Distinguished Alumnus Award
About the Award
The Distinguished Alumnus Award honors alumni of Cizik School of Nursing who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication in the fields of nursing education, clinical practice or research. Award recipients have significantly advanced the nursing profession and made a lasting impact through their professional achievements, contributions to their communities, or dedicated support of the Cizik School of Nursing.
Nomination Process
Complete the online nomination form, including a letter of recommendation or a statement of the nominee's achievements with a curriculum vitae by Friday, October 31, 2025.
Self-nominations are welcome.
Criteria
- All graduates of the Cizik School of Nursing, from any academic program, are eligible for nomination.
- Nominees should have a distinguished record of excellence in the nursing profession, marked by contributions that go above and beyond the standard expectations of their role.
- Nominees must consistently uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in their work.
The three selected recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Awards will be recognized during the 2026 Jane and Robert Cizik Lecture and Reception in the spring.
Early Career Achievement Award
About the Award
The Early Career Achievement award honors alumni of Cizik School of Nursing who received his or her degree in the last ten years and have demonstrated leadership and impact in health care. Recipients of this award consistently exceed expectations for early-career professionals, showing dedication, innovation, and a strong commitment to advancing the nursing profession. Through their work, they actively contribute to the improvement of patient care and serve as emerging leaders within their communities and beyond.
Nomination Process
Complete the online nomination form, including a letter of recommendation or a statement of the nominee's achievements with a curriculum vitae by Friday, October 31, 2025.
Self-nominations are welcome.
Criteria
- All graduates within the last ten years of the Cizik School of Nursing, from any academic program, are eligible for nomination.
- Nominees should have excellence in one or more of the following areas: nursing practice, nursing science, education, research, leadership, innovation in developing solutions to improve health of populations, teaching, and/or advocacy and policy.
- Nominees must consistently uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in their work.
The selected recipient(s) of the Early Career Achievement Award will be recognized during the 2026 Jane and Robert Cizik Lecture and Reception in the spring.
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Honored in 2002
- Rae Helyn Andrews - BSN 1983
- Diane Ballweg - BSN 1991
- Debora Simmons Bennett - MSN 1998
- Debora Simmons Bennett - MSN 1998
- Lucindra Campbell - MSN 1996
- Helen “Betty” Cody - MSN 1979
- Brenda Gregory-Dawes - MSN 1994
- Willa Decker - BSN 1974
- Susan Distefano - MSN 1986
- Joan Duncan - MSN 1995
- Michael Evans - MSN 1978
- Lorraine Frazier - PhD 2000, MSN 1998
- Kathryn Grace Froiland - MSN 1994
- Alexia Green - MSN 1986
- Anne Stewart Helton - BSN 1976
- Tuong-Vi Ho - MSN 1992
- Carole Kanusky - BSN 1993, MSN 1995
- Steven Robert Leach - MSN 1990
- Harriett Linenberger - MSN 1988
- Huaping Liu - MSN 1992
- Rosemary Luquire - MSN 1986
- Jeanette McNeill - MSN 1978
- Joan Morris - MSN 1980
- Margaret Moss - PhD 2000
- Joan Pitcher - MSN 1996
- Elda G. Ramirez - BSN 1988
- Paula Trahan Rieger - MSN 1986
- Mario Segura - MSN 1991
- Lorinda Rose Sloane Smith - MSN 1991
- Beth Ulrich - MSN 1980
- Susan Priest - MSN 1981, BSN 1978
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Honored in 2007
- Joyce A. Antes - MSN 1997, BSN 1994
- Chandice Covington - BSN 1974
- Thomas J. Flanagan - BSN 1994
- Mary Pat Rapp - PhD 2006, MSN 1989
- Debora E. Ybarra - BSN 1996
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Honored in 2013
- Debbie Adams, BSN - 1984
- Christy Blanco, DNP - 2010
- Elizabeth Mann-Salinas, PhD - 2011
- Renae Schumann, BSN - 1985
- Carolyn St. Clair, BSN - 1979
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Honored in 2014
- Marylyn Harris - MSN 1997
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Honored in 2016
- Penelope Z. Strauss - BSN 1992, MSN (nurse anesthesia) 1996, PhD 2007
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Honored in 2018
- Terri S. Armstrong - PhD 2005
- Wendy Duggleby - PhD 1999
- Michelle Edwards - DNP 2011
- Shannan Hamlin - MSN 2000, PhD 2010
- Holly Jeffreys - DNP 2009
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Honored in 2022
- Elizabeth “Betty” Gonzales - MSN 2003, DNP 2009
- Mili Vakharia - MSN 2012
- Nipa Kamdar - PhD 2018