On Wednesday, December 10, Southwestern Michigan College, welcomed fourteen new nurses to America’s largest health care profession with more than four million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide.
Despite growth, the United States faces a significant nursing shortage, with projections for 2025 and beyond showing critical gaps — especially for RNs. The need for nurses is expected to grow faster than average, with more than 193,000 annual openings projected for RNs.
SMC’s fall class received associate degrees in nursing (ADN) in a pinning ceremony in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building on the Dowagiac campus. The class joins the ranks of 3,231 SMC nursing graduates.
Dr. Melissa Kennedy, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Services, welcomed family and friends.
“This evening marks a significant milestone, a moment when our students step forward from rigorous academic and clinical preparation into the noble practice of nursing,” Kennedy said.
Adjunct Instructor Lisa Pulling addressed graduates.
“I hope you carry that professionalism and compassion you showed at the hospital during obstetrics clinicals into your future nursing careers,” Pulling said. “Congratulations, Class of 2025. My wisdom for you is that your dedication will make a difference in the lives of countless patients. This is just the beginning of an incredible journey.”
Graduates include: Mariana Allen of Niles, Alexis Clanton of Edwardsburg, Madalyn Coleman of Berrien Center, Danielle Confer of Decatur, Rachel Garner of Three Rivers, Sara Greenway of Dowagiac, Abby Ickes of Dowagiac, Timothy Keene of Dowagiac, Brooke Leonard of Marcellus, Luisa Lopez Rodriguez of Bristol, Savannah Lowery of Marcellus, Rachelle Miller of Dowagiac, Carlos Rosales of Marcellus and Gabriella Stover of Berrien Springs.
SMC’s nursing faculty includes Chair Rona Goodrich, MSN, RN; Stacey Dwyer, MSN, RN; Rebecca Eichler-Toth, BSN, RN; Hazel Lim, MSN, RN; Haley Smith, MSN, RN; Yolanda Roche, MSN, FNP, RN; adjuncts Megan Austin, DNP, MBA, RN; Lynn Behrens, BSN, RNC; Emily Burandt, BSN, RN; Brian Edgerly, BSN, RN; Jeanette Clark, BSN, RN; Allison Coleman, BSN, RN; Michelle Mercado, BSN, RN, NPD-BC; Jessica Pethick, BSN, RNC; Lisa Pulling, BS, RNC; Emma Schroeder; Donna Stiver, MSN, RN; and Alisa Ventrone, BSN, RN.
Mollie Grabemeyer is the nursing success and retention coach. Administrative assistant Victoria Christen coordinates the simulation lab.
In an unprecedented three-way tie, Sara Greenway, Abby Ickes and Savannah Lowery were presented Lamps of Knowledge in recognition of the peer-selected Florence Nightingale Award embodying selflessness, compassion, thoughtfulness, team play, dependability, generosity and humility.
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