18/12/2025
COM-FSM Celebrates 12th Capping and Pinning Ceremony
In an atmosphere filled with both solemnity and celebration, the College of Micronesia-FSM (COM-FSM) held its 12th Capping and Pinning Ceremony on December 16, 2025. The event, hosted at the FSM-China Friendship Sports Center, marked a pivotal milestone for the newest cohort of nursing students as they officially entered the ranks of the healthcare profession.
The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from College President and CEO Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono. Dr. Koroivulaono commended the students for their academic rigor and resilience, emphasizing that the caps and pins they received are not merely accessories, but symbols of the trust the community places in their hands.
Dr. Theresa shared, “Essentially, a pinning ceremony celebrates identity, responsibility, and purpose. It honors the past, marks the present achievement, and signals a commitment to the future—one grounded in compassion, professionalism, and service to others.”
“Your pin signifies a commitment to compassionate care, patient safety, and professional integrity. It reflects the trust society places in you as nurses to care for individuals, families, and communities—often at their most vulnerable moments. This ceremony honors your perseverance, discipline, and resilience to complete training, acknowledging both academic achievement and personal growth. Receiving your pin symbolizes your readiness to uphold the standards, ethics, and responsibilities of professional nursing.” Dr. Theresa added.
The highlight of the afternoon was the keynote address by Dr. Ivan Hedson, a distinguished COM-FSM alumnus and currently a respected General Physician at Pohnpei State Hospital.
Dr. Hedson delivered a personal message, reflecting on his own journey within the COM-FSM Nursing Program. He shared how the foundation he built at the college was instrumental in shaping his dream to pursue a degree in medicine.
His insights served as a beacon of inspiration for the students as they took their solemn oath, committing themselves to the noble profession of nursing and patient care.
While the day was one of achievement, a shadow of loss hung over the auditorium. The COM-FSM community took a touching moment to honor the memory of Tamelyn Johnny, a member of the graduating class who passed away just a few weeks prior to the ceremony.
Her absence was deeply felt by her classmates and instructors alike. The "bitter-sweet" nature of the event served as a reminder of the fragility of life—the very thing these graduates have dedicated their lives to protecting.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from the Vice President of Instructional Affairs, Mrs. Delihna Ehmes. She praised the faculty for their dedication and reminded the graduates that they are the future of the Federated States of Micronesia’s healthcare infrastructure.
As the new nurses filed out of the sports center, they carried with them the legacy of those who came before them and the responsibility of serving the health needs of their nation.
