The COVID-19 pandemic changed many aspects of students’ lives at The University of New Mexico College of Nursing, but the classes graduating in 2022 were the first to complete their nursing education entirely during the pandemic.
They worked hard as classes transitioned from in-person to remote learning and back again. As caregivers, they administered COVID-19 vaccinations in clinics across the state and continued to serve patients in clinical rotations amid surging case numbers.
The leadership and dedication Lobo nursing students have shown in caring for their communities in the face of adversity is even more important.
Today, the College is recognizing the best of the best. Each year it honors outstanding graduates with awards based on their achievements in both the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Awardees are nominated and selected by their instructors.
This year we would like to recognize the Spring Class of 2022 award recipients:
Nursing Leadership Award: Sarah Flynn
This award is presented to a graduating student from any program who has shown outstanding leadership qualities. The awardee is active in developing professional nursing knowledge through membership in professional nursing organizations or participates in college committees or activities and organizations within the community.
I am grateful to the faculty at UNM College of Nursing as well as the many leaders I have encountered throughout my life who have influenced my leadership skills thus far. I feel the education I have received from the College of Nursing has prepared me to continue to lead by example while I proceed into the field of nursing. I would not be here without the support of the faculty, my amazing nursing cohort, my friends and family. I am excited and ready to serve the patients and community here in New Mexico.
Pre-Licensure Academic Achievement Award: Isabel Garcia-Gallegos
She was presented this award in recognition of her leadership and demonstration of the College’s values – academic excellence, diversity and inclusion, innovation, integrity and respect.
RN-BSN Academic Achievement Award: Cherish Seaton
This award is presented to a RN-to-BSN student who, as a leader, has demonstrated the values of the College – academic excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, innovation, integrity and respect.
Outstanding New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium Dual Degree Award: Kawther Soufan
A recent graduate of UNM Gallup, Kawther Soufan was recognized with this award, presented to a NMNEC Community College student who is a leader and has truly demonstrated the values of the UNM College of Nursing – academic excellence, diversity and inclusion, innovation, integrity and respect.
As an international student being selected for such an award, I am very appreciative of the fairness and guidance of UNM faculty of Nursing throughout this journey. I am very impressed with how powerful nurses are in U.S. and how highly recognized this profession is. I am looking forward to continuing my education to be a nurse educator and take this to other parts of the world.
Robin Armell Memorial Award: Trevor Bass
This award recognizes a student’s overall ability, with particular emphasis on communication skills and leadership potential.
Graduate Academic Achievement Award: Julianne Armijo
Presented to a master of science in nursing or doctor of nursing practice student who is a leader and has truly demonstrated the values of the UNM College of Nursing – academic excellence, diversity and inclusion, innovation, integrity and respect in other ways.
Estelle Rosenblum Thesis/Dissertation Award: Kristopher Jackson
Kristopher Jackson was presented this award for his project, “Advertised Health and Risk-Taking Behaviors of Internet-based MSM Sex Workers in the United States.” This award recognizes the best dissertation or thesis in the College of Nursing for that academic year, decided by the graduate faculty. Any dissertation or thesis completed since the previous May graduation is eligible.
Doctor of Nursing Practice Distinction Award: Tina Bray
This award recognizes the most outstanding doctor of nursing practice scholarly project for that academic year. Awardee Tina Bray’s project is entitled, “Moral Distress Among Emergency Department Providers.”
All award recipients receive a monetary award made possible by the following UNM College of Nursing Funds, which are currently accepting donations:
- DNP Distinction Award Fund – Supports recognition of the student with the most masterful and significant scholarly project each academic year.
- Estelle Rosenblum Endowment – Recognizes the student with the best PhD dissertation in the UNM College of Nursing each year.
- Robin Armell Endowment – Award presented to a student based on their overall ability, with particular emphasis on communication skills and leadership potential.