On May 3, The University of Tulsa School of Nursing recognized high-achieving students at its annual Recognition and Award Ceremony.
Sheryl Stansifer, the director of the TU School of Nursing, gave advice to the graduating students the night of the ceremony: “Regardless of where you practice, continue to strive to make a difference in the health disparities in your state. You will continue to be challenged and I encourage you to meet that challenge with enthusiasm. Health care changes daily as we encounter new medications, new procedures, the discovery of new diseases and confront the resurgence of old diseases.”
Pinning Ceremony
BSN students set to graduate the following day during TU’s commencement ceremony received a nursing pin that recognizing their achievement. The ceremony was quite special as each student was pinned by a parent, friend or mentor. Twenty-one students received pins:
- Sierra Adair
- Roshel Anthony
- Ally Boyd
- Aram Brunner
- Halli Chandler
- Daniel Chavarin
- Avery Culpepper
- Sam Embry
- Shruti Kilpadikar
- Keli Miller
- Adrienne Nathman
- Madeline Oleksiak
- Kristin Rodriquez
- Abby Schmitt
- Kaylie Schneider
- Maria Simon
- Zack Stavrou
- Erika Wakefield
- Craig Wheeler
- Olusola (Sam) Adeyeye
- Michaela McKeehan
Awards
The evening also included the presentation of several awards.
Halli Chandler was honored as the 2018 Outstanding Student of the Year. The award is given to a student for displaying high-quality academics, excellence in clinical nursing, leadership and service. Kayleigh Schneider earned the honor for the highest grade point average.
The event also honored students named to Sigma Theta Tau International, an honor society committed to fostering excellence, scholarship and leadership in nursing. Membership is awarded to baccalaureate nursing candidates who have completed half of the nursing curriculum, have at least a 3.0-grade point average on a 4.0 scale and who are in the upper 35% of their class. Those in the graduating class who were inducted are:
- Ally Boyd
- Halli Chandler
- Avery Culpepper
- Sam Embry
- Abby Schmitt
- Kaylie Schneider
- Micheala McKeehan (RN to BSN)
Cathy Sullivan, a nurse manager for Children First, was presented with the Daisy Award. Sullivan was nominated by Lynn B. Clutter, who said “Cathy always works diligently to accommodate TU nursing students to join these nurses and share in the individualized health and parenting education. She has adapted schedules and helped nurses to be effective in mentoring students through these home visits with young families.”
The Daisy Award is given to an individual who works with students and who has an influence on nursing practice and nursing care.
The ceremony concluded with students, faculty and nurses in the audience reciting the Florence Nightingale Pledge.