Celebrating the excellence of McMaster’s School of Nursing Class of 2024 graduates

The School of Nursing congratulates over 540 graduates during the spring 2024 convocation.

McMaster University’s School of Nursing (SON) celebrated the graduation of its class of 2024 in a convocation ceremony held at the FirstOntario Concert Hall. Convocation marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from the students and faculty alike. 

Held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., the event was attended by chancellor, president, senior leaders, faculty, official guests such as the SON’s 2024 honorary doctorate Dr. David Olds, and of course the proud families and friends of the graduates. The class of 2024 consisted of 545 undergraduate BScN students, 12 master’s students and one PhD.

Assistant Dean of the Graduate Nursing Programs and Associate Professor, Nancy Carter, reflects on the significance of this celebration. “It was wonderful to see students from the PhD, Masters Thesis and Masters Course Based Program convocate this spring. Many of these students started the program during the pandemic, which made research and working with clients and organizations difficult. Nevertheless, the students persevered and completed the program. The future is bright for these graduates, who will pursue various nursing positions in clinical, education, administrative and research areas.”

Convocation is not just a celebration of academic achievement, but also a recognition of the personal growth and development of each student. All the graduating students have been prepared for their careers as health professionals. They have completed comprehensive curriculums to adequately prepare them for their next phase.

In addition to convocation, BScN graduates attend the traditional pinning ceremony. The pinning ceremony is organized by the McMaster University Nursing Student Society (MUNSS) with support of the Tri-site BScN Leadership team each year, and this year it took place at McMaster. The pinning ceremony marks a significant tradition for the BScN Collaborative Program. Graduates receive their pin as a recognition of entry into the nursing profession.

“I am so pleased to have supported a large cohort of future nurses as they enter our health care workforce. These amazing graduates received the McMaster nursing pin as a symbol of entry into the profession. It is a recognition of the care and commitment they offer to patients and families. I encourage all BScN graduates to wear their pin with pride and continue to nurse with a sense of humility and integrity,” says Assistant Dean of the Undergraduate Nursing Programs and Associate Professor, Joanna Pierazzo.

As the graduates embark on their professional journey, they carry with them the values and principles instilled in them by McMaster’s SON. They are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in their practice.

Convocation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for these new healthcare professionals. As they step into the world, they carry with them the hopes and expectations of their alma mater. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2024! The journey has just begun.