SGU Nursing Department Honors Class of 2026 LPN Graduates
By: Teddie Rae Herman, SGU Media
MISSION - The Sinte Gleska University Nursing Department held its annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony Aug. 27, 2026, honoring 10 students who graduated from the LPN program.
The ceremony was held the day before SGU’s 53rd Annual Wounspe Wowapi Yusutapi/42nd Annual GED Wounspe Wowapi Yusutapi on Aug. 28, allowing families and friends to attend both events.
The pinning ceremony began with a welcome from Holly Boomer, SGU’s new Vice President of Academic Affairs, followed by a prayer from Dwayne Stenstrom Sr., Chair of the Human Services Department.
During the ceremony, past and present Nursing Department leadership were recognized. Laura Dunn, RN, MSN, former Director of Nursing, and Iverene Lunderman, RN, MSN, the department’s new Director of Nursing, were honored and presented with bouquets of flowers.
SGU Nursing Instructor Michelle Allen, RN, BSN, introduced Lunderman to the students and their families and welcomed her to the SGU Nursing program. “We are lucky to have her leading our program with heart and dedication,” Allen said. “We are excited for her to bring her own Disney magic and sparkle to our program.” Allen explained that Lunderman is a fan of Disneyland and all things Mickey Mouse.
Other former Nursing Department leaders were also recognized, including Rhonda Jackman, RN, MSN, a former Director of Nursing, and Sharon Egleston, a former nursing Instructor. Allen also received recognition for graduating from South Dakota State University in May 2026 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
A special part of the ceremony was the feather-tying ceremony. Each LPN graduate selected a role model to participate in the ceremony by tying a feather on the graduate and placing the nursing pin.
After receiving their feathers and nursing pins, the graduates joined the other nurses in attendance in reciting the Nursing Pledge, affirming their commitment to the nursing profession and to providing compassionate care.
Here is the Nursing Pledge: "I solemnly pledge myself in the presence of this assembly to faithfully practice the art and science of nursing. I will provide care where care is needed and tend the environment in which care occurs. I will center my practice on the welfare of all those in my care, honoring the fullness of their humanity. I will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping. I will refrain from any action that will do harm. I will maintain and elevate the standards of my profession, through disciplined inquiry and scholarship, and by embodying the integrity expected of me by my peers and those I serve."
The 2026 LPN graduates are: Whitney Akers, Arayna Bear Shield, Bailee Boyd, Ceanne C. De La Rosa, Rozee Drapeau, Heidi Ellert, Sharon R. Guerue, Lakeisha Nadeau, Bailey Waln, and Lolita Wind.
The SGU Nursing Department faculty and staff are: Iverene Lunderman, RN, MSN, Director of Nursing; Michelle Allen, RN, BSN, Instructor; Layne Oliver, LPN, AAS, NACTEP Tutor/Mentor Coordinator; and Angel Lowe, Administrative Assistant.
The Nursing Pinning Ceremony marked an important milestone for the 10 graduates as they begin the next chapter of their nursing careers and prepare to serve their communities.
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