University of Wyoming nursing students honored for their achievements

LARAMIE – The University of Wyoming’s Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing held its 66th annual convocation ceremony May 10 in the College of Arts and Sciences auditorium, which recognizes achievements from nursing students’ academic journeys, as well as career milestones accomplished by faculty members.

“This is not just a recognition of academic achievement; it is a celebration of resilience, compassion and dedication,” said Michelle Hilaire, interim dean of the UW College of Health Sciences. “Nurses are not only caregivers; they are advocates, educators and champions of health and wellness.”

Members of the 2024 graduating nursing class from southeast Wyoming, listed by convocation award title and description, graduates’ names and hometowns, are:

Amelia Leino Memorial Award, awarded to the graduating Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students with the highest GPA in their respective options – one Basic degree; one Bachelors Reach for Accelerated Nursing Degree (BRAND); one BSN; and one Revolutionizing Nursing Education in Wyoming degree – Brittany Fertig, Patricia Holmes and Megan Weidler, Cheyenne; Tori Starkebaum, Laramie.

Gertrude Gould Memorial Award, awarded to a graduating senior for excellence in public health nursing practice – Abigail Preston, Cheyenne.

Dorothy Tupper Senior Memorial Award, awarded to a graduating senior in each undergraduate program who best demonstrates caring, compassion and interpersonal communication skills – Cody Chancellor, Laramie.

Courage to Teach Award, awarded to a graduating master’s degree student for the personification of a critically reflective attitude about learning and teaching – Sarah Schindler, Cheyenne.

Change Agent Award, created by the DNP Program faculty to recognize a graduating student who demonstrated excellence in health behavior change coursework and who displayed a passion for assisting individuals with behavior change in clinical practice – Jessica Carlson, Laramie.

Dr. Patsy Hesen Haslam Leadership Award, recognizing a graduating DNP student who displayed both leadership and grace in the program – Jessica Carlson, Laramie.