Faculty of Nursing celebrates the Class of 2026
“This is a moment of momentum for nursing. A moment of leadership. A moment of possibility.” – Dr. April Pike, dean, Faculty of Nursing
Across Convocation week, Memorial University's Faculty of Nursing recognized the achievements of the Class of 2026 and the many people who helped them reach this milestone.
Spring Convocation marked the formal culmination of the undergraduate nursing journey for the Class of 2026.
The celebrations began on May 28, as graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master's NP Diploma and PhD programs crossed the Spring Convocation stage.
Later that day, the faculty hosted a reception at the Bruneau Centre, where graduate nursing students were honoured alongside faculty, staff, preceptors, family members, friends and health-care partners.
Joined at the reception by Deputy Minister of Health and Community Services Colleen Stockley, along with representatives from NL Health Services and the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Nurses, the event celebrated excellence in advanced nursing practice, research, leadership and scholarship.
Among the highlights were the presentation of the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Nurses Award of Excellence (NP Option) to Chris Ricketts by Lynn Power, CEO and Registrar of the NL College of Nurses, and the presentation of the inaugural NP Preceptor Award to Trent MacDonald, nominated by graduate Kayla Morris and presented by Dr. Jill Bruneau.
Graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master's NP Diploma and PhD programs gathered at the Bruneau Centre on May 28 to celebrate their achievements.
Peyton Morrissey spoke on behalf of the graduating class and Dr. Jill Bruneau served as master of ceremonies.
That evening, more than 120 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates were recognized during the faculty's Pinning and Graduation Ceremony at the Arts and Culture Centre. The event marked a historic milestone with the first graduating classes from sites in Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
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The faculty was honoured to welcome the Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Dr. Janet Morrison, president and vice-chancellor of Memorial, health-care leaders, faculty, staff, site coordinators, family members and friends as graduates received their pins and celebrated the completion of their nursing education.
More than 120 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates were recognized during the faculty's Pinning and Graduation Ceremony at the Arts and Culture Centre.
In his remarks, Premier Wakeham highlighted the value of bringing nursing education closer to communities and recognized the important role graduates will play in strengthening health care throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Dr. Morrison congratulated graduates on their achievement and reflected on the impact Memorial-trained nurses have in communities across the province and beyond.
The ceremony was opened and closed by Andrea Watkins, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs, and featured valedictorian addresses from Shawn Stagg (Gander), Courtney Kelly (Grand Falls-Windsor), Cindy Bowers (Happy Valley-Goose Bay), Jordan Osmond (Accelerated Option, St. John's) and Isabella Slaney (Four-Year Option, St. John's).
The following morning, undergraduate nursing graduates, including graduates from the Centre for Nursing Studies, crossed the stage during Spring Convocation, formally marking the completion of their degrees.
Graduates from Grand Falls-Windsor celebrated the completion of their nursing education alongside Dr. April Pike.
Representing graduates from across Newfoundland and Labrador, the five valedictorians reflected on the friendships, challenges and accomplishments that shaped their nursing education. They also paid tribute to the faculty, staff, preceptors, site coordinators, family members and friends whose support helped make their achievements possible.
The Class of 2026 included the first graduating class from the Faculty's satellite site in Gander.
Together, these moments reflected the strength of nursing education at Memorial University and the partnerships that help prepare nurses, nurse practitioners, researchers and leaders for communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Graduates from our Happy Valley-Goose Bay satellite site are helping strengthen health care in the communities they call home.
More than 90 per cent of graduates from Memorial's satellite sites have accepted positions in the communities where they received their education.
Interested in studying nursing closer to home?
The success of our graduates from Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor and Happy Valley-Goose Bay highlights the impact of bringing nursing education closer to the communities it serves.
Late applications for Fall 2026 are now being considered on a case-by-case basis for the Faculty of Nursing's satellite sites in Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Applicants are expected to submit all required documents within two weeks of applying. The deadline to submit a late application is Aug. 14, 2026, although applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as seat availability is limited.
Photo Gallery
May 28 Pinning and Graduation Ceremony (Arts and Culture Centre)
View the full gallery by photographer Dan Chandraratne: https://ucephoto.pixieset.com/munnursing2026grad/ (Password: MUNNursing26#)
Looking for more inspiration after Convocation?
Join us on June 17 for the annual Margaret D. McLean Lecture featuring Dr. Leigh Chapman, Chief Nursing Officer of Canada, as she explores leadership, teamwork, resilience and meaningful connection in health care through the lens of Canada's Artemis II mission.
Lessons from Astronauts: Finding Glimmers of Light in Nursing Education, Practice and Research is free to attend and available both in person and online.
Learn more and register: https://www.mun.ca/nursing/research-and-innovation/events--workshops/