Each college enlists a committee to select a student marshal who best represents the values and level of excellence within the college. Student marshals carry their college flag at the front of the commencement procession. It is one of the highest honors the university awards to students based on their academic performance and their involvement in and contribution to the campus community. The marshal for summer 2023 was Kaitlyn Gallaspy, who received her bachelor of science degree in nursing. As a marshal, she was recognized for completing a stellar undergraduate career at Auburn University — succeeding inside the classroom and out, on campus and far beyond.
After graduation, Gallaspy started her job as an emergency room nurse at Children’s of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham. “After a couple of years, I will pursue a certification as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and go to graduate school for Forensic Nursing. My career goal is to work as a forensic nurse/SANE and serve patients who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, human/sex trafficking, and intimate partner violence. I hope to further my Spanish speaking skills as well and pursue a medical interpretation certification in order to connect with more individuals during these vulnerable times.”
The Madison, Ala. native grew up watching Auburn football games with family. Her parents and other family members went to Auburn, and when it came time for her to pick a school, she chose a university that would challenge her academically yet would still feel at home. “Auburn has an incredible community of the most encouraging and loving people that I have ever met. As a concurrent degree student pursuing bachelor's degrees in both Spanish and Nursing, Auburn University could not have been the more perfect place for me.”
Gallaspy’s pursuit of nursing was inspired by her grandmother who was “the embodiment of an inclusive nurse who consistently went above and beyond to care for all people, not just her patients.”
According to her, healthcare settings can be incredibly intimidating for anyone, and it is important to acknowledge how societal prejudices can impact patients negatively. “I recognize my privileges and I want to be a nurse to actively combat against these injustices in order to help all patients feel comfortable, cared for, and heard during a vulnerable time,” Gallaspy said.
Learning Spanish as a student allowed her to communicate with many patients in the clinical setting. One of her favorite experiences at Auburn was a study abroad trip to Spain in 2019. “I studied in Spain for an entire month and made connections with other students at my university, and I even met some older Auburn nursing students. It was an experience of a lifetime that I will never forget it!”
“Kaitlyn’s enthusiasm and love of life is contagious,” said Prof. Ann Lambert. “During the spring break in 2023, she was one of 15 undergraduate nursing students who participated and provided a medical clinic for the people of Quito for the Study Abroad trip to Ecuador. Most of us knew very little Spanish and we called upon Kaitlyn to translate frequently. Her skill communicating with the children and their families was invaluable. After visiting with some of the ladies at the local church, she enjoyed a private cooking class all in Spanish, preparing the famous Aji sauce.”
“College of Nursing has been a dream come true. The faculty makes an incredible effort to make all students feel welcomed and supported during their time in school. It is an exciting time and very challenging as well. Having a support system is critical because it helps build relationships with people who understand exactly what you are going through.
“Auburn prepared me by prioritizing my education and fostering a curious spirit. It pushed me to always seek to understand and learn more and dig deeper to find information. I will always use my resources and critical thinking to work through difficult situations. Auburn has made me feel secure not only in my education, but also fuels my passion for doing what I love.”
Enthusiastic about serving her community and building impactful relationships, Gallaspy became a member of several organizations, including Abide, AUCON Student Ambassador, Auburn Student Nursing Christian Fellowship, Emerge, Sigma Delta Pi, Spanish Club, Student Nurses’ Association, Initiative for Representation in Nursing, Pediatric & NICU Club, Services in Faith & Technology, Sigma Theta Tau, and as a Committee Member for the Dr. Jemelene Chastain Moore Distinguished Faculty Award. She served as a counselor for the Asthma Camp Eagle, AUCON Orientation, Summer Transition into Excellence Program (STEP), and a media chair on the Student Wellness Committee.
We wish Kaitlyn Gallaspy a bright future in her career!
