The NRI Institute of Health Sciences held its most recent commencement exercises on Friday, Oct. 22 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. A total of 20 new registered nurses graduated with associate of science in nursing degrees. One graduate received an occupational associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography.
M. Daniel Splain, chief administrative officer of the school, served as master of ceremonies. Royal Palm Beach Mayor Fred Pinto welcomed the attendees and the graduates’ families to the commencement exercises. Other distinguished guests in attendance included RPB Councilman Jeff Hmara, Indian Trail Improvement District Supervisor Keith Jordano and former Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis.
Broward County Commissioner Barbara Sharief, who served two terms as Broward County mayor, was the commencement speaker. She is a registered nurse and is the owner of a 200-employee pediatric home healthcare enterprise. Sharief shared her story about how her father was killed by a burglar when she was 15 years old, and she worked to support her family while attending nursing school. She went on to earn a doctorate in nursing practice.
Honors graduate Guerlande Fontus was the student speaker for the event. The invocation was delivered by Pastor Michael Rose, and the benediction was pronounced by Dr. Joseph Kloba, the retired provost of Palm Beach Atlantic University. Graduates were awarded their degrees by Elizabeth Stolkowski, the director of the nursing program. They received their nursing pins from Dr. M.J. Duthie, associate director of the program.
The NRI Institute of Health Sciences has been located in Royal Palm Beach for 10 years and provides educational programs in nursing, diagnostic medical sonography and medical assisting. Learn more at www.nriinstitute.edu.
