Spartans of UD - Anthony Urrea

Spartans of UD highlights what makes the University of Dubuque special - the people

Anthony Urrea is a senior nursing major from Stockton, California, who will soon take the lessons he learned as a Spartan into an intensive care unit. But first he will celebrate his future as a nurse by having his parents pin him at the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Pinning Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 1, 2026, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center.

The pinning ceremony is a unique ritual signifying graduates' initiation into the community of professional nursing. The modern ceremony dates back to the 1860s when Florence Nightingale presented a medal of excellence to her brightest graduates. It not only marks the completion of academic study, but it also honors graduates who will work in careers of service to others.

What inspired you to major in nursing?

"What inspired me to become a nurse was my parents. My mom has always been a very caring person, and growing up, we had my aunt on hospice care in our home. That experience gave me an early look into home health nursing, and I really admired how the nurses cared for her and supported our family. My dad also played a big role. He taught me CPR, and one time we came across an unresponsive man who had been hit by a car. We had to perform CPR until EMS arrived. That moment really stuck with me and made me realize I wanted to help people in critical situations."

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Pinning Ceremony is a time-honored tradition. What does the ceremony mean to you?

"The BSN Pinning Ceremony means a lot to me. It represents all the hard work, sacrifice, and dedication I've put in during my time at the University of Dubuque, especially being far away from home. It's a moment that shows everything I've worked for has paid off. I've chosen my mom and dad to pin me because they both played such a big role in getting me here, and they deserve to share that moment with me."

What are some of your favorite memories from your time in the nursing program?

"Some of my favorite memories from the nursing program come from simply talking with my patients. I really enjoyed building connections with them and getting to know their stories. Through those conversations, I was able to learn more about the Dubuque area, and patients would recommend golf courses, places to eat, and things to do. It gave me a better appreciation for the community and made my experience here more meaningful. That's one of the reasons I've enjoyed nursing so much, being able to connect with people on a personal level."

What advice do you have for future Spartans who want to go into nursing?

"My advice would be to never give up and keep pushing forward, no matter how tough it gets. Nursing school is challenging, but staying resilient is key. Wrestling taught me a lot about grit and perseverance, and those lessons helped me get through the program. Just keep working hard and believe in yourself."

What are your plans after graduation?

"After graduation, I plan to return to California, where I was born and raised, and begin working in a hospital ICU. I'm excited to take what I've learned here and apply it in a fast-paced, critical care environment while continuing to grow as a nurse."

Are you involved with any other activities on campus?

"I've been actively involved with the wrestling team and the judo team on campus. Those experiences taught me discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Honestly, I don't think I would have made it through the nursing program without the support from those teams. They played a big role in my growth both personally and professionally."

In your opinion, what makes the University of Dubuque unique?

"What makes the University of Dubuque unique is the strong sense of community. It really feels like a family here. The professors are supportive, approachable, and genuinely want to see you succeed. They make themselves available and take the time to help you, which is something I haven’t experienced anywhere else. The environment here is very welcoming, and that support system makes a huge difference."

Originally Published: April 29, 2026