Academy helps TWU nurses put best foot forward

May 23, 2023 — DENTON — Graduation is always a special time for college graduates. For Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates at Texas Woman’s University, there is an additional initiation into the nursing profession — the pinning ceremony. This year, Academy Sports + Outdoors and Brooks Running added a little something to put even more spring into graduates’ steps. 
 
Academy teamed up with Brooks to provide more than 100 pairs of shoes free of charge to BSN graduates from TWU Dallas.
 
“It’s a great way to start off your new career with a fresh step,” said Heather Burkey, one of the College of Nursing’s newest bachelor’s graduates, as she tried on her new pair of shoes at the pinning ceremony.
 
“My mom told me ever since I was a little girl that you should always value your feet because that’s what takes you everywhere. If you’re going to invest in something quality, it should be your shoes,” Burkey said.

Academy and Brooks chose to invest in health professionals, specifically the TWU College of Nursing, the only nursing school chosen for the gift. Academy also partnered with a Houston fire department.
 
“It is our way to show our thanks to those who impact our communities and give a gift to the next generation of nurses. We’re hoping that these graduates will be able to use these shoes as they’re giving back to our communities,” said Academy Senior Marketing Specialist Ashley Razo. “This is just a small way for us to say thank you for what they do every day.”
 
Another graduate, Haley Krause, said she was in the process of looking for a new pair of shoes for work, and Academy saved her the search.
 
“This is just incredible. To be on your feet for 12 hours at a time, having good shoes is so important. I know me and my classmates are just beyond thankful and thrilled to just be thought of and sponsored for this,” Krause said, adding, “And they’re adorable. They’re beautiful.”

The line of Brooks shoes are the company’s Hero Pack line with nods to the profession throughout the shoe design.
 
“They’re so, so cute. I like how they’re nursing specific,” said graduate Kinley Speir. “It really boosts morale, for sure, having someone appreciate us, especially a big company like Academy.”

Page last updated 1:50 PM, May 23, 2023