BRADENTON, FL (Dec. 11, 2025)—State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) awarded 173 pins to nursing graduates at its Winter 2025 nursing pinning ceremony at SCF’s Bradenton campus on Friday, Dec. 5.  

The graduates earned 86 Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) degrees and 87 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees. All graduates are prepared to work in acute and chronic care settings and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination to become licensed registered nurses (RNs). Eight ASN graduates are continuing in SCF’s ASN to BSN fast-track program, which allows them to get a head start on taking leadership and management, public health and other bachelor-level courses. These courses can be applied toward SCF’s RN to BSN program.

The nursing pinning ceremony included opening and closing remarks by Tammy Sawmelle, Ph.D., MSN, RN, dean of nursing and education, an introduction of guests and faculty by Holly Park, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC, ASN/BSN instructor, and graduate addresses by Katelynne Caputo and Domenica Stefania Olvera Narvaez.

Summer Schultz, graduate, and Stephen Brelsford, coordinator, simulation center and nursing communications, were honored with the Pat Kuebler Memorial Scholarship Award and the Dr. Mary Lou Proch Future of Caring Award, respectively.

Laura Cochardo, MSN, RN, CHPN, completion coordinator, presented the history of the nursing pinning ceremony. Katie Tinley, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CNE, director, BSN curriculum and instruction, led the candle lighting and recitation of the nurses’ pledge. Name readers were Beth Crescenti, MSN, RN, ASN/BSN instructor, Ginelle Stewart, BSN, RN, clinical faculty, and Steffany Waters, BSN, RN, clinical faculty.

Schultz received her award in recognition of her exceptional demonstration of strong principles, dedication to the nursing profession, and compassion for all people. Cassandra Holmes, vice president of advancement and executive director of the State College of Florida Foundation, said, “Despite facing significant personal and family challenges, Summer has remained steadfast in her commitment to her nursing education. She is an outstanding student with a very bright future.”

Brelsford graduated with an AS degree in computer information technology from SCF in Spring 2021 and was an Outstanding Graduate Award finalist. He joined SCF’s nursing program in July 2021 and recalls visiting SCF’s campus as a child with his mom, who graduated from SCF’s (then Manatee Community College) nursing program in 1993. He received his award in recognition of his exemplary dedication to nursing students and impact on future patient care. “This award touches me deeply because caring is the heart of everything our program stands for,” Brelsford said. “Our students’ courage and resilience inspire me constantly, and I’m grateful for the trust they place in me to share their milestones and moments of triumph.”

Learn more about the SCF nursing program at SCF.edu. To donate to the State College of Florida Foundation scholarship fund to support SCF students’ education, visit SCF-Foundation.org or contact Lori Stephens Tomlinson at 941-752-5108 or StepheL1@SCF.edu.

Photo caption: Cassandra Holmes, vice president of advancement and executive director of the State College of Florida Foundation, presents the Pat Kuebler Memorial Scholarship Award to graduate Summer Schultz at the Winter 2025 nursing pinning ceremony at SCF’s Bradenton campus.

Photo caption: Tammy Sawmelle, Ph.D., MSN, RN, dean of nursing and education, addresses the audience at the Winter 2025 nursing pinning ceremony at SCF’s Bradenton campus.