April 22, 2014

Historically, the Accelerated Career Entry Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (ACE-BSN) Program was the first of its kind during conception in 2001 and one of very few in the country. Many said that completing a BSN degree in eleven months was not possible but soon our graduates proved them wrong.

On April 8, students from the ACE Program, along with their family and friends, gathered together to celebrate the students’ completion of the rigorous eleven-month program that is the shortest of its kind in the nation. Pharrell Williams’ song “Happy” filled the hall as a procession of students entered with big smiles on their faces. In a heartfelt speech, ACE graduate Anthony Shapit joked about many day-to-day issues that ACE students face. He concluded his remarks saying that the past eleven months were nothing short of a roller coaster ride but that fellow members of the ACE cohort made it enjoyable and unforgettable. Ayrowyn Tanner, another graduate, described the program as one of the most trying experiences in her life. David Ruth, PhD, Dean of Students at Drexel University, said that in all of the graduation ceremonies he has attended at Drexel, never has he seen such energy and excitement amongst the graduates, friends, and family. He extended warm congratulations to the students of the ACE Program.

For ACE students, this pinning ceremony marks the completion of a second degree and, for many of them, a new chapter in their careers. Many of the graduates move on to complete additional degrees to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse educators. ACE Program graduates have a reputation as mature individuals rich with life experience and proven records of academic success. In fact, ACE Program graduates join an accomplished group of Drexel nursing alumni who have a mean cumulative pass rate for the R.N. licensure exam of over 97 percent.

To our ACE graduates: please stay in touch with us throughout your careers and beyond! Contact the College of Nursing and Health Professions’ Alumni Network at CNHPAlumni@drexel.edu.