This award is given to a registered nurse who returned to school to earn a baccalaureate degree through the online RN/BSN program and demonstrated excellence in practice, community service and professional service. Heike Adams was recognized for leadership in the online classroom, genuine interest in her nursing peers, immersion in her studies, and a vested interest in higher education. During the past five years as student and single parent, she graduated two sons, excelled academically, and commuted 75 miles to practice nursing. She has almost ten years of professional nursing experience in a variety of settings.

This award is given for caring, compassion and interpersonal communication. Liberty Barker received numerous compliments for her caring, compassion and patient advocacy from patients, families and facility staff during her clinical rotations. During her preceptorship, a nursing manager described her as a 'shining light' in the unit for her positive attitude and willingness to learn.

This award is given to the student who displays leadership and political activism. Rachel Dowd shows tremendous compassion for patients, providing highly skilled nursing care that promotes dignity and personal growth. Socially aware, she has much experience in causes that promote social justice. She shares her knowledge and experience with peers when discussing sensitive topics in class such as vulnerable populations or human trafficking. She is a role model for patients’ empowerment. Downtown Clinic staff praised her for excellent work there, where she was self-directed, highly motivated, and able to function independently.

This award is given to a Basic BSN program student for exceptional spirit and enthusiasm. Samantha Gimelli demonstrated a positive attitude in both classroom and clinical work. Her instructors noted that she is very motivated and eager to take on new challenges and experiences. In addition, she enthusiastically participated in campus activities, including the UW Student Nurses’ Association, Phi Kappa Phi, Iron Skull, Cardinal Key and Order of the Omega. She has also been active in community activities such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, "Up 'Til Dawn" and Relay for Life.

This award is presented to a graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in scholarship and/or research throughout their academic career at the University of Wyoming. Marcia Male is a scholar in her academic work and in her practice. In her classes she shares peer-reviewed studies that she finds relevant with her peers. She is a global thinker with extensive international experience. She recently went to Honduras for her teaching practicum, making a significant impact on the BRAND (accelerated second-bachelor's BSN) students. Her practice perspective is driven by knowledge and the search for new knowledge, which she readily shares.

This award is given for caring, compassion and interpersonal communication. Lindsey McGee's high level of caring and compassion has been consistently acknowledged by patients, nurses and students, who say that she is nurturing, energetic, empathetic and kind. One patient, too ill to dial the phone, was concerned that his son be reached. “My son was not easy to find. She did not give up or move on because she knew it was so important to me that I speak with him. I was finally able to relax and focus on treatments knowing that my son had been reached. I was so lucky to have a nurse who cared about what was important to me.”

This award is given to a Wyoming RN/BSN program student with demonstrated commitment to continued education and excellence in nursing practice. Michaela Walker’s independent study project assessed the relationship between an organizationally safe work environment and the culture of patient safety in hospitals. More specifically, her manuscript focusing on safe practices in catheter placement in patients has been accepted for publication in the Urological Nursing journal. These projects, from both broad and narrower perspectives, will benefit Wyoming residents through identification of evidence-based, safe nursing practice.