The 2026 Student Nurse's Association Held Its Annual Awards Luncheon, A Celebration of Commitment and Dedication to Nursing Excellence
Just a week shy of the Spring 2026 Candlelighting Ceremony, soon-to-be-nursing graduates and their faculty mentors came together in the Student Union on Thursday, May 21 for the 2026 Student Nurses’s Association Annual Awards Luncheon.
Susan Riekert, Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Nursing Department congratulated the nursing students with a heartfelt shoutout. “We are all so proud of you! It’s been a pleasure to be with you through it all!”
One after another, nursing students rose from their seats to loud cheers from their fellow students and faculty and walked to the podium to receive awards for their committment and dedication to nursing excellence.
One awardee, Jocelyn Esguerra, 31 years-old, shed a few tears as she accepted The Maryellen Matthews Memorial Nursing Scholarship Award for Demonstration of Dedication to Nursing.
“This feels surreal,” said Jocelyn, who added that it wouldn’t feel real until she walks across the stage in her cap and gown. “It was my boyfriend who inspired me to study nursing; he saw the light in me. Everyone in my life says this is where I belong.” Jocelyn will graduate from Queensborough this spring with an associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree in Nursing and will pursue her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in nursing at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (SPS). Jocelyn, currently a Patient Care Associate at North Shore University Hospital, aspires to become a labor and delivery registered nurse.
Nikai Moore, 28 years-old, was awarded The Johanna and Bridget Brady Excellence in Nursing Award for Demonstrating a Commitment to Nursing. In lieu of an acceptance speech, Nikai dropped and did ten push-ups to thunderous applause. Nikai aspires to become a nurse practioner in endrocrinology or cardiology.
Queensborough Community College’s program in Nursing was established in 1967 and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Queensborough has enjoyed a long history of graduating competent, caring nurses. The program of study is offered in both the spring and fall semesters, with an evening session available in the fall. Because we believe that nurses must be well educated, Queensborough offers three dual/joint programs with Hunter/Bellevue School of Nursing, CUNY School of Professional Studies (SPS), and York College. Students may apply for these programs while enrolled in their first clinical course in Nursing, NU 101. These programs facilitate students moving seamlessly on for their bachelor’s degree and offer online options.
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