Herzing University Celebrates 44 Minneapolis Nursing Graduates at Spring 2026 Pinning Ceremony

As Minnesota continues to face a critical demand for qualified nurses, Herzing University Minneapolis is helping build the local pipeline of compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals. On Thursday, May 28, Herzing honored 44 nursing graduates at its Spring 2026 Pinning Ceremony at the Marriott West. The pinning ceremony is a time-honored tradition, a symbol of their commitment to patient care and the nursing profession.

This spring’s class joins more than 880 graduates statewide who have earned their degrees from Herzing University since 2008, with the majority of Herzing alumni staying and working in Minnesota and strengthening the local talent pipeline.

“Our graduates represent the next generation of healthcare professionals ready to step into the roles where they are needed most,” said Jeff Hill, Regional Vice President of Operations – Midwest at Herzing University. “This milestone does not mark the end of their academic journey, but the beginning of impactful careers that will strengthen Minnesota’s healthcare workforce for years to come.”

Herzing University Minneapolis provides a career-focused nursing education through a flexible online and hybrid learning model built around connecting non-traditional students – including career changers, working adults and first-generation students – to clinical settings with local healthcare partners. By combining real-world clinical experience with rigorous coursework, graduates step into essential healthcare roles with the hands-on experience and professional foundation needed in Minnesota’s healthcare workforce. 

“The support and belief of the professors really showed me how nursing is supposed to look,” said Gregory Nisja, who is graduating this semester. “I felt so supported, and I am so grateful for this program. I have gotten my dream job, moving from an LPN supervisor to an RN manager. I will use my degree to move toward my ultimate goal of becoming the Director of Nursing in the Assisted Living and Memory Care environment.”

“As a military student, Herzing made getting my degree as easy as possible! I was able to reschedule and make up all of my clinical/lab days that I missed due to the military,” said Josh Cid, also graduating this semester. “The faculty truly wants us to succeed and is devoted to us. I started my nursing career on a CVICU with plans to continue my education in the future!”

Herzing University is proud to graduate approximately 800 new nurses this spring commencement season, adding to the total of 12,000 nurses who have graduated over its 60-year history. This milestone reinforces the university’s role in providing skilled healthcare professionals to meet the nation’s urgent demand. With 13 campuses nationwide and an accessible online division, Herzing is committed to serving nontraditional students and adult learners with more than 40 programs from diploma to doctorate level.

For more information about Herzing University’s Minneapolis campus and its nursing programs, visit www.herzing.edu.