46 receive diplomas from CSI nurse program
Traditional pinning ceremony is held in Performing Arts Center on Willowbrook campus

Staten Island Advance
Thursday, January 8, 2004

As families and friends looked on in pride, 46 students from the College of Staten Island's nursing program were presented associate's diplomas yesterday during a traditional pinning ceremony held in the Performing Arts Center of the Willowbrook campus.

"What a great way to start the New Year, celebrating the accomplishments of these graduates," said Linda Reese, a professor and chairwoman of the nursing department. "This is a larger class than we've had in a while. The numbers are coming up, but we still need 1 million nurses by 2006. Be excited about what you do and recruit."

Patricia Discenza, a certified pediatric nurse-practitioner and adjunct professor at CSI, was the guest speaker. Ms. Discenza, who earned her associate's and bachelor's degrees from CSI, and a master's degree from Wagner College, Grymes Hill, recalled her pinning ceremony.

"I started out the same way as you. I was excited and proud, but asked myself, just as you have, 'Am I ready for nursing?' You are ready. Today you are equipped professionals. Be proud and be confident," she said.

After receiving their AAS pins, the graduates held Nightingale Lamps and recited the International Council of Nurses' Pledge. A slide-show presentation followed, with musical accompaniment provided by the Michael Consolmagno Band.

Student speaker Patricia DeFelice, a Huguenot mother of two and chairwoman of the pinning steering committee, addressed her fellow classmates.

"This is a very special day for which we have worked very hard. With the constant support from our family and friends, we're here today. Let us congratulate each other for our perseverance and determination."

"Along this journey we have blossomed into caring professionals, ready to make a difference in people's lives. This is not the end, but rather the beginning," she added.

For one graduate, becoming a nurse meant changing careers. "I was drawn to helping the sick. I wanted to give something back to the community," said Frank Galante of Great Kills, a former truck mechanic.

Shawna A. Townsend trekked each day from her Bronx home to CSI in order to fulfill a childhood dream.

"As a child growing up I was always receptive to people who were hurt. My grandmother had leukemia and I became more eager to reach out to someone, to help them carry on," she said.

The January 2004 graduates are:

Frank Agivaive, Joe-Lyn Nicole Alves, Patricia Antonacci, Christina Bonomi, Theresa Marie Bova, Dina Bright, Connie M. Charles, Ivonne Chavarria, Jennifer A. Chesney, Christine Cioffi, Cynthia Correa, Melissa J. Corriero, Michelle T. Corriero, Alison Curtis, Patricia DeFelice, David Duncan, Jessica L. Durkin, Therese L. Formica, Josephine A. Gaglio, Frank Nicholas Galante, Claudia Gallacci, Erin M. Gallagher, Henia Kaplan, Jessica Marie Large, Kafilet K. Lewis, Lan Li, Melissa A. Madalone, Nephili Ann Ma