For more than three decades, Baker University School of Nursing has been proudly housed within Stormont Vail Health, fostering a unique partnership dedicated to educating the next generation of nurses. Since 1991, this collaboration has combined academic excellence with hands-on clinical experience, preparing students to serve patients, families, and communities with both skill and compassion.
Each semester, the School of Nursing celebrates an important milestone through its Commitment to Compassion Ceremony, a meaningful rite of passage for students entering their second semester of the nursing program.
On August 18th, 34 nursing students participated in the 20th biannual ceremony, including 16 Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students and 18 Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing students. Having successfully completed their first semester of nursing education, these students are taking the next step toward becoming professional nurses.
The Commitment to Compassion Ceremony gives students a sense of honor and accomplishment as they complete their first semester of the nursing curriculum and are formally welcomed into this prestigious and rewarding profession. It is a time for reflection and an opportunity to dedicate themselves to the honorable work of nursing.
The ceremony serves as both a celebration and a challenge. Students are encouraged to recognize the responsibility they are assuming as future nurses and to commit themselves to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. During the event, students wear their black nursing uniforms and receive a symbolic pin representing Baker University School of Nursing and their growing commitment to the profession.
The ceremony also honors the rich history of nursing education at Stormont Vail Health. Historically, the Stormont Vail School of Nursing, a diploma program that educated nurses from 1949 to 1987, held capping ceremonies for junior- and senior-level nursing students to mark important milestones in their educational journeys. As nursing education evolved and traditional capping ceremonies became less common, Baker University School of Nursing sought a meaningful way to preserve the spirit of that rite of passage. The Commitment to Compassion Ceremony was established in January 2017, creating a modern tradition that reflects the values of the nursing profession while honoring its heritage.
Since its inception, the ceremony has provided students with an opportunity to pause and reflect on the significance of their chosen profession. It recognizes the essential role nurses play in healthcare, celebrates their partnership with other healthcare professionals, and reinforces the compassion necessary to provide exceptional care. More than a ceremony, it serves as a reminder that nursing is not simply a career, but a calling grounded in service, empathy, and human connection.
Behind every nursing student's success is a dedicated team of educators and supporters. Across all Baker University School of Nursing programs, 21 faculty members and three staff members work tirelessly to mentor, guide, and prepare students for the challenges and rewards of professional practice. Their commitment helps shape future nurses who are equipped not only with clinical knowledge and technical expertise, but also with the compassion that remains at the heart of nursing.
As Baker University School of Nursing continues its longstanding partnership with Stormont Vail Health, the Commitment to Compassion Ceremony remains a powerful reflection of the values that define both organizations. For these 34 students, the ceremony marks more than the completion of a semester. It represents a promise to care for others with dignity, respect, and compassion throughout their nursing careers.
Ashley C. Seematter MSN, RNC-OB
Assistant Professor & Program Manager
SCHOOL OF NURSING
office: 785.354.5867
School of Nursing at Stormont Vail Health
Pozez Education Center
1500 SW 10th Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66604
