MALTA — Kishwaukee College faculty, administration, and staff recently held a pinning ceremony on June 20 to honor graduating Radiologic Technology students. The students were presented with a special pin during the ceremony before family and friends, recognizing their accomplishments and hard work in successfully completing the program and becoming eligible to join the profession of radiologic technologists.
The 2019 Radiologic Technology graduates are: Megan Ackland, Rochelle; Kyle Anderson, DeKalb; Presleigh Belt, Rochelle; Heather Bruyr, Kirkland; Arllisa Cordon, Loves Park; Tera Ferrari, DeKalb; Heidi Hershberger, DeKalb; Kelly Kahoun, Shabbona; Alison Kelly, Sycamore; Riley Latimer, DeKalb; Alison Seiler, Stillman Valley; Alison Valdivieso, Rochelle; Mary Veloz, DeKalb; and Stephanie Wisner, Sycamore.
Radiologic Technology Program Director Jerry Fox congratulated the class on their academic and clinical achievements. He encouraged the graduates to embrace new technologies and stay relevant in the workforce. Dean of Instruction Chase Budziak, Assistant Professor of Radiology Marie Meadors, and Instructor of Radiology Lori Damask also addressed the students with words of appreciation and career advice.
The student speaker, Heather Bruyr, addressed her classmates, saying, “I feel privileged to share this experience with the 13 of you.” Bruyr described the close bond the graduating class formed and congratulated them all on their accomplishment.

The tradition of pinning healthcare graduates originates with the nursing profession in 1860 when Florence Nightingale presented a lapel pin to her best students. Over the years, other healthcare professions have added the practice to their graduation traditions to symbolize an official initiation into the students’ chosen healthcare profession. Damask, Meadors, and Fox pinned students. Following the pinnings, students offered carnations to their family and friends as a token of appreciation for their support while they completed the program.  
The Radiologic Technology program prepares students for careers as radiologic technologists. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. ARRT certification is recognized throughout the country, and successful completion of the exam allows students to become licensed by the State of Illinois.
Applications for the radiology program are accepted between December 1—December 21 each year. The program begins each fall semester.
For more information about the radiologic technology program at Kish, visit www.kish.edu/radiology or contact Program Director Jerry Fox at gfox1@kish.edu or 815-825-9361.