Nursing Graduates Receive Awards
Students recognized for service, academics
Jon Schaffer, recipient of the School of Nursing Leadership Award, holds his son as he stands to be recognized during graduation weekend 2011. He was one of eight nursing students who received awards this year.
Every June, during graduation weekend, there is a special pinning ceremony for those receiving nursing degrees from Walla Walla University, and the service includes special awards from the School of Nursing. The names of the recipients are displayed at the School of Nursing on the Portland, Ore., campus, along with all past award recipients.
Clinical Excellence
“Clinical excellence is more than competence with tubes and machines,” says Krull. “It’s more than swiftly calculating the right dose, giving the right medication at the right time to the right patient in the right manner, more than asking who we’d want taking care of us if we needed a nurse.”
In recognition of well-rounded clinical excellence, three students were honored with this award: Tim Blackwelder, Traci Pline, and Kari Ramsey.
Excellence in Leadership
The nursing faculty call the recipient of this award “confident, intelligent, and fearless in tackling issues.” The 2011 Excellence in Leadership Award was given to Jon Schaffer, president of the Portland campus branch of ASWWU (Associated Students of Walla Walla University).
Excellence in Service
Two students were recognized for their excellence in service this year, each for very different reasons. Joana Bay was acknowledged for living her life in service to God. Grace Jung was honored for her passionate interest in social issues, especially focused on disadvantaged women and the needs of children with mental health and developmental disabilities.
“Joana is involved with many spiritual activities and lives her life as a wonderful example to others,” says Krull. “Grace seeks to use her free time to serve in the Portland community, and firmly believes that if we all work together and even do a little bit we can make a big difference.”
Excellence in Professional Growth
This award is designed to honor the individual that has come the furthest in their time at WWU. The award was given to Elizabeth Trumbo.
“When I first met her, I didn’t know how it was going to go,” says Krull. “She was shy and quiet and she wasn’t confident in herself, but her nursing care was good and she was making the right decisions. Little by little, she started to show us what she was made of. Today we find her smiling, excelling, and showing us that she can do this, and she can do it with style.”
Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence
This award is given to the member of the class who particularly excelled in his or her scholarly abilities. Karly Winslow continually amazed the nursing faculty with her ability to earn top grades and excel on even the hardest of tests.
“The long list of As on her transcript are just a dim reflection of the brilliant mind that will now be joining the profession of nursing,” says Krull. “We expect great things from her in the future.”
