Dr. Stephanie Parker, chair of the OBU School of Nursing, with graduating nursing student Ashley Bell
OBU’s 2026 nursing graduates were honored Friday during the Pinning and Lamp-Lighting Ceremony at the Geiger Center on the OBU campus.
OBU Honors Nursing Graduates During Pinning Ceremony
May 8, 2026
OBU honored its graduating nursing class during the School of Nursing’s Pinning and Lamp Lighting Ceremony held Friday, May 8, at 2 p.m. in the Geiger Center, Rooms 219-220, on the OBU campus.
Dr. Stephanie Parker, chair of the OBU School of Nursing, welcomed graduates and guests to the ceremony. Dr. Larinee Dennis, provost and chief academic officer and professor of education, led the invocation. OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas offered opening remarks and shared a brief word of congratulations with the graduating nurses.
Jennifer Roberson, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from OBU in 2000, delivered the address to graduates.
Roberson currently practices in home health care and brings extensive experience from medical-surgical, orthopedic and ambulatory surgery settings. She also served as an adjunct faculty member in ESSR this semester.
Roberson continues to share her knowledge and passion for nursing as she pursues a master’s degree in nursing education, reflecting her commitment to advancing the profession through learning, mentorship and service to others.
Dr. Robin Brothers discussed the significance of the ceremony.
Receiving pins were Ashley Bell, Avery Blaine, Gabriel Brown, Gracen Laine Cunningham, Mary Grace Dyer, Airalee Evans, Lyn F. Franklin, Jaedyn Getman, LynDee Hammer, Dornette Sharmaine Henry, Ian Wayne Huskinson, Sydnie Jordan, Hannah Kasterke, Samantha Ann Lehr, Taylor Denise McArthur, Kimberly McKinney, Matty Schierloh, Maya Sullivan, Liv Charlotte Todd, Christian Toney, Bianca Grace Van der Linden, Natalie Jo Vogler, Faith Wright and Chloe Ziegler.
Professor Abbie Richardson, instructor of nursing and director of nursing simulation, led the benediction.