Sixty-five graduates received their custom URI College of Nursing pin during the college’s semi-annual Pinning Ceremony after the University’s December Commencement exercises Saturday.

Each graduate traditionally receives the college’s unique pin, which was established by the first graduating class on 1950. It represents professional nursing education, which includes the three aspects of development: the spirit of nursing, the science of nursing, and the art of nursing, according to the pin’s description.

“The central motif of the pin is an eight pointed cross similar to those worn during the crusades by knights who were members of the hospital orders,” the tradition reads. “These points represent humility, mercy, sincerity and kindness—qualities of character which the members were encouraged to emulate. Super-imposed is the University seal, which represents the academic and clinical preparation for professional nursing.”

Clinical Associate Professor Diane DiTomasso delivered the faculty address before graduate Maeve Harrington addressed her classmates. Dean Danny Willis and Associate Dean Melissa Sutherland joined DiTomasso in awarding the pins.