Spring 2025 RN Graduates Represent First Start-to-Finish Class at Delgado’s Ochsner Center for Nursing and Allied Health

May 28, 2025

The Delgado Charity School of Nursing Spring 2025 graduating class of 114 registered nurses is the first cohort to begin and finish the program in its entirety at its new location—the Ochsner Center for Nursing and Allied Health at the City Park Campus. The graduates were honored in a Pinning Ceremony on May 16 and officially received their associate degrees at Delgado’s Spring 2025 Commencement on May 20.   

“This graduating class represents more than just the first to complete their entire journey in our new Ochsner Center for Nursing and Allied Health—they are pioneers of a new era in nursing education,” Jennifer Fernandez, Dean of Nursing at Delgado, explained. “With every simulation, every lab and every challenge they’ve overcome here, they’ve proven that the future of healthcare is in capable, compassionate hands.”

The Delgado Charity School of Nursing, founded at Charity Hospital New Orleans in 1894 and a part of Delgado Community College since 1990, is ranked #1 Associate Degree in Nursing program in Louisiana by College Factual.

Previously located in downtown New Orleans on S. Claiborne Avenue, Delgado Charity School of Nursing moved to the main City Park Campus, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the student experience. Ochsner Health committed $20 million to expand Delgado’s nursing and allied health education programs to meet critical workforce demands and establish the new Ochsner Center for Nursing and Allied Health. Opened in April 2023, the facility, which houses Delgado’s Charity School of Nursing along with several allied health programs under one roof for the first time ever, accommodates up to 1,500 students and boasts 120,000 square feet of labs, modern classrooms and a simulated hospital.

“These graduates haven’t just practiced—they’ve prepared, with intention and heart, for the critical moments that define patient lives. From day one, they will walk into their careers ready to lead, to heal and to make a lasting difference,” Fernandez said.

By relocating the RN program to the center of a vibrant, traditional college campus, students now enjoy a more connected, convenient and enriching educational experience. Access to shared resources, student services, green spaces and a broader academic community fosters a sense of belonging and balance that supports both academic success and personal well-being. Within this integrated environment, students receive instruction in a state-of-the-art facility featuring a simulated hospital and advanced skills labs that mirror real-world healthcare settings. This immersive, hands-on training equips graduates to become not only clinically exceptional nurses but also deeply compassionate professionals—embodying the powerful impact of innovation driven by purpose.

“This milestone marks a transformative chapter for Delgado and for nursing education in our region,” said Dr. Larissa Littleton-Steib, Delgado Chancellor. “The Spring 2025 graduates exemplify what’s possible when cutting-edge facilities, community investment and academic excellence come together. We are proud to see these students emerge fully prepared to meet the demands of today’s healthcare system and to lead with skill, empathy and resilience.”

Spring 2025 RN Student Achievement Award Winners:

• Highest GPA – Richard Redmann
• Honor Pin – Richard Redmann
• Award of Distinction – Laquandra Robinson
• Sr. Stanislaus Malone Award – Johnathan Dees
• Sr. Blanche McDonnell Award – Natalie Rome
• Margaret Palmisano Alumni Award – Darchelle Smith
• Daughters of Charity Award – Richard Redmann
• NODNA Award – Avarie Hymel
• Theresa Bittenbring and John Henry Marque Fund Student Nurse Award (given to graduates with the top five highest GPAs from Fall 2024 and Spring 2025):
  • Contessa Alexander – Fall 2024 Graduate
  • Richard Redmann – Spring 2025 Graduate
  • Johnathan Dees – Spring 2025 Graduate
  • Spencer Campo – Fall 2024 Graduate
  • Quintin Burd – Spring 2025 Graduate

Spring 2025 RN Program Graduates:

Darian Alexis, Wynona Arnold, Alissa Atkinson, Daria Ball, Deneille Bealer, Kara Blackmon, Caroline Bonin, Shariel Bookhardt, El Ghalia Brakta, Chanika Brashears, Madeline Brignac, Mariah Brown, Rian Brown, Quintin Burd, Giselle Caicedo, Amanda Carkum, Savannah Cheramie, Kalin Chinn, Ronisha Coleman, Tara Collier, Madison Cousin, William Davenport, Shalika David, Breana Davis, Kenyata Davis, Shivail Davis, Johnathan Dees, Nia Degruy, Janee' Dixon, Kayla Dixon, Jennifer Duarte, Sara Ebert, Diamond Edwards, Erica Edwards, Juliet Etienne, Maryellen Fazenbaker, Ronisha Gardet, Jourdan Gauthier, Tiffani Hamilton, Sheraya Harris, Angelle Hill, Lauren Hosch, Ange'lique Hunt, Avarie Hymel, Bailey Hymel, Carlos Isaac, Emily Isham, Tamu Jack, Christal Johnson, Denise Johnson, Devan Jones, Terrione Kendrick, Tasneem Khan, Naydja Larkins, Tiffany Lea, Christina LeBlanc, Kristen Lee, Valentina Lopez, Sara Loya, Christen Magee, Melissa Marin, Sam Martarona, Dajanae' Martinez, Kayla Mathes, Diego Mencia, Melanie Menendez, Carmen Mills, Karleigh Moran, Sara Moran, Nguyet Nguyen, Jennifer Norman, Joselyn Ortiz, Mallory Parent, Rebekah Paternostro, Summer Pierre, Savannah Ranfone, Richard Redmann, Ty Rivers, Angela Robertson, Laquandra Robinson, Monique Rogers, Natalie Rome, Alyssa Ruiz, Taylor Sandifer, Samantha Scallan, Emily Schaff, Sean Scholes, Claire Schoonover, Rianna Sims, Darchelle Smith, Monica Soblosky, Joy Sonnier, Katina Spann, Bria' Spears, Shanice Stanislas, Ashley Stein, Morgan Storey, Sidni Sturdivant, Tori Sullivan, Melanie Taylor, Shirley Theriot, Kiara Thomas, Ashley Thornton, Candy Trahan, Khyra Turner, Ida Watler, Gloria Weber, Taylor Weber, Denise Whimper, Mikia White, Christian Wild, Alexa Williams, Sami Wooley, Jini Zelaya.