RSU Nursing Graduate Lauren Chapman reacts to a video of her husband, U.S. Army Spc. Dax Chapman, congratulating her on her graduation from RSU’s nursing program.
A Rogers State University nursing graduate received a special surprise during Thursday’s pinning ceremony via a video message from her husband, who is deployed in Afghanistan.
U.S. Army Spc. Dax Chapman is serving with the 831st Deployment and Distribution Support Battalion stationed at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, and he was unable to attend his wife Lauren’s pinning ceremony, which serves as graduation for nursing students.
He reached out to the university to see about broadcasting a video message to be played during the event.
“I want to congratulate my beautiful wife Lauren. I know you have worked so hard for this moment and I wish I could be there to share it with you,” Dax Chapman said during the video. “I am so proud of you and I love and miss you so much. Congratulations, baby!”
Lauren and her fellow graduates had just finished watching a photo montage about the family support they received during their nursing studies when the surprise video played.
“We don’t get to talk often so seeing him on the screen was almost like having him here,” said Lauren. “His support means everything to me!”
Chapman was one of 93 RSU nursing graduates to be recognized during the pinning ceremony at First Baptist Church in downtown Claremore. Spc. Chapman is also a Hillcat alumnus. He earned his EMT certification at RSU and works for EMSA when not deployed.