Every year, thousands of moments pass through the Washington State University College of Nursing.
Some are quiet. Some are defining.
In 2025, a handful of those moments stood out—not because we chose them, but because you did.
Across social media, these stories reached tens of thousands of people. More importantly, they sparked conversation, pride, and connection. When we looked back at the posts that resonated most, a pattern emerged.
The stories that traveled farthest were the ones rooted in people.
Pride that reached far beyond campus
One of the most widely shared posts of the year, WSU shines in Princeton Review rankings, secures top spot for student satisfaction, celebrated national recognition for WSU’s undergraduate nursing program. It wasn’t flashy. It was proud, direct, and grounded in shared effort.
“Our undergraduate nursing program continues to be recognized among the best in the nation. This achievement reflects the dedication of our students, faculty, and partners across the state.”
For alumni, students, and families, it was a moment to pause and say, this matters. Pride doesn’t need much explanation when it’s earned.
First-generation stories that felt personal
Another post gained traction for a different reason: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges. It told the story of first-generation students—many of whom come from agricultural communities—finding their way into nursing.
“From working in orchards to pursuing a nursing degree, first-generation students bring resilience, perspective, and strength to our College and our communities.”
The response was immediate. Comments poured in from people who saw themselves, their children, or their parents in that journey. It was a reminder that nursing education often represents more than a degree. It represents access.
Graduates stepping into leadership
When WSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates were celebrated for their 100% first-time pass rate this year, the focus wasn’t just on finishing a program. It was on what comes next.
“These DNP graduates are advancing patient care, shaping policy, and leading teams across Washington and beyond.”
For many readers, the post captured a transition they recognized—the shift from student to leader, from learner to decision-maker. It resonated because it showed momentum, not just completion.
Nursing in action, when it matters most
One of the most talked-about stories of the year happened far from a classroom or clinical site. When a man collapsed at a Spokane comedy club, nurses in the audience stepped in.
“Nurses don’t clock out from being nurses. Training, instinct, and compassion show up wherever they’re needed.”
That moment struck a chord. It reminded people that nursing is not situational. It’s lived. It’s carried into grocery stores, family gatherings, and unexpected emergencies.
A moment to celebrate those who made it through
As the year closed, we congratulated Fall 2025 WSU College of Nursing graduates and acknowledged everything it took to get there.
You worked long hours and supported your families. You planned weddings. You started families of your own. You supported sick loved ones in the hospital, and some of you were hospitalized yourselves. During clinical days, you gave your best care for patients, even when some of those very patients met you with bias and discrimination, and yet you kept going, and you made it here.”You balanced coursework, clinicals, work, family, and life. Today, we celebrate everything it took to get here.
Erik Rotness, BSN ’25
The comments told the rest of the story—thank-yous, memories, relief, and pride. Sometimes recognition is the most meaningful thing you can offer.
What these stories have in common
They aren’t about metrics or milestones alone. They are about effort, identity, and impact.
They show nursing not as an abstract profession, but as something lived every day by students, graduates, and alumni across Washington and beyond.
These were the stories you stopped for.
The ones you shared.
The ones that stayed with you.
And they remind us why we keep telling them.
Clear wins. Clear voices. Clear impact.
Remember to follow, like and share and Go Cougs!
