Foundation Provides Rite of Passage

On December 11, 2018, 42 PCC nursing students filled the Sexson Auditorium stage anxiously awaiting their pinning ceremony. This rite of passage, signifying acceptance into the nursing family, is a tradition that dates back to the 1860s. While this is a long standing tradition for nursing students, it does not make it official. After graduation, nursing students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) making it the only way to become a licensed, registered nurse. Because the exam falls right after graduation, many nursing students struggle to pay the fees associated with the exam. The cost of the NCLEX exam and the state licensing fees combined costs a total of $550.

The pinning ceremony is already an exciting occasion, but this year the students had even more reason to celebrate. Various Pasadena City College Foundation donors provided funding to surprise all 42 nursing students with an award to cover the entire cost of the exam. The surprise announcement brought a thunderous applause from the graduating class, family members, and faculty in the audience.

This year the PCC Foundation received a great amount of support from current and previous donors so that PCC nursing students could complete their programs here at PCC. From Ernest and Bunde Posey to Margaret Kruse to the Talty Family to the Student Success Donors – every nursing student at PCC this year has received some form of financial support to assist with various educational expenses.