BRIDGEPORT, W. Va. — The WVU School of Nursing Bridgeport Campus celebrated its third and largest cohort of graduates during a pinning ceremony at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center on Aug. 5, 2026.
The Class of 2026 includes Haley Amick, Jacob Bolyard, Katherine Capitan, Jessica Cashdollar, McKinley Clark, Isabelle Cunanan, Blake Dawson, Hannah Easton, Brooke Ferrell, Maya Gharib, TJ Guire, Micah Harris, Lindsey Hawkins, McKeehan Justus, Courtney Keeney, Trey Keplinger, Kane Mottern, Kilea Payne, Madeline Peck, Ashleigh Petitto, Samantha Rogers, Anne Russell, Meghan Slater, Riley Snider, and Kayla Vella.
These students were part of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which offers an accelerated pathway into the profession for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree. The Bridgeport Campus program is housed at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center.
“The WVU School of Nursing has prepared me well for the next chapter of my career,” said Lindsey Hawkins, of Fairmont. “Through the program, I’ve grown in my clinical judgment and critical thinking skills that are essential for nursing. The combination of classroom instruction, simulation, and diverse clinical experiences has given me a strong foundation as I begin my career.”
During the ceremony, students received their nursing pin, which is a symbolic welcoming of newly graduated nurses into the nursing profession. The history of the nursing pin dates back over 1,000 years.
The Student Scholar Award was presented to Jessica Cashdollar, TJ Guire, Lindsey Hawkins, and Trey Keplinger. The Excellence in Nursing Award was presented to Samantha Rogers.
“Looking back, the best part of the program wasn't one specific clinical or lecture. It was the people,” said TJ Guire, of Elkins. “My classmates quickly became a great support system, and the faculty genuinely wanted us to succeed. We leaned on each other through long study sessions, difficult exams, and challenging clinical rotations, and everyone was always willing to help one another.”
To learn more about the WVU School of Nursing, visit nursing.wvu.edu.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu