The University of Utah College of Nursing welcomed new baccalaureate students into the nursing profession at the Fall 2025 Lamp of Learning ceremony on August 26, 2025. This tradition honors students’ commitment to their education and marks the beginning of their journey as professional nurses.
The Lamp of Learning represents the legacy of Florence Nightingale, the British nurse who pioneered modern nursing. During the Crimean War, she improved hospital conditions, introduced sanitary reforms, and cared for soldiers by lamplight, earning her the name of “Lady with the Lamp.” Her work reduced hospital deaths and elevated nursing into a respected profession. Today, the lamp continues to symbolize knowledge, compassion, and dedication to patient care.
Each student received a Lamp of Learning pin, a gift from the College of Nursing Advancement team, signifying the values of dedication, integrity, and compassion. Surrounded by family, faculty, and peers, the Fall 2025 cohort stepped forward to begin their nursing education and join a lifelong community of caregivers and leaders.
Below are reflections shared during the ceremony that welcomed and inspired the newest class of future nurses:
“Embrace both the triumphs and challenges, knowing that you are part of a legacy of excellence and compassion. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so enjoy all aspects of your education experience, and please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your decision to become a registered nurse. I believe in you and am excited to see how you will thrive as a professional nurse!”
— Dean Marla De Jong, PhD, RN, CCNS, FAAN
“You may never be the nurse to your most important person, but you will be the nurse to Mrs. Smith’s most important person, and to Mr. Jones’s most important person. Don’t they deserve the kind of nurse your most important person deserves? We believe that you can do and be your best and are eager to help you get there.”
— Kirsten Schmutz, PhD, MSN, RN
"The Lamp of Learning has long been a symbol of nursing—representing knowledge, compassion, and the light we bring into even the darkest of times. As you step into this program, I want to encourage you to think of this lamp not only as the knowledge you will gain, but as the light that can help you find something even more powerful—your voice."
— Sarah Robertson, RN
"The “Lady with the Lamp” transformed nursing from an unskilled occupation into a respected profession. Her innovations in patient care, hygiene and hospital management saved countless lives and set the standard for modern healthcare practices. As we reflect on her legacy through the symbol of the lamp, we see that the principles she established over 150 years ago continue to guide and inspire health care professionals worldwide."
—Melody Krahulec, DNP, RN