Words of perseverance, purpose, and service filled Patrick F. Adams Hall as first-year nursing students at St. George’s University gathered to begin their professional journey. Held on January 30, the School of Arts and Sciences Nursing Induction Ceremony marked a meaningful milestone as students were formally welcomed into the nursing program.
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Serving as keynote speaker, Nadine Augustine, BSN ’25, a registered nurse and proud SGU alumna, encouraged students to remain steadfast as they embark on the demanding but rewarding road ahead.
“Today is not just a ceremony—it marks the beginning of a journey that will challenge you, strengthen you, and shape you into the nurses you are meant to become,” Nurse Augustine said. “There will be long nights, moments of doubt, and even failure. But don’t give up. Nursing school isn’t breaking you—it’s building you. Hold on to your ‘why,’ because one day you’ll look back and be grateful you didn’t quit.”
Drawing from her own experiences transitioning from nursing student to practicing nurse within Grenada’s public healthcare system, she reminded inductees that resilience, faith, and strong support systems are essential to thriving in the profession.
A symbol of service and humanism
Eighty-nine students were inducted into the nursing profession during the ceremony, the largest cohort in the program’s history—marking their formal entry into the program and their commitment to compassionate care.
Each student received The Arnold P. Gold Foundation’s golden Mobius loop pin, a symbol representing humanism in healthcare and the responsibility to lead with empathy and respect. The inductees also recited the International Council of Nurses pledge, affirming their dedication to ethical practice and patient-centered service.
Nurse Jemma Cornwall, chair and director of the Department of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, underscored the significance of the moment.
“Today marks the beginning of a meaningful and transformative journey,” Nurse Cornwall said. “You are entering a noble profession that demands dedication, resilience, and empathy. There will be long hours and moments that test your spirit, but there will also be profound fulfillment in knowing that your skills and compassion make a difference in the lives of others.”
Welcoming more men into nursing
This year’s ceremony also marked a historic milestone for the program, with at least six male nursing students inducted—the largest number of men enrolled in a single nursing cohort in SGU’s history.
Among them was first-year student Ishmael Wellington, who reflected proudly on the significance of receiving his pin.
“Getting my pin today made everything feel real,” Wellington shared. “All the hard work is starting to pay off. I didn’t always know I wanted to be a nurse—I once thought about becoming a doctor—but nursing felt like the right place to start. This is the beginning of my journey, and I’m excited to see where it leads.”
For Jaiden Belmar, the decision to pursue nursing came after discovering a deeper sense of purpose.
“Nursing feels like a calling,” Belmar said. “The moment I spoke with the director of nursing, I felt this pull to take the risk and commit fully. I want to give back to my community, especially in maternal care, and make a positive impact on future mothers and families.”
Their presence reflects a growing shift in the profession and underscores SGU’s continued commitment to expanding access and opportunity within healthcare education.
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Answering the call
For many students, the ceremony represented both a beginning and the realization of a lifelong dream.
First-year nursing student Muneera Hamid described feeling overwhelmed with emotion as she received her pin.
“I felt excited and nervous all at once,” Hamid said. “My journey at SGU is just beginning, and I’m ready to make the sacrifices it takes. I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, and I want to be the first in my family to do this—to inspire others and make a difference by helping people when they need it most. I owe so much to my mom, who is a massage therapist. She has always pushed and supported me, and this moment is just as much hers as it is mine.”
Kimura Cole, a first-year nursing student from Bermuda, echoed that sense of gratitude and purpose.
“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Cole shared. “When I got my pin, I felt nervous at first, but mostly excited. I’ve always had a caring spirit, and my goal is to become a labor and delivery nurse so I can support mothers as they step into motherhood.”
As the newest cohort begins their academic and clinical training, the Spring 2026 Nursing Induction Ceremony served as a powerful reminder that nursing is not just a profession, but a lifelong commitment to service and excellence. With its largest cohort to date—and the highest number of male inductees in a single term—SGU’s nursing program continues to grow in strength, diversity, and impact.
