VCU School of Nursing Recognizes 177 New Graduates
The VCU School of Nursing recognized 177 graduating students at its 2013 Fall Recognition Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 13 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. VCU’s Fall Commencement Exercises were held on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. Undergraduate and graduate students celebrated this monumental day among family and friends.
Jean Giddens, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, professor and dean of the VCU School of Nursing, offered welcoming remarks and congratulated students on their achievement.
“My dream is for graduates of the VCU School of Nursing to continue making a clear imprint and dramatic influence in the health and well-being of individuals locally, nationally, and internationally,” Giddens said. “As you depart today and begin the next step in your professional journey, ask yourself – What can I do to make a difference?”
The ceremony included the traditional hooding of the master’s candidates, as well as the presentation of baccalaureate candidates, the senior class gift and student awards.
Nursing awards were presented to the following six degree candidates:
Bridget Fitzgerald received the Mayme B. Wilson Lacey Award. This award is presented by the Chapters of St. Philip Alumni Association to a graduating nursing student 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.
Meghan Coquillon received the Yingling Senior Achievement Award. This award is named in honor of Doris B. Yingling and recognizes an outstanding senior student who has proven leadership ability, potential for professional growth, evidence of support for the School of Nursing, and evidence of concern for community affairs.
Ashley Hinkle received the Mabel Montgomery Award. This award, in recognition of the retirement of Miss Mabel E. Montgomery, treasurer, State Board of Nursing Examiners 1948-71, acknowledges a candidate who shows excellence in clinical nursing as evidenced by independent and rational judgment, a high level of interpersonal and technical skills, a high level nursing knowledge, impetus for positive change, and professional responsibility.
Kyle Jones received the Marguerite Nicholson Award. 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 alumni of the School of Nursing, 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.
Wendi Sears received the RN Award. This award is presented to a graduating RN-BS student who demonstrates excellence within the School of Nursing in clinical expertise, leadership, and personal qualities.
Catherine Neal received the Temple Memorial Award. Honoring 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 health care services and for the profession of nursing.
To view the full list of graduates, please click:Dec. 2013 Nursing Degree Candidates.
Below are scenes from the recognition ceremony.
