The Fall 2025 Graduation and Pinning Ceremony took place on December 5, 2025, in Spokane, WA and brought together students, families, faculty, and partners to celebrate a new class of Coug Nurses ready to enter the field. The program opened with faculty and student processionals led by Provost Chris Riley-Tillman, Dean Anne Mason, and faculty from the College of Nursing and Whitworth University.
Dean Mason spoke about the meaning of reaching this milestone. She shared reflections from her years as both a student and faculty member at WSU Tri-Cities—where she earned her RN-BSN and Master’s degrees—and emphasized how those experiences shaped her as a nurse and a leader. Her message highlighted the faculty mentorship, peer support, and clinical experiences that continue to influence the way she leads today. Mason also recognized the shared journey of graduates across the BSN and PhD programs, noting the dedication, growth, and responsibility that define the nursing profession.
“Nursing is not just about knowledge, but it’s also about presence… being there in someone’s most vulnerable moments and offering not just care, but comfort.”
Dean Anne Mason, WSU College of Nursing
Provost Riley-Tillman echoed that message. Riley-Tillman thanked graduates for advancing WSU’s mission of service and for preparing to support communities across Washington. His remarks set the stage for the student address from BSN graduate Erik Rotness.
Rotness captured the shared experience of his graduating class. He recognized classmates who balanced full-time work, family obligations, health challenges, and major life changes while completing their degrees. His emotional message honored perseverance and the support systems that made graduation possible.
“I’m proud to be here with you because I’ve seen what you’ve accomplished… and I know there are many others in the audience whose voices do matter, and they would join me in saying we are very proud of you.”
Erik Rotness, BSN ’25
A total of 83 graduates across WSU College of Nursing programs were honored during the ceremony. Three students earned the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree: Natasha Barrow (pictured below), Christopher Tersigni, and Michael Coriasco. The remaining 80 graduates completed the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, representing students from multiple WSU Nursing locations—including Spokane, Yakima, and the Tri-Cities. Many of these Tri-Cities graduates completed clinical rotations addressing region-specific needs such as chronic disease, poverty, and access challenges, continuing the long-standing tradition of WSU Tri-Cities nurses serving the communities where they train.
Convocation Highlights
The ceremony also recognized:
- Lori Baker, Oustanding RN-BSN student
- New inductees into Sigma Theta Tau International, Delta Chi at Large chapter.
Across the evening, the themes were clear: commitment to care, readiness for responsibility, and pride in the profession. The Fall 2025 class now joins a strong community of Coug Nurses—across Spokane, the Tri-Cities, Yakima, and beyond—making an impact across Washington and shaping the future of healthcare.
Photos from Fall 2025 College of Nursing Convocation
