Graduation 12-12-09

Graduation! We have been waiting for this day for a long time. Could not believe that it was finally here. Kate's family and Andrew's parents made the trip to Grandville, through a blizzard, to celebrate the triumph of many years of hard work. The day started with stuffed french toast, made specially by Chef Andrew. Then we all headed to the VanAndel Arena for the commencement ceremony. Andrew was so proud of Kate that tears filled his eyes when he saw her march in behind the Kirkhof College of Nursing banner. Kate was so excited and proud to walk across the stage and receive her nursing degree. She could not stop smiling.

It was then a mad dash to the pinning ceremony. All plans went out the window, fortunately though we were all able to eat a few pieces of pizza. The pinning ceremony was so special for Kate to celebrate the culmination of all the hard work of nursing school, especially with all of her nursing school friends by her side as they each were pinned. She will never forget these friends that she made during this part of her journey.

Kate was just super excited all day, even though she was sick with a bad cold. It is hard to believe that it is finally done, and Kate has her nursing degree. We were so thankful to have Mom and Dad Schneider, Mom and Dad Dodd, G, Kevin, Angela, Kyle, and Elizabeth there to celebrate the day with us. Kate says that she could not have made it through nursing school without the encouragement and support of Andrew and her family. They helped pick her up during the very tough days when the end goal was hard to see. She is so glad to have finished this part of the Dodd Journey, and looking forward to the next thing that God has for our family.
-Katelynn Dodd, BSN-