Photo Caption: Berkeley College Practical Nurse graduates celebrate the completion of their nursing program. The Berkeley College School of Health Studies honored a new cohort of healthcare heroes entering the workforce at a pinning ceremony for its nursing graduates on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ.

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The Berkeley College School of Health Studies honored a new cohort of healthcare heroes entering the workforce at a recognition and pinning ceremony for its nursing graduates on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ. The Nurse Recognition Ceremony marked the completion of the academic programs for 17 graduates of the College's Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN) program and 10 graduates of the Practical Nurse (PN) program.

"Graduates, never underestimate the impact you will have," said Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College, in her welcome address to the nursing cohort. "Your knowledge will heal, but your compassion will transform lives."

"Nursing is not just a profession, but a promise," said Barbara Crump, PhD, Professor, Nursing, Berkeley College School of Health Studies. "A promise to show up with compassion, and a promise to practice with integrity."

LPN to BSN graduate Katherine Gerlich of New City, NY, and PN graduate Alexander Pena of Avenel, NJ, addressed their peers, encouraging them on their journeys forward and thanking them for their support throughout their respective programs.

"We shared one thing: the decision to keep moving forward even when the decision was not easy," Gerlich said. Gerlich, an LPN at a pediatric clinic, plans to become a registered nurse and eventually a nurse educator.

Pena was employed as a STEM teacher before beginning a career in healthcare as a medical assistant and patient care technician. Pena noted that his previous positions "taught the importance of communication, patience, and compassion when you are caring for others." He plans to work as a pediatric nurse and ultimately would like to become a nurse practitioner.

"There will be days where you are exhausted, stressed, questioning yourself, and wanting to throw in the towel, but it is so incredibly important to not lose sight of why you started," Pena said.

Photo Captions (L to R): Katherine Gerlich of New City, NY, and Alexander Pena of Avenel, NJ, deliver addresses to their peers on the importance of their chosen careers. The Berkeley College School of Health Studies honored a new cohort of healthcare heroes entering the workforce at a pinning ceremony for its nursing graduates on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ.

Two Berkeley College Nursing students were recognized for compassion and excellence in clinical care. Jamar Wilson and Senay Yilmaz, both of Woodland Park, NJ, were each presented with a DAISY Award, acknowledged within the nursing community among the highest symbols of nursing professionalism and dedication.

The DAISY Award was created in 1999 in memory of J. Patrick Barnes to acknowledge the care, support, and empathy shown by his nurses.

Photo Caption (L to R): Jamar Wilson and Senay Yilnaz, both of Woodland Park, NJ, receive DAISY Awards, acknowledged within the nursing community among the highest symbols of nursing professionalism, for compassion and excellence in clinical care. The Berkeley College School of Health Studies honored a new cohort of healthcare heroes entering the workforce at a pinning ceremony for its nursing graduates on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ.

Yilmaz is employed as a school nurse aide. The job "has strengthened my passion for nursing and helped me grow my communication, teamwork, and patient care skills," Yilmaz said. She plans to continue to work in a school environment in the future along with furthering her education and becoming a registered nurse.

Wilson is employed as an LPN manager and plans to further his career in psychiatric mental health. "I chose the mental health field to bring more awareness and preventative measures to urban communities," Wilson said.

"The profession of nursing is both recognized as an art and a science," said Kandis McLean, DNP, Chair, Nursing, Berkeley College School of Health Studies. "You don't become a nurse - you are a nurse. The healthcare landscape will continue to evolve, but as you receive your pins, wear them with pride. Let them serve as a reminder of how far you have come and how far you have yet to go."

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 13 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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