A milestone moment unfolded for Galen College of Nursing last week as the Las Vegas campus celebrated its first-ever graduation ceremony. The commencement honored the inaugural Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) class — along with three RN to BSN students — and marked a major step forward in preparing practice-ready nurses for Southern Nevada communities.
Nineteen ADN students crossed the stage during the ceremony, held May 1 at Shadow Hills Church, officially becoming the first graduates of Galen’s Las Vegas campus. Equally exciting, nine members of the graduating class have already accepted positions at HCA Healthcare facilities.
The nine graduates were recognized prior to the ceremony with special cords, symbolizing the next step in their nursing journeys and the continuation of their connection with the HCA Healthcare family.
The achievement represents more than a graduation ceremony. It reflects Galen’s continued mission to expand access to high-quality nursing education while helping address the growing need for compassionate, practice-ready nurses across the region. Workforce projections indicate Nevada is expected to face a shortage of more than 3,000 registered nurses by 2030, making the success of this first class especially meaningful.
“We are honored to celebrate the inaugural class of ADN-prepared nurses, who are ready to serve with compassion, confidence and competence,” said Dr. Bobbi Handy, dean of Galen’s Las Vegas campus.
As part of the HCA Healthcare family, Galen works closely with healthcare partners to create strong clinical experiences, workforce pathways and meaningful employment opportunities for students. In Las Vegas, that partnership includes Sunrise Health System, the largest provider of complex care in Nevada. During the ceremony, Annette Greenwood, chief nurse executive for HCA Healthcare Far West Division, joined the celebration as a guest speaker, offering words of encouragement as graduates prepared to enter the profession.
“This moment reflects years of sacrifice, discipline and determination, and our graduates have truly earned the title of nurse,” Greenwood said. “While today marks an important milestone, it also represents a meaningful transition into a profession that demands excellence, courage and compassion.”
The ceremony also celebrated individual and faculty achievements. Jamal Carter received the Human Touch Award, while Dorian Thrower was honored with the Emerging Leader Award.
Gianna Maldini, a previous Daisy Award winner, served as the faculty pinner during the ceremony. Dr. Handy also welcomed family members who are registered nurses to join their graduates on stage and participate in the pinning, making the moment even more meaningful.
For faculty, staff and supporters who helped bring the Las Vegas campus to life, the evening was a powerful celebration of vision becoming reality. For graduates, it marked the beginning of a fulfilling, lifelong career.
Congratulations to all our Las Vegas students, faculty and staff on this historic milestone!
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