Hartford, Patrick among UMFK nursing students honored at pinning ceremony
FORT KENT – The University of Maine at Fort Kent celebrated the next generation of healthcare professionals during the 41st annual nurse pinning ceremony May 8 at the UMFK Sports Center. The event, themed “The Power of Nurses”, honored 21 bachelor of science in nursing students who took part in the traditional pinning rite.
The ceremony marks a significant milestone in a nurse’s career, symbolizing the dedication, honor and compassion required to serve patients and the community.
Among those receiving their nursing pins were Hailee R. Hartford of Cambridge and Eva M. Patrick of Greenville.
Faculty, staff, students, family members and friends gathered to honor the recipients. UMFK President Deb Hedeen welcomed attendees and extended congratulations to the nursing class.
“The nursing pin you receive this afternoon symbolizes far more than completion of a program,” Erin C. Soucy, dean of nursing, said. “Historically, the pin represents service, honor, trust and dedication to the care of others. When you receive your pin, you join generations of nurses who have answered the call to serve with courage, integrity and compassion.”
NURSING GRADS — University of Maine-Fort Kent nursing graduates taking part in a pinning ceremony last month. Front, from left, Mikala Ferland, Erin Wood and Eva Patrick of Greenville. Second row, Deborah Moulton, Hailee Hartford of Cambridge, Wendy Whyte and Jenna Badeau. Third row, Kayla Iwata, Mallory Corriveau, Lindsey Desroches, Olivia Jalbert, Danielle Pelletier and Folakemi Lotun, Back, Brandice Dominguez, Samantha Soucie, Anita Abrokwah, Sadie Pelletier, Ana Panameno, Breanna Smith and Esther Agboola.
The guest speaker for the pinning ceremony was Susan Dubay, a lifelong learner and educator. Dubay began her career working with and teaching children before specializing in special education. She has served UMFK in various roles, including as an adjunct faculty member and as a college success specialist for the Jobs for Maine Graduates program. She currently serves as UMFK’s director of student support services.
“You don’t have to overcome everything all at once. You just have to keep going,” Dubay told the graduates. “The strength you built during hard moments — the doubt, the fear, the exhaustion — is the same strength that will carry you forward when it matters most.”
To begin the ceremony, Assistant Professor of Nursing Maisie Plourde thanked the healthcare institutions that supported the graduates during their clinical courses and in-state preceptorships. These included Cary Medical Center; Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center; Forest Hill Long Term Care, Rehabilitation, and Skilled Nursing Center; Houlton Regional Hospital; MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital; MaineHealth Stephens Hospital; Maine Medical Center; Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital; Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center; and Northern Maine Medical Center.
Out-of-state preceptorships occurred at Elliot Hospital in New Hampshire; Olathe Medical Center in Kansas; Parkview Regional Medical Center in Indiana; and Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire.
Because the UMFK Nursing Division relies so heavily on regional hospitals in the region, NMMC, Cary Medical Center and Northern Light AR Gould Hospital were presented with a plaque, which will be displayed on the wall of their institution. Plourde thanked all practicing nurses who make a difference in our student’s lives.
Nicole Theriault, UMFK clinical assistant professor, presented the Student Nurse Citizenship Award to Danielle Pelletier.
“Sometimes, the greatest heroes among us are the quietest. They face adversity with calm, humble strength, rarely seeking attention or asking for recognition,” Soucy said. “Whether volunteering or balancing the heavy weight of work, school and personal tragedy, they serve others first. One of our graduates truly exemplifies this spirit.”
The address to the senior class was delivered by Hartford, who welcomed the nursing class of 2026 during the pinning ceremony celebrating their determination and perseverance.
Hartford emphasized that nursing education extends beyond exams and procedures, highlighting the personal growth required to provide presence and attention to patients in critical moments.
As the graduates received their pins, Hartford reminded them that nursing is a calling that demands strength and heart.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional candle lighting and the recitation of the Nightingale Pledge.
To learn more about the nursing program at UMFK, visit umfk.edu/academics/programs/nursing/.