WSU College of Nursing Convocation
Over the past five days the graduation season for the Eastern Washington University (EWU) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) has begun. Last Thursday two of our “Fighting Eagles” battalion nursing Cadets participated in the Washington State University College of Nursing Convocation ceremony. The ceremony was held at the historic Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox in downtown Spokane.
The Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox in downtown Spokane.
The FOX theater was built back in 1931 in an art deco style. It has been completely renovated in recent years and is an architectural landmark in downtown Spokane.
Interior of the Fox theater.
During the Convocation Ceremony the graduates receive a special nursing pin presented by nursing professionals or family members. Historians trace this tradition back to the 12th Century when knights during the Crusades cared for their wounded. When new monks were brought into the Knights Order to care for wounded and sick troops, a special ceremony was held where each monk was given a Maltese cross to wear on their arm.
Cadet Candace Madriaga receives her nursing pin from her family.
Cadet Hayley Primm receives her nursing pin from her family.
Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War was honored with the Red Cross of St. George for her efforts to care for wounded British troops. She in turn began awarding medals to nurses she trained. Nightingale would go on to be considered the founder of modern nursing. In the United States, nursing schools instead of giving medals to new nurses, started issuing pins during a special ceremony. Our EWU ROTC nursing Cadets, Candace Madriaga and Hayley Primm had to the opportunity to experience this special ceremony. Congratulations to our two outstanding new nurses.
Florence Nightingale
For anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Nurse through the EWU ROTC program please click the below link.
Running Start Graduation
This week we had more Fighting Eagles Cadets who graduated from the EWU Running Start Program. Running Start is a program that allows qualified high school juniors and seniors to attend college classes at EWU.
The college classes that the Running Start students can enroll in includes Military Science. Currently 10% of the Fighting Eagles battalion Cadets are either currently in Running Start or were part of Running Start prior to contracting into the EWU ROTC program. This includes two of our prior Running Start students that are commissioning this year as Second Lieutenants. Congratulations to our 2019 Running Start graduates.
The bulk of our EWU ROTC Cadets will be graduating on June 15th to close out or 2019 academic year graduation season.
Go ROTC! Go Fighting Eags!
