VCU School of Nursing recognizes 219 new graduates
VCU School of Nursing recognized 219 new graduates at the Spring 2019 Recognition Ceremony held May 10 at the Siegel Center.
Jean Giddens, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, dean and professor, challenged each graduate to embrace opportunities both individually and collectively within the nursing profession.
“This requires becoming involved and engaged within professional organizations and initiatives,” she said. “My dream is for you is to continue the VCU School of Nursing tradition of excellence by making a clear imprint and dramatic influence in the health and well-being of individuals locally, nationally, and internationally.”
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a $500 check from the Traditional B.S. Class of 2019. The funds will go toward the Jean Moye Shepard Scholarship.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of awards to the following graduates:
YINGLING SENIOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Paige Lawson
Gifts to the institution to honor Doris B. Yingling have been used to establish an award to a senior student. This recognition is based on outstanding leadership ability, potential for professional growth, evidence of support for the School of Nursing, and evidence of concern for community affairs.
MABEL MONTGOMERY AWARD – Megan Foret
With funds given by faculty and students in recognition for the retirement of Miss Mabel E. Montgomery, Treasurer, State Board of Nursing Examiners 1948-71, this award is intended to recognize excellence in clinical nursing as evidenced by independent and rational judgment, a high level of interpersonal and technical skills, a high level of nursing knowledge, impetus for positive change and professional responsibility.
MAYME B. WILSON LACY AWARD – Deborah Gardner
The Chapters of St. Philip Alumni Association present the Mayme B. Wilson Lacy Award to a graduating nursing student, irrespective of race, color, creed, sex or national origin, who is highly committed to nursing as a profession, demonstrates the ability to consistently give good nursing care to all patients, works well with the health care team and shows promise of supporting professional organizations.
MARGUERITE NICHOLSON AWARD – Katelyn McCreight
This award recognizes Marguerite Nicholson, graduate of 1934, for her many contributions to the School and to nursing in Virginia. Made possible by funds raised by the Nursing School Alumni, the award is presented to a senior student for humanitarian qualities of unselfishness, helpfulness to others, consideration, humility and loyalty to the School of Nursing.
BETSY BAMPTON RN AWARD – Christoph Lecnar
Dr. Bampton served admirably in many roles during her long tenure with the School of Nursing. There is no role she enjoyed more than advising and teaching RN to B.S. students. This award is presented to a graduating RN to B.S. student who demonstrates excellence within the School of Nursing in clinical expertise, leadership, and personal qualities.
TEMPLE MEMORIAL AWARD – Elizabeth Breighner
Initiated in 1977, this award honors the memory of Dr. T. Edward Temple, second president, VCU, and Mrs. Temple. This award is given to a graduating student in the master’s program. The person selected to receive the award possesses characteristics that demonstrate exemplary performance in the advocacy role for the consumer of healthcare services and for the profession of nursing.
ANN B. HAMRIC AWARD – Becky Eades
Initiated in 2017, the Ann B. Hamric Award for an outstanding DNP Program graduate is presented at the School of Nursing Recognition ceremony to DNP graduate in nursing who demonstrate(s) excellence in nursing education and academic achievement. This award commemorates the achievements of Dr. Ann Hamric whose work defined the core competencies of the advanced practice nurse and leadership influenced the development of the DNP Essentials. The award will honor a graduating student who exemplifies leadership in an advanced practice role and whose DNP Project creates sustainable practices improvement in the field of Quality and Safety.
VIRGINIA NURSES FOUNDATION / VIRGINIA NURSES ASSOCIATION FUTURE NURSE LEADER AWARD – Larissa Gregory
This award recognizes a graduating student in the undergraduate nursing program. The person selected to receive the award demonstrates leadership characteristics, such as: (1) prepares, motivates, mentors and impacts other students as leaders; (2) participates in community activities; (3) creates a positive working environment; (4) promotes activity in nursing organizations; and (5) embodies the ethics and values of nursing.
View a photo album on the school’s Facebook page.
Categories Alumni and Friends, Students