The College’s Nursing Programs Honored the Noble Profession as Part of 2025 National Nurses Week
The event was an opportunity to honor nurses and celebrate our LPN and RN students and grads.
Hostos’ Nurses Day celebration was an inspiring tribute to the invaluable contributions of nurses! Moderated by our amazing nursing students, Crystal Sutton and Maia Brathwaite, the day was filled with uplifting speeches and heartfelt appreciation that captured this year’s National Nurses Week theme: The Power of Nurses.
President Dr. Cocco De Filippis noted Hostos’ and CUNY’s nursing programs’ contributions to the nursing workforce.
During her remarks, President Dr. Cocco De Filippis emphasized the strength of Hostos’ nursing program, noting they are among CUNY’s over 5,000 nursing and teaching graduates from the Class of 2025 and declaring “CUNY and Hostos will be taking care of the world.”
Additionally, Provost Shiang-Kwei Wang celebrated nurses as the “heart of healing,” Prof. Kathleen Ronca reminded our future nurses to keep patients at the heart of all they do, and Prof. Ronette Shaw urged them to pursue advanced degrees and become advanced practice nurses.
Students delivered insightful presentations on different aspects of the profession.
We were then inspired by insightful student presentations on the significance of RNs and LPNs, the power of holistic care, and the importance of honoring nursing pioneers. A heartfelt poem, “The Mosaic of Nursing,” written by Dr. Teresa Gray and recited by student Sashy Piña, captured the spirit of dedication that defines the profession.
Alumna Deneisha Noble reflected on her journey through Hostos’ nursing program.
We were proud to welcome back esteemed alumnae Deneisha Noble and Dr. Rosa Heredia, who shared their journey and encouraged current nursing students to pursue their dreams fearlessly. We even heard firsthand accounts of students who recently advocated for nursing issues on Capitol Hill, emphasizing crucial topics like maternal mortality and healthcare violence.
We also welcomed back alumna Dr. Rosa Heredia, who graduated in 2007.
The celebration culminated with a presentation of the prestigious Daisy Award, recognizing exceptional nursing efforts and dedication. This year’s recipients are: Tierra Pridgen (LPN Fall ’24), Tasha Hernandez (RN Fall ’24), Steysi Reyna (RN Spring ’25), and Frederick Bryan (LPN Spring ’25).
Tasha Hernandez (RN Fall ’24) was among four recipients of the prestigious Daisy Award.
This event was more than just a celebration; it was a community gathering, a chance to learn and a testament to the incredible work our nurses do every day!