NCC Nursing grads to join workforce, continue education
Nashua Community College celebrated 22 nursing graduates at the annual Pinning Ceremony for the Class of 2026 on Thursday, May 14.
“This class has been exceptional. Not because it was easy—but because you showed up anyway,” said Professor Lisa Gray, Director of Nursing at NCC.
Class Speaker Dianah Babirye previously worked as an attorney in Uganda before coming to the United States 9 years ago where she decided to follow her passion and study for a new career in Nursing. “There were days we doubted ourselves, and days we felt prepared just to walk out questioning everything. But we struggled together, studied together, and became a family.”
Friends and family nearly filled every seat in the Judd Gregg Auditorium to cheer on the nursing graduates. NCC President, Dr. James Keane, thanked attendees for supporting the nursing students over the course of the two-year degree program.
President Keane addressed graduates, “Never forget the power you bring when you bring in love, compassion, and care.”
Guest speaker Jacquelyn Dwyer addressed students as both a former Nursing faculty member and as an Emergency Department Nurse at Emerson Hospital. “Go out there, show compassion, embody dignity, and be a great leader. It will make all the difference to your patients, and to your career.”
As graduates received the traditional nursing graduation pins from family, friends, and faculty; Professor Gray shared their plans for after graduation. Many have accepted job offers at healthcare providers including Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, Lahey Hospital, and Concord Hospital; or are continuing their education.
Graduates’ long-term goals include: Pediatric Nurse, NICU Nurse, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Oncology/Hospice Nurse, and Emergency Nurse.
Toward the end of the evening, Professor Gray reminded graduates to remember their “why.”
“There will be hard shifts. There will be losses. There will be days when you question yourself. On those days, remember why you chose nursing. Remember that you are here to serve, to heal, and to make a difference—one patient at a time.”
NCC’s Nursing Class of 2026: Emily Anastasovski, Julia Antonov, Dianah Babirye, Aidan Coffman, Savanna Coutu, Megan Croston, Vianca Daniel, Nicole DeSimone, Jaime Dohaney, Marie Edmond, Christine Garcia, Lariana Garvis, Michaela Graham, Rosaines Guerrero, Hanna Jordan, Diana Kazibwe, Justina Matton, Kailey Pullen, Tabitha Reichl, Abby Roy, Nyota Tabiwa, and Anastasiia Temnikova
Nursing graduates also participate in Nashua Community College’s Commencement Ceremony on Monday, May 18 at 2 p.m.
About the Nursing program
The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing is a 2-year program that prepares students to take the national licensing exam to become a registered nurse. Graduates are prepared to begin work in the healthcare field, but many choose to transfer to four-year Bachelor programs and beyond. NCC maintains strong nursing transfer pathways with local institutions, including Rivier University, SNHU, Granite State College, and Colby-Sawyer College. To learn more about Nursing at NCC, visit the program page online.