Outstanding seniors are selected from among graduates to be student marshals at commencement. It is one of the highest honors the University awards to undergraduate students. Congratulations to the Spring 2025 student marshal, Nora Heeney, who represented AUCON at the commencement.
Huntsville native Heeney was inspired by her aunt and cousins to attend Auburn. “As an outsider, the Auburn Nursing Program appeared to foster personal growth through its excellent resources and dedicated faculty. It guides students through a refining process to prepare them for positive impact in their careers. The AUCON faculty focuses on bringing out the best in students to ensure future patient safety and student success.”
Heeney stated that her upbringing was characterized by unconditional love. “This motivated me to extend this support to others. My father's early death from cancer and my mother's work as a teacher for individuals with intellectual disabilities inspired me to support others. Her compassion, patience, resilience, and advocacy motivated me to pursue a nursing career.”
During her senior year of college, Heeney’s mother passed away after battling cancer. “She believed that love connects us and emphasized supporting each other through pain. As a nurse, I understand the importance of sharing this responsibility.”
Heeney attributes her growth to the support of many people. “In nursing school, I faced failure and stress, which taught me humility and resilience. With unwavering support from friends, faculty, and family, I made it to graduation.
“At AUCON, I noticed that the faculty and staff strive to develop top future nurses. They provided a supportive family environment and a reliable place for assistance during times of need. I am sincerely appreciative of my experience and the guidance I received throughout my time at the nursing school.
“AUCON taught me that challenges push us into discomfort, where real growth happens. Our dreams require hard work and dedication. Auburn helped me develop ambition and a strong belief in hard work,” Heeney added.
On campus, Heeney served as President of Active Minds, an organization focused on reducing mental health stigma. “This role helped me understand the importance of self-care. I also engaged with the Initiative for Representation in Nursing (IRN), learning about patient advocacy and systemic barriers in healthcare. Through the Auburn Undergraduate Research Fellowship, and with Seth Perry as my mentor, I worked on Safe Space at Auburn, a stress-relief project for students. I also learned invaluable lessons as a Social WING for the Auburn EAGLES program, which supports individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“Upon graduation, I aim to become a psychiatric registered nurse and advocate for mental health awareness. I plan to start my career in the South, working in a psychiatric hospital and later serving in correctional and juvenile facilities to provide necessary resources. Eventually, I plan to pursue a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner and move closer to my sister in the North,” Heeney added.
Student marshals, selected by a college awards committee, have distinguished themselves by service to their college and display qualities of leadership, citizenship, character, and promise of professional ability.
“Nora exemplifies AUCON's values of perseverance, compassion, hard work, and teamwork,” said Seth Perry, AUCON assistant clinical professor and mentor. “It is challenging to find anyone with an unkind word about Nora; her character speaks for itself. Her dedication to mental health nursing is evident. As an undergraduate research fellow, she delivered commendable results, particularly given the personal challenges she encountered during the nursing program.”
“She brought positivity to challenging situations and aimed to support the physical and mental well-being of those in need,” said Morgan Yordy, AUCON associate professor and mentor. “Nora embodies resiliency, overcoming adversity repeatedly with a smile. She provides care for others and works diligently to ensure the college and university are safe and welcoming for all students. Her dedication is truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to Nora Heeney!
