CSUMB’s first class of nursing get their pins

CSUMB’s first class of 10 nursing graduates participated in a pinning ceremony on Dec. 20. Their commencement ceremony will take place in May.

The ceremony marked a milestone for the students and for the university. The idea of a nursing program was discussed in CSUMB’s early days, but actual planning did not started until 2008. The first students were admitted four years later.

“As a pioneer, I feel like I have helped lay the foundation for future nursing classes,” said Jennifer Riccobono. “The students in our graduating class have set the bar high.”


The ceremony is a tradition in nursing that dates back to the days of Florence Nightingale, when a pin was a way to identify a nurse. At the pinning ceremony, nurses receive pins unique to their program.

CSUMB offers the only bachelor of science in nursing degree in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties. The program started in 2012 in collaboration with four regional community colleges. Students begin their education at one of the two-year schools, spend time in a "blended" learning environment, and then complete their studies at CSUMB. They receive an associate degree in nursing degree from their community college and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from CSUMB.

In the summer of 2014, a second track was added that allows already-employed nurses with associate’s degrees to earn a BSN while continuing to work. Classes are offered on campus, online and at local hospitals to make it easier for working nurses.