse Recognition Ceremony at Berkeley College.

The Berkeley College School of Health Studies held its semesterly Nurse Recognition Ceremony and highlighted several outstanding graduates, including Nakia Neil, Amanda McNeil, and Stephanie Fernandez, for their resilience, determination, and perseverance. While each of the honorees had different motivations for pursuing degrees in healthcare, they are united in their mission to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.

"Nursing is both a gift and a responsibility," said Mandanna Naleyanda, MD, Interim Dean, Berkeley College School of Health Studies. "You will be someone's advocate, someone's comfort, someone's second chance."

Of the 34 students recognized at the ceremony in Woodland Park on December 12, 2025, two received DAISY Awards for exceptional care and compassion. The DAISY Award was created in 1999 in memory of J. Patrick Barnes to acknowledge the care, support, and empathy shown by his nurses.

Student Spotlights

Nakia Neil
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Paterson, NJ

During her time at Berkeley College, Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate Nakia Neil of Paterson, NJ, balanced parenting, working full-time, and managing school. "Every challenge reminded me of why I chose nursing," Neil said. "My biggest 'Aha!' moment came during my psychiatric clinical rotation, when I realized how natural it felt to connect with patients and support them through difficult moments. That experience confirmed that I'm in the right field."

Neil has been influenced and motivated by many of her professors whom she said pushed her "to think deeper, stay curious, and trust her clinical judgment," and challenged her "in a way that built confidence rather than doubt."

"I have had moments that challenged me, moments that humbled me, and moments that reminded me exactly why I chose this field," Neil said. She said being a parent of two children, ages seven and two, has helped her gain "a deeper understanding of what it truly means to care for others."

While Neil continues in her home care career at Care Options for Kids, she wishes to pursue further studies to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Photo Caption: Graduate Nakia Neil of Paterson, NJ, delivers a speech about her journey through the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program while parenting and working full-time. Neil was one of several women honored as an outstanding graduate during the December 12, 2025, Nurse Recognition Ceremony at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ.

Amanda McNeil
Practical Nurse Certificate
Budd Lake, NJ

Amanda McNeil of Budd Lake, NJ, is a graduate of the Practical Nurse certificate program. McNeil, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran, plans to return to Berkeley College to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. "I have a genuine interest in the health and wellness of the whole person," McNeil said.

McNeil received a DAISY Award at the Nurse Recognition Ceremony, the highest symbol of nursing excellence and compassion. "Amanda has shown strength, humility, professionalism, kindness, and extreme dedication to the profession and to her peers," said Angelica Delacruz, DNP, CPNP-PC, RN, Chair, Nursing, Berkeley College School of Health Studies.

"Nursing, to me, is about showing up with compassion, consistency, and respect for each individual," McNeil said. She attributes her success to the values and discipline she gained through the U.S. Army Reserve along with the passion and professionalism of the Berkeley College faculty.

"I am grateful to have learned in an environment that values patient-centered care and fostered connection and encouragement," McNeil said.

McNeil is employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Forest Manor Health Care in Blairstown, NJ, and plans to advance in her role upon graduation.

Photo Caption: Graduate Amanda McNeil of Budd Lake, NJ, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran, receives her nursing pin and a DAISY Award, the highest symbol of nursing professionalism and compassion, for her excellence in the Practical Nurse program. McNeil was one of several women honored as an outstanding graduate during the December 12, 2025, Nurse Recognition Ceremony at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ.

Stephanie Fernandez
Practical Nurse Certificate
Clifton, NJ

Stephanie Fernandez of Clifton, NJ, is a 2025 graduate of the Practical Nurse program at Berkeley College. Fernandez was chosen as the Practical Nurse graduate speaker for the Nurse Recognition Ceremony.

"The Nursing program at Berkeley College has been challenging, emotional, and honestly life-changing," Fernandez said. She lost a parent shortly before starting the program, which she said made her journey extraordinarily challenging. "There were days I questioned myself, but I kept going, and nursing school showed me a level of strength in myself that I didn't know I had," Fernandez said.

"Stephanie is a true example of persevering even when life gets in the way," Delacruz said. "She took her grief and changed it into drive, which is the heart of a true nurse."

"I realized that nursing isn't just about passing exams or mastering skills," Fernandez said. "It's about showing up for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Those experiences made it clear that this is exactly where I'm meant to be."

Photo Caption: Practical Nurse graduate and student speaker Stephanie Fernandez of Clifton, NJ, addresses her classmates and professors about the power of grit, resilience, and turning grief into strength. Fernandez was one of several women honored as an outstanding graduate during the December 12, 2025, Nurse Recognition Ceremony at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ.

About Berkeley College

Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master's, Bachelor's, and Associate's degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.

Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor's Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans for 12 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2026 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.

The mission of Berkeley College is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success.

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