Congratulations, School of Nursing Class of 2013! (more pictures added)
“Make finding and growing the leader within you a continuous path,” Dean Kathleen Potempa tells new graduates.
The University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) honored students who earned baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees this year with a commencement ceremony at Hill Auditorium on May 4. The ceremony was punctuated with moments of laughter, inspiring speeches, and praise for and from the graduates. The remarks emphasized the collaborative effort of higher education involving the faculty, staff, friends, and families of the students.
Remarks from Students
One student from each of the three degree levels was selected to speak at graduation. 
Carman Turkelson spoke as a representative not only of the students receiving doctoral degrees, but also as a member of UMSN’s first graduating cohort of its Doctorate of Nursing Practice program, which also included Andreea Toader, Corinne Lee, and Denise Cooper.
Carman Turkelson spoke as a representative not only of the students receiving doctoral degrees, but also as a member of UMSN’s first graduating cohort of its Doctorate of Nursing Practice program, which also included Andreea Toader, Corinne Lee, and Denise Cooper. “Nineteen days ago I stood with 24,000 other runners at the start of the 117th Boston Marathon,” began Turkelson. A veteran marathon runner, she compared the challenges of training and running a marathon and her desire to cross the finish line of one of the nation’s premier races to the graduates “embracing the opportunity” of a life-time, celebrating the success of years of dedication and hard work. Turkelson crossed the finish line just minutes before two bombs went off. In her speech, she commended the courage, strength, resolve and heroism displayed during the chaotic aftermath. Turkelson challenged the graduates to be nursing leaders and “to have strength and resolve to finish what we start. For in an instant, it can all change. Life is precious, celebrate and embrace the opportunity.”
“There were plenty of times when we considered the thought that we could have chosen an easier major, one that di
dn’t require 12-hour shifts on a Saturday or didn’t have checkoffs before classes even started,” said BSN graduate speaker Emily Ruimveld. “But standing here today, I know that we couldn’t have asked for a better experience than the one that we have been given.”
dn’t require 12-hour shifts on a Saturday or didn’t have checkoffs before classes even started,” said BSN graduate speaker Emily Ruimveld. “But standing here today, I know that we couldn’t have asked for a better experience than the one that we have been given.”Master’s graduate Jennifer El Aile encouraged her fellow graduates to remember their time at University of Michigan while striving for nursing excellence. “Dive in, immerse yourself in the experience, practice to the full extent of your scope, and always remember your roots,” said El Aile. “In providing care like this you will be the Michigan difference wherever you go. So forever and always, Go Blue.”
Awards
- R. Faye McCain Award: Mark Carrier
- R. Faye McCain Award: Sharon Nolan
- The Josephine M. Sana Award: Kasandra Risch
- The Mary M. Schroder, RN Scholarship Award: Sara Lebovic
- The Frank and Mary Reynolds Memorial Award: Samantha Budd
- The Frank and Mary Reynolds Memorial Award: Blaine Krach
- The Dorothy Salibian Donabedian Award and Special Recognition Award: Rebecca Schreier
- The Ellen H. Toporek Memorial Award: Jenelle Ritchie
- The Ella E. McNeil Award: Susan A. Bell
- The Jennifer S. Joscelyn Memorial Fund Award: Amber Hoffman
- The Emilie Gleason Sargent Award: Christina Ziegler
- The Judy M. Judd Alumni Award: Blaine Krach
- The Gerald deKalands Certificate Of Excellence: Stephanie M. Johnson
- The A. Josephine Brown Award: Jenelle Ritchie
- The Hazel M. Avery Maternity Nursing Award: Christine Ladd
- Nursing Business Faculty Award to an Outstanding Graduate Student: Autumn Heiney
- Jane Wilson Coon Undergraduate Student Award: Jiayi (Angela) Wan
- Nursing Business and Health Systems Program Award to an Outstanding Undergraduate Student: Kayleigh Hendricks
- Beatrice J. Kalisch Award for a Graduate Student in Nursing Business and Health Systems: John Knight
- Dumas Leadership Award for Nursing Excellence: Karly Hendee
- Bonnie Kaye Mallory-Foreman Award: Ashleigh Klimek
Students and faculty selected Dr. Ellen Lavoie Smith as the recipient of the Mae Edna Doyle Teacher of the Year Award. This award honors the memory of Mae Edna Doyle, a distinguished graduate from the Class of 1939. It is meant to recognize excellence in evidence-based teaching, knowledge of subject areas taught, skillful communication and presentation, the ability to stimulate and challenge students’ intellectual capacity, a demonstrated interest in students, and impact on students’ professional lives.
Dean Potempa read some comments from the nominations, including: “Not only does Dr. Smith teach the science of nursing, she serves as a role model as she advances nursing science. With 30 years of experience as an oncology nurse, nurse practitioner, and nurse administrator, Dr. Smith is an expert and leader in the study of chemotherapy and neuropathic pain. As an active researcher, she exhibits knowledge and mastery of this research area, as well as the fundamentals of nursing research overall.”
In Closing
After each student walked across the stage of Hill Auditorium to accept their diploma, Dean Potempa gave final remarks. “If you’re wondering what I whispered to each student on stage, I said, ‘Come and visit, and come back for another degree.’”
