CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (April 29, 2026)–Kirkwood Community College will hold its largest nursing pinning ceremony in school history on Friday, May 8, celebrating 88 graduates completing the program and entering the health care workforce.
The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in Johnson Hall on Kirkwood’s main campus. Due to the record number of graduates and anticipated attendance, the event will be held in the gymnasium for the first time.
The pinning ceremony is a longstanding nursing tradition that marks the transition from student to professional nurse. Kirkwood’s Spring 2026 graduates are prepared to begin careers in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers and home health care settings, with many already accepting positions across eastern Iowa.
The milestone comes as demand for qualified nurses remains high across Iowa and the nation.
“This is an incredibly proud moment for our program and our students,” said Kirkwood Dean of Health Kendra Lindloff. “These graduates have demonstrated resilience, compassion and a strong commitment to patient care. Hosting our largest pinning ceremony reflects both their achievements and the growing need for skilled nurses, making this milestone especially meaningful for our community and the future of health care in our area.”
The event is open to graduates’ family and friends.
*****EVENT*****
What: Spring 2026 Nursing Pinning Ceremony
When: May 8, 6 p.m.
Where: Johnson Hall, Kirkwood Community College main campus, 6310 Kirkwood Blvd. SW in Cedar Rapids