The Citadel’s Swain Department of Nursing is recognizing its newest graduates from its nursing program.

On Thursday, May 1, the department’s Class of 2025 received their nursing pins during a traditional pinning ceremony in the college’s Summerall Chapel. At The Citadel, the pin is presented after a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is earned. Presenting new nurses with a pin or badge dates back centuries.

These graduates have accepted positions with the following organizations: Children’s National Hospital, Georgia Army National Guard, Greenville Memorial Hospital, Ralph H. Johnson VA Hospital, Roper St. Francis, Medical University of South Carolina, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Prisma Health and the United States Army.

The names of the graduates are:

South Carolina Corps of Cadets Class of 2025 nursing graduates

Benedict Bien Abalos

Ashley Alexandra Coplo-Saldana

Brandon Cruz

Amber Elaine Fairfax

Silas Lee

Hunter David McDonald

John Michael Quarterman

Henry Raber

Samuel H. Todd

Limin “Grace” Xu

The Citadel Graduate College Class of 2025 graduates

Logan Nicole Bacsal

Jamie Leigh Baker

Meara Zoe Becotte

Madison Elizabeth Byrne

Matthew S. Kees

Brenda Koech

Natalie Lau

Zachary Thomas David Rockefeller

Grace Saboe

Nancy Salcedo

Student Awards

Lila Whetstone Caring Award

John Quarterman

Lila Whetstone was a nurse, patient advocate, teacher and a nurse administrator. Of all her roles and job duties, providing direct care to the patient and their family brought her the most joy. This award is given to a cadet who exudes the caring and compassionate qualities of a nurse exhibited by Mrs. Lila Whetstone.

Outstanding Students in Nursing

Hunter McDonald

Logan Bacsal

Excellence in Nursing Research

Hunter McDonald

2025 Sigma Theta Tau Inductees

Meara Becotte

Logan Bacsal

Grace Saboe

Hunter McDonald

Brenda Koech

Madison Byrne

Induction into this International Honor Society of Nursing is bestowed upon students who have a GPA of at least a 3.0 and rank in the highest 35% of the graduating class.