The Auburn University College of Nursing recognized the graduating class of 2023 during the pinning ceremony. Nearly 90 students graduated this spring, including 6 RN-BSN students.
The pinning 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.
The following awards were presented at the ceremony on May 6, 2023:
President’s Award was presented to Chase Gill. The university level award is presented to a student who possesses outstanding leadership, citizenship, character and promise of professional ability.
The Dean's Award was presented to Claire Guillen, who has demonstrated the qualities that best exemplify professional nursing.
Katie Bumbicka was named Graduation Marshal, an honor given to a graduate who exemplifies outstanding leadership, academic, and professional abilities. Honorees represent AUCON by carrying the gonfalon at the graduation ceremony.
Outstanding Contribution to the School of Nursing Award was presented to Laiken Green who brought recognition to the School of Nursing by active participation in University and community organizations.
Most Supportive Student Award was presented to Katie Bumbicka. Bumbicka was voted by fellow students as being the most supportive of fellow students.
The RN-BSN Faculty Award was presented to Mei Xian Tian for academic excellence.
The Perseverance Award was presented to Emma Jones who demonstrated perseverance by overcoming limitations or challenging circumstances during her time in nursing school.
The Sigma Award was presented to Meredith Farrow, 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.
The “Nurse of Nurses" Annual Award was presented to Lexie Smith. 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 Nightingale Pledge was led by Jordan Brown. The pledge is a symbolic transition and special opportunity for nursing students as they end their studies, to celebrate their achievements and begin their careers as nurses. Giving the pledge publicly before peers, family and friends signifies the importance of the role and how seriously graduates will take their job as a nurse.
Each year, we honor one distinguished alumnus who is a role model for how we hope our graduates will lead their lives! The Distinguished Alumna Award is presented to a nursing graduate 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 College of Nursing through his/her efforts to benefit society. The 2023 Distinguished Alumna Award was presented to Karen Harris Frith, dean and professor at the College of Nursing, University of Alabama at Huntsville. Dr. Caralise Hunt, associate dean for academic affairs at AU College of Nursing, remarked that Frith, through her actions and behavior, is an exceptionally worthy recipient of the College’s highest honor.
The Dr. Jemelene Chastain Moore Distinguished Faculty Award is presented each year to a College 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 College of Nursing. This annual award honors the first Faculty member hired by Auburn University when it established the School of Nursing in 1979.
The 2023 Distinguished Faculty Award was presented to Meghan Jones, associate clinical professor and director of clinical simulation and skills in the college.
“Meghan Jones exemplifies Dr. Moore’s passion for education. Her dedication and commitment to continued excellence for herself and the college make her a worthy recipient of the Dr. jemelene Chastain Moore Distinguished Faculty Award,” said Dr. Hunt.
