Emily Artzer (BSN Completion student) has a passion for community health. She completed a change project that focused on homeless people in the Denver population, supplying bottled water and informational material directly to homeless people to help them learn about resources they have in their area, hoping to give them hope and help. Through her course work she has shared her immense compassion and empathy for community health and the impact nurses can have with this population. Congratulations, Emily!

Jayme Donaldson & Travis Williamson (DNP-PMHNP students) are co-recipients: They worked with several primary care clinics associated with the Sheridan VA Medical Center to improve clinicians’ knowledge about and ability to screen for opioid use disorder (or OUD), as well as to refer patients with OUD for medication assisted treatment (or MAT). Jayme and Travis’ project resulted in much growth both within the participating primary care clinics but also in the VA’s MAT clinics. Congratulations, Jayme & Travis.

Stephen Dunn (BRAND student) demonstrated the criteria for this award from the very beginning. He is a steady voice for classmates and encourages everyone to consider all options before making a decision. One classmate commented that he is the rock of the cohort and is the “go to” guy to bounce ideas off of when faced with conflicts. He cares about everyone and is very easy to take to. Another student said, “Steve is that guy who inspires people with no effort and is compassionate to his core. We would follow him in anything because he never steers us wrong and lets his sound mind guide him.” Steve eagerly volunteers for any opportunity that will help him grow as a person and a nurse, and easily partners with other nurses and doctors to lead team-based efforts for patient care. His fall clinical instructor said, “Patients love Steve instantly. He has that gift of making people feel at ease; he is a strong listener, takes his time, and really gets to know people in order to best help them. He will be a great nurse simply because these skills come so easy and naturally to him. And he’s very smart too.” Congratulations, Stephen!

Kimberly Gulbrandson (BRAND student) has a passion for nursing that is truly remarkable. Her love for the profession has been recognized by patients, clinical faculty, and a variety of nurses with whom she has worked with throughout her clinical experiences. Her med/surg clinical instructor said: “She was made to be a nurse. Her inherent desire to make people’s lives better is her ray of light. Everyone around her can feel how genuinely she cares for all people—whether a patient, family member or staff; she wants to help each person rise to his/her potential and live their best life. Her smile and enthusiasm is not only contagious, but also demonstrates her gift of self to those who need her compassion the most. Congratulations, Kimberly!

Heather Judkins (DNP-PMHNP student) and Jenna Nazminia (DNP-FNP student) are co-recipients. They were recognized by the faculty early in the program for their maturity and natural leadership abilities. They are both incredibly kind, intelligent, humorous, driven, and resilient. They both have a strong moral compass and have the courage to rely upon their compasses to benefit others. They both have a genuine interest in others, including their classmates, future DNP students, and the School of Nursing, and they both exhibited servant leadership at its finest. The faculty called upon these two students numerous times to help with various tasks and projects throughout their time in the program, and they never failed to help or to go above and beyond. Congratulations, Heather & Jenna!

Kelsey Kolkman (Basic BSN student) has embodied the spirit of the Fay W Whitney School of Nursing from her first day of nursing school. Her enthusiasm for nursing radiates through all aspects of her time with us, whether it be in the classroom or clinical settings. She encourages classmates in addressing and learning complex content and in accepting the challenges in managing patients with complex medical conditions across the clinical continuum. Reports from mentors and preceptors have remarked on Kelsey’s willingness to consistently go the extra mile with a positive, ‘can do’ attitude. In consideration of her enthusiasm, positivity, and caring for her patients and fellow students, Kelsey Kolkman embodies the FWWSON Spirit and is deserving of this award. Congratulations, Kelsey!

Jenna Nazminia (DNP-FNP student) and Heather Judkins (DNP-PMHNP student) are co-recipients. They were recognized by the faculty early in the program for their maturity and natural leadership abilities. They are both incredibly kind, intelligent, humorous, driven, and resilient. They both have a strong moral compass and have the courage to rely upon their compasses to benefit others. They both have a genuine interest in others, including their classmates, future DNP students, and the School of Nursing, and they both exhibited servant leadership at its finest. The faculty called upon these two students numerous times to help with various tasks and projects throughout their time in the program, and they never failed to help or to go above and beyond. Congratulations, Jenna & Heather!

Anne Peick (BRAND student) has a true talent for helping others find their voice. Her leadership within the BRAND cohort developed quickly and easily. Within the first few weeks of the program, she took charge in leading her peers, encouraging them to guide their nursing practice based on the most vulnerable patients. She frequently provides peers with information regarding how the healthcare system affects patients and families and unites others in expanding their voice for nursing. One of her peers commented, “She takes charge and really lights a fire. She has helped us become more assertive in advocating for change when she sees a need or develops an idea in which the nursing profession can become more visible within the local community and state. She was selected to participate in a unique clinical opportunity and partner with Colorado Coalition for the Homeless in an effort to better understand the needs of these patients, bring this knowledge and skill back to classmates, and positively impact their nursing practice. She is a true leader and a great role model for all of us in finding our voice to speak up within our communities.” Congratulations, Anne!

Torey Skaar (Basic BSN student) was able to participate in all areas of her public health agency. She gave many vaccines to adults and children, helped screen for HIV and participated in disaster preparedness activities. Maternal/child home visits were her favorite activity. She wrote, “I have loved my time at Albany County Public Health! The most rewarding experience I have had has been spending time with the maternal child health nurse. I have loved going to client homes and listening to their concerns and questions. There have been some families we have visited who need extra help with breastfeeding, which I love learning more about. I also have really enjoyed the visits with clients from different cultures, as I love learning about new cultures.” At all times, she demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and a high level of engagement with her clients. Congratulations, Torey!

Alexandra Smith (Basic BSN student) excelled in the didactic, and particularly, the clinical settings. During her time at the Cheyenne VA Medical Center, Lexie exhibited leadership in planning the care for patients with complex medical conditions and assisting the nurses in coordinating the multidisciplinary management of patients. She advocated for patients within the hospital and assisted nurses in promoting health outcomes through discharge teaching and assessing the patient’s potential needs once discharged. Her growth as a leader continued in her senior year when she proposed mentoring of junior students in didactic courses. She also coordinated with Cheyenne Regional Medical Center to have UW athletes visit hospitalized children. In summary, Lexie’s leadership—only touched upon briefly here—has benefited her fellow students and most importantly, her patients. Congratulations, Lexie!

Nicole Thiele (Basic BSN student) was active in leadership in her role as treasurer in SNA. She has an extremely positive attitude and is looked up to by those around her. Outside of school, Nicole was active in the rights of those with disabilities and could be found on numerous occasions at the Ark Arena helping those with special needs. Congratulations, Nicole!