As the Spring 2024 semester comes to an end, The University of New Mexico College of Nursing is celebrating the achievements of its students across various nursing degrees. Among the highlights of this year’s commencement was the recognition of outstanding students from the College who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and innovation in nursing education and scholarship.
The College of Nursing has long been known for its commitment to excellence in health care education, practice and research. As the demand for skilled and compassionate nurses continues to rise, these awards serve as a testament to the hard work and talent within the College, and its commitment to making a difference in the health care of communities, both locally and beyond.
Nursing Leadership Award Recipients: Calissa Emmert & Jalynn Montoya
This award is presented to a graduating student from any nursing program who has cultivated leadership skills and exercises leadership qualities. The awardee involves themselves in the educational and professional sides of nursing by having a presence in department activities, professional organizations and community committees.
I would like to personally say ‘thank you’ to the faculty who nominated me for the award and for believing in me when I did not believe in myself. I could not have completed this program without the constant support and guidance you guys gave. My time at the College of Nursing has ignited a passion to continue to serve my patients and the people within my community. Thank you for this opportunity and for everything you guys did for me.
I am filled with gratitude, as my time at the College of Nursing comes to an end, for the invaluable lessons learned, friendships with my cohort formed, and plenty of challenges overcome. I’m honored to receive this reward and hope that I was able to make even the slightest impact on both my patients and peers. I’m excited to begin my nursing career in my passion of pediatrics and hope to continue being a leader by example in the field of nursing!
Pre-Licensure Academic Achievement Award Recipient: Quinlyn McBrayer
Students receive this award for their achievements and growth as a student during their time as a pre-licensure student. The student can stand out for their leadership, commitment to inclusion, innovation and/or integrity for their studies, peers and patients.
My mom has been a nurse for over 30 years and watching how hard she worked as I grew up (and how hard she is still working), I thought that I could NEVER be a nurse. Now, having gone through nursing school and making it out on the other side, I cannot imagine myself doing anything else.
RN to BSN Academic Achievement Award Recipient: Aimiede Egharevba
Students receive this award for their achievements and growth as a student during their time as an RN to BSN student. The student can stand out for their leadership, commitment to inclusion, innovation and/or integrity for their studies, peers and patients.
The RN to BSN program is great. It is very organized, and the teachers truly want you to succeed. Thank you everyone for your contributions to the success of every student at UNM. I sincerely appreciate this award and I am very excited about it.
Outstanding NMNEC Dual Degree Award Recipient: Kaiwen Xue, Central New Mexico Community College
Students receive this award for their achievements and growth as a student during their time as New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium (NMNEC) Community College student. A student can stand out for their leadership, commitment to inclusion, and innovation or integrity for their studies, peers, and patients.
I am deeply grateful for the assistance and encouragement from my professors, classmates, and family in nursing schools. The NMNEC Dual Degree Award inspires me to continue striving for excellence in my future nursing career.
Robin Armell Memorial Award Recipient: Craig B Houston
This award is given to students with exemplary character and a strong ability for communication and leadership.
To all the graduates of the College of Nursing: congratulations on your accomplishment. Your advancement into nursing signals the birth of something profound and exciting. While you’re beginning your new role in a new setting, I’m confident that your consideration for the worth and dignity of every patient, a quality that each of you have been gifted with throughout this program, will not fade or be lost.
Professional Graduate Academic Achievement Award Recipients: Courtney Grassham & Cynthia Johnson
Students receive this award for their achievements and growth as a student during their time as a master of science in nursing or doctor of nursing practice student. The student can stand out for their leadership, commitment to inclusion, innovation and/or integrity for their studies, peers and patients.
I have truly enjoyed my time at the CON. The faculty have been encouraging and so many opportunities were available across the health sciences campus. Through the IPE honors program I was able to learn with other health care disciplines to be a better team member and provide the complete care to patients across the state. Even before I finished my program, I was already a better practitioner for my current patients because of skills and knowledge I learned at the College of Nursing.
I am deeply honored to receive this year’s Graduate Academic Achievement Award. The journey towards obtaining my DNP has equipped me with invaluable tools to provide high-quality care for the children of our state. My two years at the College of Nursing have been incredibly enriching, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow during this time.
Professional Graduate Nursing Leadership Award Recipient: Kymm Ann Wallin
Graduate students receive this award for their distinctive leadership qualities evident during their scholarly and clinical work. Recipients of this award are innovative, collaborative and dedicated to leading themselves and their peers with passion and clarity.
It is such an honor to graduate in Nurse-Midwifery from the University of New Mexico, under the wisdom and guidance of amazing faculty, and alongside such special fellow students who I adore.