Congratulations, Class of 2016! Ceremony Recap and Awards

A few raindrops and impending shower were not enough to dampen the joyful spirits of graduates and their loved ones at the 2016 University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) Commencement. The ceremony, held at U-M’s historic Hill Auditorium, was a celebration of the achievements of the graduates who earned their respective baccalaureate and graduate degrees.

 

Kathleen Potempa, PhD, RN, FAAN, delivered her tenth and final commencement remarks as dean of UMSN. She shared her pleasure at seeing the success of the more than 12,000 living alumni of UMSN in areas including clinical care, research, global care, and leadership. “As you are today our newest alumni, I know you too will go forth and create your own stories of success,” she told the graduates.

 

UMSN’s Mae Edna Doyle Teacher of the Year is Clinical Instructor Elissa “Ellie” Wagner, MS, RN. The honor recognizes excellence in research-based teaching, ability to challenge students’ intellectual capacity, and impact on students’ professional lives. Both students and faculty make nominations for the award. A few comments for Wagner include:

Clinical Instructor Norma Sarkar, MPH, RN, received the 2016 DAISY Foundation Award “Celebrating Nursing Faculty for their Inspirational Influence on the Nurses of Tomorrow.” UMSN faculty were asked to nominate colleagues who demonstrate care and compassion with students while facilitating learning in the clinical environment. 

 

Remarks were given by student representatives of the doctoral, master’s and baccalaureate classes.

 

Doctoral - Carol Dwyer (DNP): “Being the best version of ourselves is founded on transformation, the relentless drumbeat in our personal and professional growth and celebrating each milestone along the way. As we evolve, even the best version of ourselves changes.  So we vow to hit the refresh button regularly so that we are constantly in the process of ’becoming.’”

 

Master’s – Rachael Crowe: “Today, on our graduation day, in addition to thanking our family, friends, and colleagues, we are so grateful for our mentors - for your encouragement, advice, and support. Tomorrow, we will show you that we are grateful by making a difference in the lives of our patients, and mentoring the next generation of nurse practitioners.”

Baccalaureate – Rebecca Speiran: “We had to come to the hospital ready to walk into someone’s worst nightmare at 19 or 20 years old, which is not something asked of everyone on this campus. We have to beat the hospital before the crack of dawn or all night long to watch heart monitors and hold hands and administer medications that keep people alive. We also have the immense responsibility and privilege of helping people die with dignity, grace, and never alone… We are passionate, intelligent, creative Michigan nurses. I am so honored to be crossing this finish line with all of you, and I can’t wait to see what this family accomplishes as we walk out into this world.”

Kaitlyn Auty

 

Bethany Werme

 

Gerald DeKalands Certificate of Excellence 

Cassandra Thelen

 

Dorothy Salibian Donabedian Award 

Sydney Liedel

 

Diana Rego

 

Emily Boltey. Her research preceptor is Christopher Friese, PhD, RN, AOCN, FAAN.

 

Jennifer S. Joscelyn Memorial Fund Award 

Monique Fiscelli

 

 Alexandra Agapiou

 

Nicole Poellet 

 

Kristen Dib

 

Emily Boltey

 

Chris Plampin

 

Rachael Crowe

 

Marni Jacobson

 

Sally Lechlitner Lusk Award
Aaron Collins

 

Additional photos from the ceremony are available on UMSN's Facebook page. Please note that you do not have to have a Facebook account to view photos.