UW School of Nursing Recognizes Student Achievement

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.

The convocation, held each spring the day before UW’s commencement ceremonies, recognizes achievements from nursing students’ academic journeys as well as career milestones accomplished by faculty members.

This year’s event included 15 award categories encompassing the qualities of leadership, scholarship and research; care and compassion; and academic excellence.

Sherrill Smith, dean of the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing, began by pointing out the impact that 2024 graduates will have on all levels of the nursing profession.

“We are excited to be able to see our students graduate to become nurses, nurse educators, nurse leaders and nurse practitioners for the state of Wyoming and beyond,” Smith said. “Given their accomplishments as students, I know they will be successful in their nursing careers.”

Michelle Hilaire, interim dean of the UW College of Health Sciences, said it was an honor to recognize all 30 nursing graduates for their dedication and hard work -- and to acknowledge the support given to them by their families as well as faculty and staff members.

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

Kimberly Denningmann, of Wentzville, Mo., the keynote student speaker at the convocation and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) candidate, encouraged graduates to “stay open to opportunities,” noting that work/life experiences happen and can lead to new career opportunities. She also reminded graduates of the importance of finding a balance between work/life experiences to help them remain focused and to continue progressing in their careers.

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

Rudolph “Rudy” and Louise Anselmi and Jeri Kirk Family Trust Nursing Scholarship, awarded to a graduating senior who best demonstrates leadership and responsibility -- Elizabeth Lewis, Cedaredge, Colo.

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 -- Rachel Petersburg, Banner; Julie Corson and Isabel Lyons, Casper; Brittany Fertig, Patricia Holmes and Megan Weidler, Cheyenne; Kendall Bellon, Gillette; Mary Ryan, Jackson; Tori Starkebaum, Laramie; Ansley Hessler, Mitchell, Neb.; and Marie Ramier, Powell.

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 -- Charity Rodolph, Casper; Reese Knapp, Conifer, Colo.; and Cody Chancellor, Laramie.

Lina Kennedy White Memorial Award, awarded to a graduating student with interest and aptitude for gerontology -- Raymond Burger, Moorcroft.

Beverly McDermott Award, for demonstrating leadership and political activism -- Kathryn Oswald, Parker, Colo.

Passion for Nursing Award, awarded to a graduating BRAND student who demonstrates passion in nursing -- Tommi Olson, Worland.

School of Nursing Spirit Award, funded by faculty and staff to show appreciation for a Basic BSN graduating senior who “cheered everyone up,” who is a pleasure to have in class, and who makes the team proud to have as a graduate of the program -- Teddi Jones, Sundance.

Professional Nurse Award, awarded to a graduating senior who demonstrates excellence in practice, community service and professional service -- Catherine Elfland, Three Forks, Mont.

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.

Carol Macnee Scholarship Award, awarded to any graduating student who has demonstrated excellence in scholarship and/or research throughout their academic career at UW -- Chenoa Williams, Buffalo, undergraduate winner; and Jessica Van Valkenburg, Rock Springs, graduate winner.

Susan McCabe Psychiatric/Mental Health Graduate Award, awarded to a graduating psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner student who demonstrates academic excellence in the classroom, a passion for knowledge and superior clinical practice -- Kimberly Denningmann, Wentzville, Mo.

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 -- Kai Wentz, Casper, and Jessica Carlson, Laramie.

Mary Burman Primary Care Award, recognizing a graduating DNP student who excelled in primary care in the program -- Landon George, Burlington.

About the University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences

UW’s College of Health Sciences trains health and wellness professionals and researchers in a wide variety of disciplines, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, speech-language pathology, social work, kinesiology, public health, health administration and disability studies. The college also oversees residency and fellowship programs in Casper and Cheyenne, as well as operating a speech/hearing clinic in Laramie and primary care clinics in Laramie, Casper and Cheyenne.

With more than 1,600 undergraduate, graduate and professional students, the college is dedicated to training the health and wellness workforce of Wyoming and conducting high-quality research and community engagement, with a particular focus on rural and frontier populations.