Forty-eight future nurse leaders and their families gathered for fall commencement and pinning ceremonies for the University of Houston Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing. The students represented the college’s Second Degree, RN to BSN and Traditional Bachelor of Science in nursing programs.

“You all have worked very hard to get here and now are prepared to enter the field as nurse leaders and professionals,” said Kathryn Tart, professor and founding dean of the college. “You did it.”

The ceremony took place at the University of Houston Cullen Performance Hall.

The group included 14 students graduating with cum laude distinction and 5 with magna cum laude honors.

Gail M. Vozzella served as commencement speaker. She is a senior vice president and system chief nurse executive at Houston Methodist Hospital. Vozzella urged the new nurses to apply their new skills caring for their charges and advocating for the health care profession.

“All leadership skills start at the bedside in nursing,” she said. “Patience, critical thinking, teamwork and courage. You have to have these tools for success with the challenges ahead.”

Vozzella said advances in technology, especially artificial intelligence, telemedicine and automation will require strong leadership skills for the industry and for patient care.

“Nurses care for humans. We see them at their most vulnerable time,” she said. “You will be part of a radical shift in nursing history. You will be at the center of adapting technologies so that the whole patient is seen. Your leadership starts today.”

Vozella called the graduates the future of health care and urged them to speak up, ask questions, own their mistakes and to be happy.

Following her remarks, Tart announced a scholarship in Vozella’s name which will be given to a future student.

The college recognized students who excelled not only in studies but leadership and clinical patient care:

Student Representatives:

• Ariel Herrera
• Arianna Anchondo

Outstanding Student-Clinical (Traditional BSN)

• Jamenia Benjamin

Outstanding Student (Second Degree BSN)

• Buu Nhu “Noelle” Tran

Tart thanked all supporters and donors whose scholarships assisted students in their academic journey, including the college’s namesake, Andy and Barbara Gessner, who were in attendance. She also thanked the 22 clinical affiliates in the greater Houston area for their role in giving students real-world nursing experience.

Students received the traditional nursing pin that is unique to UH, symbolizing their journey and partnership with the University of Houston. They also received a “Lamp of Learning” and recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge.

This has been a banner year for the Gessner College as they earned recognition for programs, graduation and facilities:

• Ranked number 1 by NCSBN for 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, 2023-2024. Fifth time for 100%. Front page of UH Today.
• Indian Nursing Council: DNP Launch First DNP in India with UH Gessner College of Nursing.
• Published Report: UH College of Nursing Health Clinic
• Accreditation for Nursing Simulation Centers in Sugar Land and Katy by Society for Simulation in Healthcare.

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