‘Nursing’s Values Are Your North Star’: Berkley School of Nursing Celebrates Class of 2026

Dean Waite speaks from a podium — Dean Roberta Waite, EdD, RN, PMHCNS, ANEF, FAAN

(May 18, 2026) — Graduates of the Berkley School of Nursing gathered on Healy Lawn to celebrate commencement surrounded by family, friends and faculty as they prepared to enter the next chapter of their nursing careers.

Dean Roberta Waite, EdD, RN, PMHCNS, ANEF, FAAN, welcomed graduates into the nursing profession and laid out the path ahead. “You are, and always will be, a nurse. At the bedside and across every setting, you carry forward who you have become here,” she said. “As nurse leaders, you hold influence in ways both seen and unseen. Use it with intention.”

Anchored in Values, Open to Opportunity

Mary Wakefield, PhD, RN, former acting deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, received an honorary Doctor of Science degree and delivered the commencement address, reflecting on her own nursing journey guided by the underlying principles of the nursing profession.

Mary Wakefield speaks from a podium — Mary Wakefield, PhD, RN

“That anchor is the values that are Georgetown’s hallmark and nursing’s North Star. They are the foundation you stand on that values compassion, justice and a relentless commitment to advancing health — not just for some people in some places, but for all people in all places.”

Throughout her address, Wakefield encouraged graduates to embrace innovation and leadership opportunities, especially during moments of uncertainty. “Professional goals are good and can take you places where you’ll make a real difference,” Wakefield said. “But stay alert for the doors that open off the corridor you’re traveling.”

Wakefield closed the ceremony by recognizing the impact the class of 2026 will have on patients, communities and the future of healthcare. “Because of the care you deliver, the research you advance, the policies you shape, the communities you strengthen, people will live healthier lives,” she said. “That is the enduring legacy of nursing.”

Ready to Lead in Healthcare

As the 193 graduates crossed the stage on Healy Lawn, family and friends celebrated the achievements of students earning bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across Georgetown’s nursing programs.

Alexandra Jones (G’26), who received her Doctoral of Nursing Practice degree, reflected on the day. “It’s so nice to be with all my classmates and see everyone dressed up and not stressed,” she said. “It all feels surreal, like I’m going to back up tomorrow morning and still be in the throes of everything.”

Samantha Laughlin (G’26), also a doctoral of nursing practice graduate, shared Jones’ joy in enjoying the day’s celebration with her classmates. “From the beginning, we talked about imagining the day we’re walking in our gowns, and it’s finally here and very exciting.”

Dean Waite congratulates a student — “We are so proud of you, and hope you will always see Georgetown and the Berkley School of Nursing as your home,” said Waite.

Before leaving Healy Lawn, Waite reminded graduates of their future responsibilities and that they can always come back home.

“Class of 2026, step fully into who you are called to be. The world needs your voice, your courage and your care,” said Waite. “We are so proud of you, and hope you will always see Georgetown and the Berkley School of Nursing as your home.”

Heather Wilpone-Welborn
GUMC Communications