Mid-State Technical College recognized the achievements of its 44 Nursing program completers in a pinning ceremony May 20 on the Wisconsin Rapids Campus. Graduates were joined by their family and friends in the celebration. 

The nursing pinning ceremony is a celebratory endcap to a nursing student’s academic journey and a bridge between nursing school and a nursing career. It honors and celebrates nursing students and their path to becoming a nurse. It is also a day of celebration for the nursing faculty who have helped the students reach their goals. 

“My favorite part about the Nursing program was learning from my instructors, not just through lectures,” said Laura Ewer, Pittsville, who was accepted into the Critical Care Nurse Residency Program in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at Marshfield Medical Center after graduation. “Whether it was a piece of advice during clinicals, a moment of encouragement after a tough day or simply the way they treated their patients and students, those moments taught me more than a textbook ever could.”

“I was inspired to pursue a career in nursing by my CNA instructor, Jody Gruetzmacher,” Ewer added. “She had this incredible way of caring for people with confidence, compassion and grace. Watching her made me realize that nursing isn’t just a job, it’s a calling, and I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps.”

For Mid-State’s pinning ceremony, each graduating student selects a registered nurse who is a family member, friend or faculty member to join them on stage to place the nursing pin on the graduate during the ceremony, welcoming them into the profession of nursing. 

“Success in nursing is based on collaboration,” said Kelly Nelson, dean of the School of Nursing. “When we care for a patient, there is a whole team that works toward one goal—improvement. In nursing school, the collaboration is between the student, faculty, peers, staff and families.”

“As our graduates prepare to take the NCLEX and transition into the professional workforce, they carry with them the spirit of teamwork that has defined their journey through nursing school” Nelson added. “Their collaboration doesn’t end at graduation—it expands to include colleagues across disciplines, patients, families and the broader healthcare community.”

Following are Mid-State’s spring 2025 Nursing graduates recognized in the May 20 nursing pinning ceremony. 

Casey Bartels – Wisconsin Rapids
Laina Berthiaume – South Haven, Minn.
Morgan Biba – Endeavor
Jessica Capogreca – Wisconsin Rapids
Darin Christensen – Nekoosa
Emma Conto – Racine
Tara Dhuey – New Franken
Chloe Drews – Marshfield
Laura Ewer – Pittsville
Serena Firkus – Stevens Point
Mykayla Gerretsen – Marshfield
Rebekah Gethers – Plover
Jaime Grossman – Pittsville
Paige Haasl – Plover
Ashley Herman – Marshfield
Lynn Hetzel – Wisconsin Rapids
Kristen Hoeppner – Mauston
Stephanie Jahnz – Wisconsin Rapids
Niah Jakel – Marshfield
Meghan Kibbel – Spencer
Lindsey Kornkven – Ripon
Ellie Krause – Camp Douglas
Jayda Krzmarcik – Mosinee
Brianna Kurth – Mosinee
Molly Meyer – Reedsburg
Tanya Meyer – Nekoosa
Theresa Michalsen – Wisconsin Rapids
Amy Mrozek – Stevens Point
Emma Oliver – Marshfield
Amanda Osburn – Marshfield
Maddie Paitel – Wisconsin Rapids
Morgan Randall – Necedah
Emily Richmond – Kronenwetter
Fabiola Rodriguez – Wautoma
Tia Rodriguez – Ringle
Shawn Rones – Stevens Point
Hannah Scott – Green Bay
Lizzy Smolen – Plover
Katie Stanius – Forest Lake, Minn.
Addison Templin – Rosholt
Mackenzie Thistle – Hartford
Kristiann Vargas – Warrens
Angi Vilcinskas – Wisconsin Rapids
Gracie Zanella – Amherst

Learn more about nursing pinning and Mid-State’s Nursing program at mstc.edu/nursing-pinning.