Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González / Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG, Texas — Dr. Annabelle Palomo, chief executive officer and school director of Rio Grande Valley College, recognized the importance of educational partnerships and personal determination during the fifth Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony held September 3, 2026, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance.
The program, developed through a partnership between RGV College and DHR Health, has produced 53 registered nurses across five graduating classes, DHR Health officials said.
Marissa Castañeda, senior executive vice president of DHR Health, served as master of ceremonies and welcomed graduates, their families, educators, and healthcare professionals.
“Today, we celebrate the commitment of our future nurses as they embark on this vital career journey,” Castañeda said.
Palomo thanked DHR Health and the faculty and staff of RGV College for helping establish and operate the apprenticeship program.
She recalled discussions among healthcare and education leaders that eventually led to the partnership, describing how a shared vision became an opportunity for working nurses to advance their education.
Palomo also reflected on the development of RGV College, which she said began 18 years earlier with five certified nursing assistant students.
“Never did I envision that we’d be partners in an apprenticeship program,” Palomo said.
The college’s growth and its relationship with DHR Health demonstrated how educational institutions and healthcare employers could work together to prepare nurses for regional employment, according to her remarks.
Palomo told graduates that professional success requires setting a vision and pursuing it throughout their careers.
She encouraged them to consider opportunities beyond their immediate responsibilities, including additional nursing education and leadership positions.
Her remarks referenced entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton, whose early ambitions and support for children’s literacy served as an example of pursuing personal goals while contributing to others.
Palomo encouraged graduates to remember their beginnings and recognize the people who supported their education.
She also thanked representatives of the U.S. Department of Labor and former Texas Workforce Commissioner Julian Alvarez for their contributions to the apprenticeship initiative.
The program allows licensed vocational nurses to advance toward registered nurse credentials while gaining clinical experience and maintaining employment.
During the ceremony, speakers described how the model helped address the financial and scheduling obstacles working nursing students face.
Palomo said approximately 90% of participating students remained in the community, reflecting the program’s connection to the regional healthcare workforce.
Castañeda also recognized the graduates’ families for supporting them throughout their education.
“You all are indeed such a part of this journey also,” she told family members and friends attending the ceremony.
The event included remarks from healthcare and education leaders, followed by a white coat and stole presentation recognizing the graduates’ transition into registered nursing.
Palomo closed her remarks by encouraging the graduates to maintain their commitment to service, continue learning, and pursue their ambitions throughout their nursing careers.
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