Sixteen students recently completed the Vocational Nursing Program at Austin Community College’s Fredericksburg Center and were recognized during a pinning ceremony on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at the Hill Country University Center.

Completing the 15 month certificate program were: Brandon Behrends, Madonna Beyer, Bryde Burrer, Sandra Calderon, Cherie Culpepper, Elise Eckert, Kayla Fry, Sydney Goodman, Mina Hogue, Wendy Jordan, Kaitlin Keiger, Brenda Lindo, Haley Pohler, Julie Purvis, Regina Randolph, and George Velez.

Cindy Loeffler, RN with Hill Country Memorial delivered the class address. Assistant Program Coordinator with the Vocational Nursing Program in Fredericksburg, Georgia Jernigan, RN, MSN and Adjunct Professor, Crystil Wade. RN, BSN presented the students with their nursing pins. Other ACC VNSG faculty members from Austin in attendance were Sandra McCrary-Marshall, Department Chair, RN, MSN and Yolanda Hall, Professor, RN, MSN.

Sandra Calderon received the Steve Stramel Award, established in the memory of Steve Steve Stramel, a student in the 2002-2003 Vocational Nursing Program, who died of cancer before completing the program. This award is given to a student in each graduating class who has demonstrated perseverance, courage and determination through the program.

Julie Purvis received recognition for earning the highest score on the HESI-PN, an exam given during the last semester of nursing school to help prepare the students to take the state board exam.

This is the 10th class to complete the Vocational Nursing program in Fredericksburg. While in the program, ACC nursing students gain most of their clinical experience at Hill Country Memorial. In addition, they receive valuable clinical experience in the Fredericksburg community at various nursing homes and are involved in community service at Head Start and the Fredericksburg Primary and Elementary Schools.

A new Fredericksburg Vocational Nursing Program will begin in August 2012. Those interested in learning more about ACC’s nursing programs are encouraged to call (830) 990-0462 for more information.