Twenty-six new licensed practical nurses are prepared to enter the health care work force.

The 26 LPNs were pinned Thursday night at Corcoran Center at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Austin.

They successfully completed the LPN program at Riverland Community College.

Connie Priebe and Julie Drake, registered nurses and instructors, said the majority of the graduates were non-traditional students.

"It's a one-year-long program," said Priebe, lead instructor, "but most of them took two years to complete the program because they were part-time students and juggling family and other responsibilities, too."

Diane Knudson, also an RN and long-time Riverland nursing program instructor, who has now retired, participated in the ceremonies, too.

Next year, Priebe and Drake say 40 students are enrolled in the program.

This year's LPN graduates included Mindy Betsinger, Britt Bjornson, Austin; Tiffney Christensen, Christine Compton, Albert Lea; Amy Drescher, Conger; Colette Folven, Kiester; Cheryl Gerhart, Austin; Kellie Grisim, Owatonna; Angie Hanna, Albert Lea; Regina Heckenliable, Austin; Jacinta Hernandez, Blooming Prairie; Kristi Hyland, Austin; Jolene Lee, Alden; Harmony Mattson, Buffalo; Bradley McNally, Austin; Barb Morgan, Janesville; Donna Mouser, Owatonna; Kassandra Reich, Austin, Ronda Rohl, Waltham, Amy Sanchez, Albert Lea, Luke Schilling, Glenville, Carol Schultz, Alden; Anne Skalicky, Austin; Allyson Skillestad, Hayfield; Sara Weckwert, Austin; Kimberly Williams, Owatonna.

The LPN class of 2003 showed its collective sense of humor with an insert to the commemorative program. It expresses the students appreciation to their instructors for imparting the knowledge to become LPNs, but it also thanked families and friends for their patience and support.

Harmony Mattson gave the welcome and Kimberly Williams offered remarks from the LPN students.

Pat Parseons provided special music.

Priebe, Drake and Knudson all participated in the pinning ceremonies.

Luke Schilling and Bradley McNally gave closing remarks.

The graduates all took the nurses pledge, reciting the words of the most famous of all nurses, Florence Nightingale.

The St. Olaf Hospital Auxiliary volunteers served refreshments.

Lee Bonorden can be reached at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com