May 8, 2025, marked a historic milestone for the USF Health College of Nursing as 247 students were "pinned" and officially welcomed into the nursing profession. Whether heading into their first roles as registered nurses or continuing their academic journey, these graduates represent the future of health care—and the largest undergraduate class in the college’s history.
This milestone reflects the college’s bold commitment to addressing Florida’s nursing shortage, made possible through the dedication of our faculty and staff, the support of our clinical partners, and critical investments such as the state’s PIPELINE funding. With nearly a 45% increase in graduates since 2023, the college is well on its way toward its goal of producing 500 new nurses per year—a goal that will be further supported by the opening of our expanded simulation and learning facility in 2026.
This year’s Pinning Ceremony was presented in partnership with Tampa General Hospital (TGH), whose ongoing investment in nursing education continues to make an extraordinary impact. TGH Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive Wendi Goodson-Celerin, a proud three-time Bull Nurse alumna, joined the celebration to share words of encouragement.
“As you enter your nursing career, always remember the monumental impact you can have on your communities—on both patients and their families—as you provide care and exemplify the nursing profession. Always remember that we are compassionate, loving patient advocates—at every encounter.”
Wendi Goodson-Celerin
The ceremony was filled with pride, emotion, and excitement as students received their
pins—symbolizing their transition from nursing students to nursing professionals,
ready to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.
We are incredibly proud of the USF College of Nursing Class of 2025 and can’t wait to see the impact these Bull Nurses will have on communities across Florida and beyond.