Amarillo College LVN Program Celebrates 75 Years of Nursing Excellence

The Vocational Nursing (LVN) program at Amarillo College will celebrate 75 years of preparing compassionate, highly skilled nurses during its Spring 2026 pinning ceremonies on May 14.

The milestone will be honored as part of a dual ceremony recognizing both Vocational Nursing (VN) and Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) graduates at The Church at Quail Creek. The VN pinning ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m., followed by the ADN ceremony at 6 p.m. A reception for LVN graduates, alumni and community partners will follow the evening ceremony in the Fellowship Hall at the same location. Guests are asked to RSVP to the ceremony in advance.

“For 75 years, this program has been shaping nurses who make a real difference in patients’ lives and in communities across the Texas Panhandle,” said Aaron Gann, AC program director of the LVN program and instructor. “This anniversary is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, the strength of our students, and the enduring impact of Amarillo College.”

The program’s legacy is reflected in the stories of its students—many of whom are continuing their education while already making an impact in healthcare.

Chase O’Daniel, a Level II student graduating this spring, said his path into nursing was inspired by his mother’s battle with a serious neurological condition.

“Being able to see her process in the healthcare field—and the difference good nurses make—showed me I wanted to be that positive impact for someone else,” O’Daniel said.

After graduation, O’Daniel plans to begin work in pediatric home health while continuing his education toward becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

“Becoming an LVN means I’m one step closer to my final goal,” he said. “The most important thing this program has taught me is to never give up on myself.”

For Beatriz Boardingham, the journey into nursing was shaped by personal loss and a desire to provide the kind of care her family once received.

“My mom had a wonderful hospice nurse, and that experience really influenced me to come back to school,” Boardingham said.

Balancing school with raising her children, she credits the program’s support system for helping her succeed.

“The support system here is exceptional,” she said. “There’s never a dumb question, and the instructors are always there for you.”

She hopes to eventually work in hospice care, continuing the cycle of compassion that first inspired her.

Racheal Garcia, another graduating student, said her passion for nursing began early while accompanying her grandmother, an LVN and a 1967 graduate of Amarillo College, to work.

“I want to be there when someone takes their first breath and their last—and everything in between,” Garcia said.

Garcia emphasized the hands-on nature of the profession and the program’s strong preparation.

“You earn this,” she said. “They expect the best, because they turn out the best.”

Across all three students, a common theme emerges: the program’s emphasis on compassion, accountability, and excellence.

Students highlighted the impact of Amarillo College Simulation Center, where advanced mannequins and real-world scenarios allow them to practice critical skills in a controlled environment.

They also emphasized the importance of clinical experience across a wide range of settings—from pediatrics and labor and delivery to hospice and long-term care—helping them build both confidence and competence.

As the program marks its 75th anniversary, students say its longevity reflects a commitment to both tradition and innovation.

“This program is 75 years strong because of the support we receive from Amarillo College and the community,” O’Daniel said.

Garcia agreed, noting that the program’s reputation extends beyond the classroom.

“When you’re out in the field, there is a difference,” she said. “That’s why it’s lasted 75 years.”

With many graduates planning to remain in the region, the program continues to play a critical role in addressing healthcare needs across Amarillo and surrounding rural communities.

The May 14 ceremonies will not only celebrate the achievements of this year’s graduates but also honor generations of nurses who have built the program’s legacy—one patient, one family, and one community at a time.