In celebration of the Fall 2024 graduating class, The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing hosted a convocation on Dec. 6, 2024, at the Lady Bird Johnson Auditorium. The ceremony recognized the accomplishments of 57 bachelor’s students, 27 master’s students, and one doctoral student as they marked this significant milestone in their academic journeys.
“The UT Austin School of Nursing celebrates the remarkable achievements of our Fall 2024 graduates,” said Dean Eun-Ok Im, PhD, MPH, RN, CNS, FAAN. “Your hard work, perseverance and dedication have brought them to this moment of success. We are proud of the leadership, compassion and integrity our graduates will bring to nursing, and our community will continue to support them as they make a lasting impact on health care in Texas and beyond.”
This year’s student speakers were MSN graduate Victoria Tierney and BSN graduate Briana Taylor Bridges. The keynote address was delivered by Pamela F. Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, an internationally renowned nursing leader. Cipriano is the 29th President of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and a professor at both the University of Virginia’s School of Nursing and the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Cipriano delivered an inspiring keynote address to the Fall 2024 graduates of the School of Nursing, emphasizing the transformative nature of graduation and the professional journey ahead. Reflecting on her own career transitions, Cipriano highlighted the importance of navigating change and adapting to new roles, whether moving from student to professional or from one career stage to the next. Drawing from William Bridges’ concept of transitions, she acknowledged the mixed emotions that come with such shifts, urging graduates to embrace new beginnings with optimism and courage.
She also shared her admiration for the nursing profession's long-standing impact, citing historical examples of nurses who have made significant contributions to health care and society. From Florence Nightingale’s pioneering use of data to combat mortality rates during the Crimean War to the courage of nurses in the face of global health crises like Ebola and war, she underscored that nurses are vital agents of change, comfort, and care in the most challenging circumstances. She also acknowledged the global challenges nurses face, from climate change to political instability, emphasizing the profession’s resilience and advocacy for justice.
In closing, Cipriano urged graduates to remember that their education from one of the nation’s premier nursing schools equips them to shape the future of health care. She encouraged them to be leaders, innovators and advocates for health equity, with a call to action to ensure that nurses are no longer invisible but revered for their invaluable contributions. The ceremony marked the beginning of their professional journeys as caregivers and change-makers, and Cipriano expressed her heartfelt congratulations, wishing them success in their careers ahead.
Cipriano has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as dean of the University of Virginia’s School of Nursing, first vice president of the ICN, and two terms as president of the American Nurses Association. She also brings extensive experience as an executive in academic medical centers, with a focus on enhancing the quality and safety of health care delivery and improving the work environment.
A passionate advocate for the nursing profession, Cipriano is widely recognized both in the U.S. and internationally. Throughout her 40-plus-year career, she has spearheaded initiatives to elevate the role and visibility of nurses, while amplifying nursing’s influence on policy. She currently serves as co-chair of the UHC2030 Steering Committee, a multi-stakeholder platform dedicated to advancing universal health coverage and strengthening health systems globally.
Additionally, Cipriano co-chairs the National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience, which works to prevent burnout and promote the physical, mental and emotional health of clinicians. Among her numerous honors and awards, she was named the 2010-2011 Distinguished Nurse Scholar-in-Residence at the Institute of Medicine, received the American Academy of Nursing’s Healthcare Leader Award in 2018 and was named a Living Legend in 2023 for her outstanding leadership and contributions to the nursing profession.
Learn more about the UT Austin School of Nursing Fall 2024 commencement and watch the ceremony.