College of Nursing celebrates Class of 2010

Villanova, PA, May 15, 2010 — Celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2010, College of Nursing faculty and staff joined students’ family and friends in the St. Thomas of Villanova Church for its annual Convocation on May 15th. The baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degree candidates have made significant contributions to the Villanova community as well as regional and global health as they prepared for their new professional roles or advanced nursing practice positions.

Among the undergraduates recognized were the latest Nurse Corps officers: two women who were commissioned into the United States Navy as ensigns, and one woman who was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. In August, one woman will be commissioned into the Navy and one man into the Army. Symbolizing the entire class, there were five other students who were called forward to have their alumnae relatives affix the College of Nursing pin to their robes. The pin signifies the graduates are emblematic of the University motto “Veritas, Unitas, Caritas” that is included in the pin’s design. Each of those graduates can now say “I am a Villanova nurse.”

During the ceremony, the two newest doctoral program graduates were recognized. Awards were given to both undergraduate and graduate degree candidates for academic achievement, service and leadership in the College. The recipients for the 2010 awards are:

• Lindsay J. Dudek, BSN and Adaorah Azotam, MSN (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner) - College of Nursing Medallion for Distinguished Academic Achievement
• LaTrina A. Bailey, BSN - Joseph Petro and Helen Yura-Petro Award for Achievement in Nursing Theory
• Giovanna M. Palermo, BSN - H. Elaine McCaully Award for Clinical Excellence
• Kathryn K. Grasing, BSN - The Reverend Francis X.N. McGuire, O.S.A. Award of the Villanova University Alumni Association
• Rebecca L. Fisher, BSN - The Hazel Johnson Leadership Award
• Mudhar Al Adawi, BSN (Sultanate of Oman) - International Student Award
• Nancy J. Wise, MSN (Nursing Education) - Claire M. Manfredi Graduate Nursing Leadership Award
• Annette Simiriglia, MSN (Adult Nurse Practitioner) - Ralston Center Award for Gerontology Nursing Excellence