LCCC Celebrates 50 Years of Nursing Excellence with Special Pinning Ceremony

Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) marked a historic milestone today as it celebrated its 50th annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony at the Mohegan Pennsylvania Keystone Grand Ballroom. The event honored the college's half-century legacy of excellence in nursing education, bringing together the Class of 2025 with alumni from LCCC's very first graduating class in 1975.*

In a moving ceremony rich with tradition and emotion, more than 100 nursing graduates received their pins--a symbol of their entry into the nursing profession. They were joined by several members of the inaugural class, who reflected on their experiences and shared words of wisdom with the new generation of nurses.

"It's amazing to see how far the program has come," said Lois Scott, a member of the 1975 class. "We started in a small building in Wilkes-Barre, and now the college has grown so much. I still work per diem, and I can tell you, LCCC continues to produce excellent nurses with strong preparation and passion."

Alan Stevens, also from the original class, recalled the program's humble beginnings: "Our classes were held in a run-down building that doesn't even exist anymore. When we moved to the new campus, it was a big deal. It's hard to believe it's been 50 years, but the impact of this program is undeniable."

Norma Janoski, who went on to earn her master's degree and teach at LCCC, offered encouragement to the new graduates: "This is your stepping stone. Get your bachelor's, your master's?become nurse practitioners or educators. The future is wide open."

The ceremony also featured remarks from members of the Class of 2025, who shared their excitement and pride in joining the ranks of LCCC-trained nurses.

"This journey wasn't easy, but we are prepared for what's ahead," said Carlita France, who emphasized the importance of perseverance and lifelong learning. "We are not just starting our nursing careers--we're beginning a journey that will impact lives."

Paige Evans, another graduate, highlighted the emotional significance of the day: "This isn't just any ceremony. It represents every hour we studied, every challenge we overcame. Seeing the original class here with us shows how far nursing has come?and how important it remains."

The pinning ceremony, a cherished tradition in nursing that dates back to Florence Nightingale, served as a powerful reminder of the enduring values of compassion, care, and community service that define LCCC's nursing program.

As LCCC celebrates five decades of nursing excellence, the event underscored the program's legacy and its continued role in shaping the future of healthcare in northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond.