The University of Maine at Fort Kent celebrated the next generation of healthcare professionals during the 41st annual nurse pinning ceremony held Friday, May 8, at the UMFK Sports Center. The event, themed “The Power of Nurses,” honored 21 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students who took part in the traditional pinning rite.
The ceremony marks a significant milestone in a nurse’s career, symbolizing the dedication, honor, and compassion required to serve patients and the community.
The following Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students received their nursing pins: Anita G. Abrokwah (Huntington Station, NY); Esther I. Agboola (Albilene, Texas); Jenna A. Badeau (Fayette, Maine); Mallory D. Corriveau (Frenchville); Lindsey J. Desroches (Mexico, Maine); Brandice E. Dominguez (Fort Kent); Mikala A. Ferland (Fairfield, Maine); Hailee R. Hartford (Cambridge, Maine); Kayla Iwata (Hilo, Hawaii); Olivia C. Jalbert (Presque Isle); Alice L. Kerber (Freeport, Maine); Folakemi E. Lotun (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada); Deborah C. Moulton (South Portland, Maine); Ana Panameno (Brooklyn, NY); Eva M. Patrick (Greenville, Maine): Danielle M. Pelletier (Fort Kent); Sadie F. Pelletier (Fort Kent); Breanna L. Smith (Milbridge, Maine); Samantha R. Soucie (Palm City, Fla); Wendy S. Whyte (Bangor, Maine); and Erin M. Wood (Vassalboro, Maine).
Faculty, staff, students, family members, and friends gathered to honor the recipients. UMFK President Deb Hedeen welcomed attendees and extended congratulations to the nursing class.
“The nursing pin you receive this afternoon symbolizes far more than completion of a program,” Erin C. Soucy, dean of nursing. Historically, the pin represents service, honor, trust, and dedication to the care of others. When you receive your pin, you join generations of nurses who have answered the call to serve with courage, integrity, and compassion.”
The guest speaker for the pinning ceremony was Susan Dubay, a lifelong learner and educator. Dubay began her career working with and teaching children before specializing in special education. She has served UMFK in various roles, including as an adjunct faculty member and as a college success specialist for the Jobs for Maine Graduates program. She currently serves as UMFK’s director of student support services.
“You don’t have to overcome everything all at once. You just have to keep going, Dubay told the graduates. “The strength you built during hard moments – the doubt, the fear, the exhaustion – is the same strength that will carry you forward when it matters most.”
To begin the ceremony, Assistant Professor of Nursing Maisie Plourde thanked the healthcare institutions that supported the graduates during their clinical courses and in-state preceptorships. These included Cary Medical Center; Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center; Forest Hill Long Term Care, Rehabilitation, and Skilled Nursing Center; Houlton Regional Hospital; MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital; MaineHealth Stephens Hospital; Maine Medical Center; Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital; Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center; and Northern Maine Medical Center.
Out-of-state preceptorships occurred at Elliot Hospital in New Hampshire; Olathe Medical Center in Kansas; Parkview Regional Medical Center in Indiana; and Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire.
Because the UMFK Nursing Division relies so heavily on regional hospitals in the region, NMMC, Cary Medical Center, and Northern Light AR Gould Hospital were presented with a plaque, which will be displayed on the wall of their institution. Plourde thanked all practicing nurses who make a difference in our students’ lives.
Nicole Theriault, UMFK clinical assistant professor, presented the Student Nurse Citizenship Award to Danielle Pelletier.
“Sometimes, the greatest heroes among us are the quietest. They face adversity with calm, humble strength, rarely seeking attention or asking for recognition,” Soucy said. “Whether volunteering or balancing the heavy weight of work, school, and personal tragedy, they serve others first. One of our graduates truly exemplifies this spirit.”
The Division of Nursing also honors an alumnus annually. The Outstanding Nursing Alumni Award is bestowed upon a graduate who displays exceptional accomplishment in the profession and a commitment to community through volunteerism and humanitarian efforts. Kelley McIntyre was presented with the 2026 Outstanding Nurse Alumna Award. She received the honor at a ceremony the prior evening held at the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus.
Additionally, the division recognizes community members who demonstrate a commitment to healthcare and education. This year, Jason Parent was honored with the Community Leader Award, which was also presented the evening before on the UMPI campus.
This year’s ceremony included a tribute to RN-to-BSN student Heather Browning, who died following a motor vehicle accident. A dedicated nurse for Maine’s veterans, an avid gardener, and a passionate reader, Browning would have graduated this year. The university recognized her at commencement on Saturday, May 9, with a posthumous degree. Soucy led the audience in a moment of silence to honor her memory.
The address to the senior class was delivered by Hailee Hartford, who welcomed the nursing class of 2026 during the pinning ceremony, celebrating their determination and perseverance.
Hartford emphasized that nursing education extends beyond exams and procedures, highlighting the personal growth required to provide presence and attention to patients in critical moments.
As the graduates received their pins, Hartford reminded them that nursing is a calling that demands strength and heart.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional candle lighting and the recitation of the Nightingale Pledge.
Principal Lecturer Sandy Pelletier, MSN, RN, recognized Denise Potvin, who is retiring from the UMFK nursing program after more than 19 years of service. An alumna of the program, Potvin served the university as a professional advisor, clinical coordinator, lab manager, and nurse educator.
The UMFK Nursing Division faculty and staff are Erin C. Soucy, Rachel E. Albert, Kortney Collins, Shannon Curran, Christine Desjardins, Kasey Hammond, Larry Nadeau, Stephanie Nadeau, Sandy Pelletier, Fran Picard, Maisie Plourde, Denise Potvin, James Schaefer, Tanya Sleeper, Nicole Theriault, and Stacy Thibodeau.
To learn more about the Nursing program at UMFK, visit the nursing program webpage.