Cindy McGirt, Southwest Tech Alumni Named Practical Nursing Graduation Keynote Speaker
The Southwest Tech practical Nursing graduation ceremony and pinning will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024 in the Frances Herron Seminar Center at 6:00pm. Candidates for graduation are Ayisha Economus, Kaila Freeman, Jazmine Greaves, Gina Hernandez, Julia Jasik, Pamela Lee, Misty Ney, Kayla Smith, Brittney Williams, and Sherry Winger.
The keynote speaker for the ceremony is Southwest Tech Practical Nursing alumni, Cindy McGirt, RN. As a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for learning and serving others, Cindy McGirt, RN, embodies the essence of perseverance and achievement. Born and raised in Hollis, OK, Cindy is the ninth of ten siblings, born to parents who did not have the opportunity to pursue formal education. Her father completed schooling up to the 3rd grade, while her mother never had the chance to attend school.
Breaking barriers as a first-generation college graduate, Cindy’s journey towards academic success began after a brief hiatus following high school. In May 2005 she graduated from Hollis High School, a significant milestone achieved amidst the responsibilities of motherhood, as her daughter was just five months old at the time. Determined to pursue higher education, Cindy embarked on her college journey at Western Oklahoma State College in the fall of 2011.
Despite encountering challenges and setbacks, Cindy’s determination remained unwavering. In 2014, she took a temporary break but returned to her educational pursuits in February 2019 when she enrolled in the Practical Nursing program at Southwest Technology Center. Graduating in January 2020, Cindy proudly became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in March of the same year.
Recognizing the importance of continuous growth and learning, Cindy decided to further her education. In 2022, she enrolled in the Registered Nurse (RN) program at Western Oklahoma State College and was accepted. Guided by the grace of God, she successfully completed the program in May 2023 and officially became a registered nurse in June 2023.
Although Cindy’s life journey has been marked by challenges, it has been made possible through unwavering faith and the support of a remarkable network of individuals. With the blessings of the Lord and her steadfast support system, Cindy is currently pursuing advanced studies at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
Looking ahead, she is both apprehensive and excited about the path that God has set for her. As Cindy continues to navigate this journey, she is fueled by the belief that with faith, resilience, and the support of loved ones, there are no limits to what she can achieve.