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The graduates at last week's pinning ceremony for the School of Nursing were all smiles. (photo by Dana Johnson)
![Anitra Ellerby-Brown, left, received her pin from her sister, Charlotte Ellerby, who also received her M.S.N. from the School of Nursing. (photo by Dana Johnson)](https://vumc-reporter.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/reporter_121407_16.jpg)
Anitra Ellerby-Brown, left, received her pin from her sister, Charlotte Ellerby, who also received her M.S.N. from the School of Nursing. (photo by Dana Johnson)
![Mavis Schorn, M.S.N., Nurse-Midwifery program director, left, pins Lara McCormick at last week's ceremony for December graduates of the School of Nursing. (photo by Dana Johnson)](https://vumc-reporter.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/reporter_121407_15.jpg)
Mavis Schorn, M.S.N., Nurse-Midwifery program director, left, pins Lara McCormick at last week's ceremony for December graduates of the School of Nursing. (photo by Dana Johnson)
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing recently held a pinning ceremony to formally recognize students who have finished M.S.N. programs, most of whom are in the nurse midwifery specialty which requires an extra semester of schooling.
The tradition of the professional pin dates back to the 1880s and is a symbol of accomplishment in the world of nursing.