The NRI Institute of Health Sciences graduated 28 nursing students on Friday, Jan. 24 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. All of the nursing graduates are now eligible to take the NCLEX examination for licensure as registered nurses in the United States. NRI, based in Royal Palm Beach, offers associate degree programs in diagnostic medical sonography and registered nursing.
The commencement speaker was Donielle Pinto, first lady of Royal Palm Beach and a respected entrepreneur, journalist and motivational speaker. Pinto congratulated the graduates and commended them for their perseverance and tenacity in completing the program. The invocation and benediction were pronounced by Pastor Michael Rose.
Dan Splain, chief administrator of the school, welcomed the 200 people in attendance at the graduation ceremony. The newly minted nurses received their pins from Dr. M.J. Duthie, associate director of the nursing program. Degrees were conferred by Elizabeth Stolkowski, who is president of the school and serves as nursing program director. Student speakers included Nehemie Alexandre and Renee Flynn. Graduate Gloria Leslie sang her rendition of “There is a Candle in Every Soul.”
The NRI Institute was founded in Royal Palm Beach in 2013 and merged with Ultrasound Medical Institute in 2015 to increase educational opportunities for Palm Beach County residents. Nursing is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country. The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook projects a 16 percent growth rate for nursing positions in the next five years. For more info., call (561) 688-5112 or visit
www.nriinstitute.edu.
