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The Pinning Ceremony is a cherished tradition at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Nursing, honoring graduating nursing students and their families. Separate from the university’s commencement, this special event marks the completion of the nursing program and the students’ formal initiation into the profession.
It is both a celebration of achievement and a rite of passage, recognizing the dedication of students and the guidance of faculty. The ceremony highlights the values of nursing through meaningful traditions:
- Celebration: Honoring the hard work and accomplishments of graduating nursing students.
- Initiation: Signifying their official entry into the nursing profession.
- Tradition: Featuring the recitation of the Nightingale Pledge, affirming their commitment to ethical and compassionate care.
- Symbolism: Awarding each graduate a nursing pin, a lasting emblem of the profession and its values.
Pinning Celebration
Seating is limited for student's guests and seats cannot be saved for late arriving guests on the first floor. Once last floor doors are closed to the event jut before the ceremony begins, late arriving guests will be seated in the upper balcony area.
UTRGV Performing Arts Location and Parking
See the campus map for location. A visitor permit is not required for allowed parking in Lot E6 and Lot E19.
During the summer, the location and parking are at the Student Union.
Save the Date for the future Pinning Ceremony:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- UTRGV Embroidered gray scrubs and white coats (RN to BSN students only can wear their embroidered white coat).
- Both must be clean and pressed.
- Students will receive instructions via email regarding who will pin them.
- Selections must be submitted in advance by the deadline (if student does not provide their selection by the deadline, a faculty member will be selected for the student).
- Yes, a mandatory practice session is held about one hour before the event.
- Students will receive instructions via email (arrive at rehearsal on time).
- No, attendance is not mandatory.
- Review the program provided at the ceremony (if available before the event, it will be featured on this webpage above) as it outlines the agenda.
- Leadership and faculty will be seated on stage.
- Students are individually recognized as their names are called.
- Each student walks across the stage to be pinned
- Students will process into the ceremony and sit in a reserved section.
- A student group photo will be taken at the event.
- Review of SON’s YouTube channel for short videos of former events.
- Yes, family, friends, and guests are welcome.
- Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- No saving seats for late-arriving guests.
- Weapons or firearms
- Food and drinks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Illegal drugs
- Inflatables/balloons
- Aerosol cans/noisemakers
- Strollers (they can be left, at your own risk, in the lobby area by the welcome tables)
- Business casual is recommended.
- Guests may take photos or video but must remain seated for safety and traffic flow.
- Professional photos will be taken by the School of Nursing (if available).
- Photos may be shared with students via a photo gallery (if available).
- Photos may be taken in the lobby area.
- School of Nursing banners will be available as backdrops.
- Family and guests are not allowed on stage before, during, or after the event to take personal photos.
- No, the ceremony is not taped or livestreamed.
- If future ceremonies include viewing options, details will be announced on the invitation and/or via email.