An exciting time in a college student’s life comes around every four or five years! It is a memorable event, accompanied by the delight that comes from accomplishing a goal that students set for themselves when they started the program. The certificate is the reward for hard work and dedication declaring that they are now ready to step into a professional world.
The year 2020 was an unprecedented and stressful time, especially at graduation time, a tradition that marks a rite of passage! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released recommendations for limiting mass gatherings. Classes in Auburn moved online, and graduation ceremonies were held virtually. Seniors and administrators grappled with the cancellation of graduation ceremonies in 2020 after the coronavirus pandemic forced the university to close. The spring semester graduation exercise in 2020 was very different from previous years. In August 2020, 99 students graduated from AUSON. Auburn set up a commencement website for (more than 4,500) graduates to upload their images. The mosaic platform combined all submitted photos to take the shape of an interlocking AU.
Forward to spring 2021, and it is a different story altogether! According to Katie White, coordinator of student services, the 2021 pinning ceremony was held in the Auburn Arena for 83 students which included 7 male students. “The ceremony is a nursing tradition that marks the students’ transition into professional nursing. It is a time-honored tradition that celebrates their hard work and dedication to the profession. Graduates read aloud a pledge at the close of the ceremony to mark their commitment to their chosen profession and their oath to serve their patients with integrity, care and respect,” White said.
The following awards were presented at the ceremony on Apr. 30, 2021:
President’s Award was presented to Mecy Calloway. The university level award is presented to a student who possesses outstanding leadership, citizenship, character and promise of professional ability.
Dean's Award was presented to Tanner Dillard, who has demonstrated the qualities that best exemplify professional nursing.
Auburn University Student Government Association Award was presented to Assistant Clinical Professor Chris Martin for outstanding academic and professional achievement, and exemplary involvement inside and outside the classroom.
Auburn University Student Government Association Award was awarded to Lindsey Langford in recognition of exemplary performance inside and outside the classroom.
Anne Nelson was named Graduation Marshal, an honor given to a graduate who exemplifies outstanding leadership, academic, and professional abilities. Honorees represent AUSON by carrying the gonfalon at the graduation ceremony.
Outstanding Contribution to the School of Nursing Award was presented to Lindsey Langford who brought recognition to the School of Nursing by active participation in University and community organizations.
Most Supportive Student Award was presented to DeAsha Powell. Powell was voted by fellow students as being most supportive of fellow students.
Faculty Award was presented to Callie Clemmons for academic excellence.
Perseverance Award was presented to Anne Nelson who demonstrated perseverance by overcoming limitations or challenging circumstances during her time in nursing school.
Sigma Award was presented to Mary Isbell, given to a student who is a member of the National Nursing Honor Society, Sigma. Award recipients have shown their dedication to the Sigma organization and displayed academic, professional and social excellence.
Robert and Marjorie Goodson "Nurse of Nurses" Annual Award was presented to Kendall Grimes, professional nursing program. The student is selected by peers based on the student’s nursing skills, confidence with these skills, and their leadership qualities. The nursing students when voting for the recipient of this award consider the question: “If I were a patient, who in my class would I want to be the nurse caring for me?”
The 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to a nursing graduate from any program who is known for clinical distinction in nursing through scholarly endeavors, promotion of health care, professional service, or who has given remarkable service to the community, state or other beneficiary organizations. The recipient is deemed to have reflected favorably on the School of Nursing through his/her efforts to benefit society.
Dean Newschwander presented this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award in the School of Nursing to two alumni, Brooke Dollar Bailey, Director of Infection Prevention and Employee Health at EAMC and EAMC Lanier, and to Capt. Ronald A. Fancher of the Nurse Corps, United States Navy.
Dean Newschwander presented the Dr. Jemelene Chastain Moore Distinguished Faculty Award to Professor Eva Dubois.
This annual award honors the first Faculty member hired by Auburn University when it established the School of Nursing in 1979. From McClain County, Oklahoma, near present day Norman, Dr. Moore’s great determination led her and her husband to Auburn University, where he graduated in 1972 and where she earned the Ed.D. in 1977.
The award is presented each year to the School of Nursing full-time faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary accomplishment in teaching, research, outreach, and service. The Award recipient is selected by a committee of nursing students, faculty members and alumni of the School of Nursing.
