Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences held its first college-wide Student Excellence Awards ceremony May 14, 2026, at the Health Sciences Building.
Academic Excellence Awards
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Decker Foundation Award for Academic Excellence (BAT) — Michael Gunning and Ciara
Pine
About the award
This award is presented to a graduating student or students in the one-year Baccalaureate Accelerated Track (BAT) program who have achieved the highest grade point average across all upper-division nursing coursework, demonstrating academic excellence.
Highlight from Michael's nomination
Michael has been that quietly strong member of his accelerated cohort. He has made learning look easy, even when managing a heavy academic and clinical load. He came in with a goal and has worked hard to position himself for his future. No one who has worked with him doubts that he will succeed!
Highlight from Ciara's nomination
Ciara has been a consistently strong part of her class throughout the program. She is bright and confident, whether in the classroom or clinical setting. She has gained skills easily – often beyond that of many others. Ciara has been described as a quiet self-starter with a sly sense of humor. She doesn’t wait for others to guide her; instead, she has been a leader among her peers.
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Decker School of Nursing Academic Excellence Award – Zoe Casement, Isabella Dhaliwal,
Elana Ginsberg, Tova Kam, Caitlinanne Mahoney, and Anna Russo
About the award
This award is presented to a graduating student or students in the baccalaureate nursing program who have achieved the highest grade point average at the end of their seventh semester, demonstrating academic excellence.
Highlight from Zoe's nomination
Zoe has brought a spirit of joy and warmth to her learning and clinical care. She is very bright and easily connects her knowledge to clinical settings. She is always willing to help others, whether patients, peers, or staff. Faculty members found that she bonded well with people, especially older adults. She made her clinical rotations almost look easy, even when they weren’t.
Highlight from Isabella's nomination
Bella truly combines knowledge, sensitivity, and an ability to connect with patients and staff alike. She is always positive and smiling, even when faced with new or challenging care situations. As one of her precepting nurses said, “Bella is going to go far. She’s not afraid of hard work. She puts in the time to do things the right way, and always with a smile."
Highlight from Elana's nomination
Elana possesses the mature ability to read a situation and adjust her approach accordingly, whether with patients or staff. She has enjoyed tackling new challenges throughout the program, bringing competence and skill to each setting. Her faculty members describe her as willing and enthusiastic about all learning opportunities. One described her as “just plain fun to have around.”
Highlight from Tova's nomination
Tova has been described by multiple faculty members as consistently demonstrating humility, competence, and a quiet compassion at the bedside. Her knowledge base is stellar, and she excels at applying what she has learned to real-world clinical situations. Above all, she is kind and thoughtful. As one of her supervising nurses said, “Whoever hires her is going to be so lucky.”
Highlight from Caitlinanne's nomination
Caitlinanne has always been ready and willing to take on any challenge. On her first day in a senior clinical rotation, she was given a very big challenge, which she took on with grace, compassion, and empathy. During the program it has been clear that she is a special person: willing to devote extra time and attention to detail, getting to know patients on a personal level, and having fun in clinicals. She is proactive, compassionate, flexible, and respectful in all settings. She asks thoughtful questions, integrates knowledge into practice, and shows genuine compassion for patients and families. Caitlin embodies the qualities of an exceptional future nurse.
Highlight from Anna's nomination
From her first semester in Decker, Anna has taken on every assignment and clinical experience in a forthright manner. She grasps new concepts easily and helps others understand how they make sense in clinical care. Anna has demonstrated a level of maturity and responsibility that exceeds her age. One of her faculty members described her as a natural leader who excels at teamwork. Another noted that she takes everything in and is already a “jack of all trades” in clinical. Her nursing skills are top-notch, and her matter of fact, no-nonsense attitude will serve her well in her career!
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Excellence in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Award – Alexandra Gutman
About the award
This award recognizes outstanding practice by a student in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
Highlight from Alexandra's nomination
Alexandra has served as an infectious disease nurse practitioner while earning her DNP degree. Her scholarly work centers on integrating mindfulness-based interventions into nursing education and clinical settings to reduce stress, build resilience, and enhance workforce retention. As her health system’s first infectious disease NP, she seeks to help develop an advanced care practitioner fellowship, support curriculum design, and mentor new clinicians. Through clinical leadership and scholarship, she aims to improve provider well-being and strengthen specialty care in infectious diseases.
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Occupational Therapy Emerging Contributor and Scholar Award – Tobin James and Makenzie
Stiles
About the award
This award honors a graduating student or students in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program who transcend traditional boundaries to advance evidence-based practice. Recipients must have demonstrated exceptional intellectual curiosity, proactively identified and addressed gaps in the field, and championed a future for OT grounded in innovation and rigorous research.
Highlight from Tobin's nomination
Tobin is a deep thinker and a true innovator who possesses a rare ability to see the "missing pieces" in current therapeutic models. He approaches the study of human occupation and culture-informed practice with an analytical mind to identify emerging trends and untapped possibilities. His contributions are marked by an intuitive perspective that challenges his peers and faculty alike to think more broadly. Tobin’s capacity for high-level conceptualization, paired with his desire to solve real-world problems, marks him as a future scholar in the evolution of OT practice.
Highlight from Makenzie's nomination
Makenzie is a scholar defined by her determination and conscientious approach to the evidence-based practice of pediatric occupational therapy. She does not simply accept the status quo; she uses the literature to ensure her clinical decisions are backed by the highest standards of evidence. Makenzie has shown the discipline and foresight necessary to contribute meaningful knowledge to the program and the rural and broader OT community.
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Outstanding Speech and Language Pathology Graduate Researcher – Ju Hee "Rachel" Kim
About the award
This award recognizes a graduating student or students in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program who have demonstrated exceptional research achievement.
Highlight from Rachel's nomination
Rachel was the research coordinator of the Vocabulary and Reading in Youth and Children (VARY) Lab with Dawna Duff. She contributed to a two-year study on reading and vocabulary in children with developmental language disorder. She was also selected to present at the 46th Annual Symposium on Research in Child Language Disorders Conference in June.
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Outstanding Speech and Language Pathology Graduate Student – Kylie Browning, Hannah
Johnson, Marissa Patlin, Lindsey Reece, and Paige Voight
About the award
This award recognizes a graduating student or students in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program who achieve the highest grade point average by the end of their fifth semester. In addition to academic excellence, recipients must have demonstrated strong leadership skills and clear potential to make meaningful contributions to the SLP profession.
Highlight from Kylie's nomination
Kylie is honored for her commitment and dedication to excellence both the classroom and clinically. Her passion lies in supporting speech and language development in children. Kylie has a special interest in augmentative and alternative communication, helping improve children’s communication skills so they can have meaningful interactions with others.
Highlight from Hannah's nomination
Hannah is honored for her dedication to success in academic and clinical settings, including school-based and medical placements. She has served as a leader in the classroom and in clinic, placing value in supporting patients as they build their independence and meaningful communication. Hannah is looking forward to continuing her dedication to professional and clinical excellence by working with adults with swallowing and cognitive-communication disorders.
Highlight from Marissa's nomination
Marissa is honored for her dedication to hard work in academic and clinical settings, having organized and facilitated the Binghamton Speech Language and Hearing Clinic’s first SPEAK OUT! group for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. She approaches each session eager to learn and teach, demonstrating a strong commitment to growth as a future speech-language pathologist.
Highlight from Lindsey's nomination
Lindsey is honored for her drive and ability to connect academic knowledge with clinical practice. Throughout her academic career, Lindsey has demonstrated a strong commitment to learning, clinical work, and evidence-based decision making. Through dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to lifelong learning, Lindsey serves as a model of how strong academic foundations enhance clinical excellence.
Highlight from Paige's nomination
Paige is a passionate student and leader in the Master of Science in SLP program. She demonstrates strong clinical skills, dedication to evidence-based practice, and a passion for helping individuals improve communication and swallowing abilities. She is committed to continued learning and delivering compassionate, effective care across diverse populations.
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Physical Therapy Master Adaptive Learner Curiosity Award – Sophia Howard
About the award
This award is presented to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student or students whose natural curiosity fuels their learning and growth. Award recipients consistently ask insightful questions that enrich classroom and clinical discussions, connect concepts across courses, and bridge theory and real-world patient care. Through their independent exploration and the sharing of new resources and perspectives, they elevate group learning and inspire peers to think more critically.
Highlight from Sophia's nomination
Sophia is honored for her inquisitive spirit and her drive to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world care. By asking insightful questions and exploring new resources, she consistently enriches clinical discussions and connects complex concepts. Sophia’s passion for learning inspires her peers to think more critically and deeply about their practice.
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Physical Therapy Master Adaptive Learner Growth Mindset Award – Luis Silvestre
About the award
This award honors a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student or students who embrace challenges and feedback as opportunities for growth. Recipients of this award seek clarification, practice deliberately, and return stronger after setbacks. By viewing mistakes as stepping stones to mastery, they exemplify humility, persistence, and a steadfast belief that learning is a lifelong journey.
Highlight from Luis' nomination
Luis pairs a calm, cheery disposition with a proactive approach to feedback, consistently turning challenges into learning opportunities. By embracing feedback with humility and advocating for his own growth, he has become a model of the growth mindset for his peers. His dedication to lifelong learning ensures he will be an exceptional physical therapist and a vital asset to the profession.
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Physical Therapy Master Adaptive Learner Motivation Award – Emily Ramsay
About the award
This award recognizes a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student or students whose drive and sense of purpose energize their academic and clinical work. Award recipients have clear goals, exceed expectations, approach every task with enthusiasm, and demonstrate a passion for the profession that motivates their peers.
Highlight from Emily's nomination
Emily is recognized for her exceptional drive and openness to every new learning opportunity. By setting ambitious goals and approaching challenges with infectious enthusiasm, she consistently exceeds expectations in both academic and clinical settings. Her unwavering motivation not only inspires her peers today, but promises to be a driving force in her future practice.
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Physical Therapy Master Adaptive Learner Resilience Award – Samantha Mason
About the award
This award recognizes a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student or students who demonstrate exceptional perseverance in the face of challenges, consistently showing determination and composure. Despite academic, clinical, or personal setbacks, recipients have adapted, recovered, and continued to move forward, serving as role models by modeling healthy coping strategies for others.
Highlight from Samantha's nomination
Samantha is honored for her extraordinary perseverance, navigating unexpected hardships with grace and determination. She not only achieved personal success, but served as a steady source of strength for her cohort, modeling healthy coping strategies and supporting peers through difficult times. Her ability to grow through adversity embodies the resilient spirit of a healthcare professional.
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Public Health Spirit Award – Osama Mohamed
About the award
This award recognizes a Master of Public Health (MPH) student or students who embody the heart and soul of public health. Award recipients have demonstrated exceptional leadership, a collaborative spirit, and a profound commitment to the public health profession's core values. Winners have consistently uplifted their peers and fostered an inclusive, supportive environment.
Highlight from Osama's nomination
Osama stands out as a natural leader whose kindness and generosity uplift those around him. He shares knowledge, motivates peers, and offers genuine support, both in class and beyond. His perspective on refugee health, informed by lived experience, brings depth and urgency to the work. Osama’s capstone project, focused on medication adherence and diabetes management through an equity lens, demonstrates analytical skill and commitment to improving outcomes. He has embraced population health approaches, expanding beyond clinical training while balancing family responsibilities. Osama’s passion for public health is inspiring, and he truly embodies the spirit of this award.
Clinical Practice Awards
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Decker Foundation Award for Clinical Excellence (BAT) – Ariel Lynch
About the award
This award is presented to a graduating senior or seniors in the Baccalaureate Accelerated Track (BAT) nursing program in recognition of their outstanding achievement in clinical practice and overall academic excellence.
Highlight from Ariel's nomination
Ariel came in with a lot of experience as a nursing assistant and has been confident and dedicated in providing care in the program. She is also very driven: loving to excel in all she does. This semester, Ariel had a moment where she advocated for herself and her capstone experience. Because she is clinically strong, she could identify important and concerning issues around her. Her faculty changed her experience to be with different preceptors who mentored her in an experience she much deserved. Talking to leadership at the hospital when you are "just a student" can be very intimidating, but she knew what was right and learned in that moment how to be strong and confident in herself.
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Excellence in Advanced Nursing Practice Award in Adult Gerontological Nursing – Lillith
Lamuraglia
About the award
This award recognizes students in our graduate nursing programs who have demonstrated outstanding clinical achievement, unwavering dedication, and transformative impact in the clinical specialty of adult-gerontological nursing.
Highlight from Lillith's nomination
Lillith’s passion for serving vulnerable populations began as a mental health technician on an inpatient psychiatric unit. After earning her RN in Decker’s BAT program, she started her nursing career on the COVID Unit at a local health system hospital, then returned to behavioral health as a charge nurse and unit coordinator. She also took on a per diem clinic role to address community needs. While completing her MS in nursing, Lillith expanded her experience in the cardiovascular ICU, and continued her per diem work. Following invaluable experiences with medically and socially vulnerable patients, she left bedside nursing in 2025 to focus on academics. Lillith plans to provide sexual and reproductive health services at a rural, low-income clinic.
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Excellence in Advanced Nursing Practice Award in Family Nursing – Jordyn Cronin
About the award
This award honors students in the graduate nursing programs who have demonstrated outstanding clinical performance and a steadfast commitment to excellence in the clinical specialty of family nursing.
Highlights from Jordyn's nomination
Jordyn exemplifies the dedication to course work, clinical excellence, and professional demeanor required of an outstanding family nurse practitioner. She has distinguished herself in the clinical setting through her inquisitive nature, compassionate care, and meticulous attention to detail. She demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexity of the human condition, recognizing that everyone’s journey involves both mental and physical healing by integrating clinical expertise with an appreciation for the emotional and social factors that influence health. Her approach reflects the true essence of FNP practice.
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Excellence in Advanced Nursing Practice Award in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
– Shakeira Reese
About the award
This award recognizes students in our graduate nursing programs who have demonstrated outstanding clinical achievement, remarkable dedication, compassionate care, and made innovative contributions in the clinical specialty of psychiatric mental health nursing.
Highlights from Shakeira's nomination
Shakeira is a thoughtful and dedicated psychiatric nurse with a strong commitment to person-centered care and advancing the profession. Her critical perspective on how advanced practice nurses are perceived, combined with her proactive pursuit of diverse clinical experiences, positions her as a future leader. She actively participates in professional organizations supporting psychiatric advanced practice nursing. Despite her accomplishments, Shakeira remains humble, always seeking to grow. We look forward to the impactful contributions she will make to the field.
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Registered Professional Nurse Baccalaureate Award – Melissa DiMartino
About the award
This award is presented to registered nurses who have completed the baccalaureate nursing program and demonstrated outstanding academic and clinical excellence, exceptional leadership, and dedicated service to the nursing profession.
Highlights from Melissa's nomination
Melissa spent 25 years as a massage therapist and Reiki practitioner before pursuing a career in nursing. After earning an associate degree from SUNY Orange, she set her sights on a BS in Nursing and chose Decker College. Currently an emergency room nurse, she will soon transition to labor and delivery. She is also enrolled in lactation consultant training and hopes to pursue a graduate degree in women’s health, with future plans for nurse practitioner or midwifery studies. Melissa’s dedication to advancing her education and her commitment to women’s health make her an outstanding candidate for this award.
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UHS Professional Nursing Practice Award – Taylor Allen
About the award
This award is presented to graduating students in the baccalaureate nursing program who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to patient advocacy and contributed to nursing excellence as student nurses at United Health Services, a regional healthcare system.
Highlights from Taylor's nomination
Taylor has demonstrated unwavering dedication to comprehensive patient care since starting the nursing program. She consistently rises to challenges in both classroom and clinical settings, approaching even simulation exercises with seriousness and professionalism. During her final emergency department rotation, Taylor was eager to learn and confidently contributed as a team member. Her consistently positive attitude, combined with sensitivity and compassion — even in fast-paced situations — sets her apart. The local community will be fortunate to have Taylor join the UHS nurse residency program and ED fellowship after graduation.
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Outstanding Fieldwork Award for Exemplary Practice in Occupational Therapy – Andrey
Bacal and Gianna Scarantino
About the award
This award recognizes a graduating student or students in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program who have excelled at translating classroom knowledge into exceptional clinical performance. Award recipients have demonstrated outstanding technical skill, professional conduct, and advanced clinical reasoning.
Highlight from Andrey's nomination
Andrey’s fieldwork performance was defined by a remarkable breadth of compassion and an ability to adapt to diverse clinical environments. Whether working with pediatric populations or older adult clients, she displayed the flexibility required to treat across the entire lifespan with grace and skill. Andrey's approach is marked by clinical maturity and inclusivity, ensuring that every individual is respected and empowered.
Highlight from Gianna's nomination
Gianna has distinguished herself through her sophisticated ability to balance complex professional reasoning with deep, authentic empathy. In the field, she did more than just implement interventions; she used a steady hand and warm heart to meet the unique needs of every client through a blend of rigorous evidence-based practice and hard work. Gianna’s commitment to excellence ensures that her clients receive care that is as technically sound as it is human-centered.
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Outstanding Speech and Language Pathology Graduate Clinician – Alessandra Antonacci
About the award
This award is presented to a graduating student or students in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program who have demonstrated exceptional clinical service throughout the program. Award recipients have consistently exhibited exemplary performance across their first five clinical placements, setting a standard of excellence for their peers.
Highlight from Alessandra's nomination
Alessandra is known for excellence as a graduate clinician in both on-campus and community clinics. She is a graduate research assistant and peer mentor in the Brain and Swallowing Lab under Sundeep Venkatesan and Reethee Antony. Her published research focuses on interprofessional education and adult neurogenic communication disorders. She plans to continue field-related research and work in the acute care setting.
Community Engagement Award
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Public Health Excellence in Community Engagement Award – Nicole Keibel
About the award
This award is presented to a graduating Master of Public Health (MPH) student or students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to community outreach by empowering communities, building social capital, and mobilizing local assets to address the health needs of rural or vulnerable populations.
Highlights from Nicole's nomination
Nicole has demonstrated exceptional commitment to population health and health system improvement. Her capstone project, which examined how strengthening staff education and coordination in hospital discharge processes can reduce readmission rates and improve patient outcomes, was both innovative and poised to make a meaningful contribution to practice. Nicole brings professionalism, initiative, and a clear dedication to advancing quality and equity in healthcare delivery. She has been a vital part of several community-engaged initiatives during the MPH program, including supporting the harm-reduction kit project, contributing to a farm project in population health, and helping start a community garden. Beyond her accomplishments, Nicole is a wonderful colleague, consistently bringing warmth, kindness, and support to those around her. She is an inspiration to her peers and will make an outstanding public health professional.
Leadership Awards
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ANA-New York Future Nurse Leader Award – Cara Nolan
About the award
This award honors a graduating student or students from the baccalaureate nursing program who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, enhanced the nursing program, fostered a positive environment, upheld nursing ethics and values, and demonstrated a clear vision for their nursing careers.
Highlights from Cara's nomination
Cara stands out as a consistent leader and active member of the Nursing Student Association, where she served as president. Her professional maturity is evident through over two years as a nursing assistant and participation on a hospital unit council, contributing to leadership and clinical planning from an early stage. Cara’s journey from nursing assistant to a summer externship and her current capstone in the Emergency Department culminated in a well-deserved job offer in the same department. Her outstanding clinical performance and strong commitment to community service make her an exemplary representative of Decker. Cara embodies academic excellence, compassion, and professional integrity, and our faculty are confident she represents the future of nursing in New York.
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Emerging Leader in Physical Therapy Award – Iris Costner and Abigail Terrill
About the award
This award honors a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student or students who have demonstrated leadership through initiative, collaboration, and professionalism. Award recipients have inspired their peers, upheld ethical standards, and are committed to advancing patient care. Their passion and influence signal a promising future for the field of physical therapy.
Highlight from Iris' nomination
Iris is recognized for taking initiative and always maintaining a standard of professional excellence. As the PT Graduate Student Organization multicultural resource chair, she led a transformative workshop on removing bias in PT practice, demonstrating a profound commitment to health equity. A consistent volunteer and inspiring peer, Iris embodies the collaborative spirit of a future leader poised for impact.
Highlight from Abigail's nomination
Abigail is recognized for her exceptional service as the inaugural PT Graduate Student Organization president, during which she fostered collaboration and tirelessly advocated for her peers. Recognized for her professional integrity and passion for patient-centered care, Abigail’s proactive leadership and dedication mark her as a true trailblazer and a future leader within the physical therapy profession.
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Physical Therapy Values Award (Altruism, Leadership, Excellence) – Jaret Beyer
About the award
This award honors a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student or students who exemplify altruism, leadership, and excellence. Through selfless service, integrity, and high standards in academics and clinical practice, award recipients have uplifted their peers, modeled professionalism, and embodied the program’s spirit on campus and beyond.
Highlight from Jaret's nomination
Jaret is the heart of the DPT program, consistently stepping up for initiatives and going the extra mile for his peers. Through his dedicated leadership as PT Graduate Student Organization American Physical Therapy Association liaison and his exceptional coordination of the APTA New York Student Conclave, Jaret embodies the selfless service and excellence that define our program's core values.
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Occupational Therapy Innovative Leadership and Service Award – Abraham Ramirez and
Luke Shotts
About the award
This award honors a graduating Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) student or students who have embodied a growth mindset and unwavering positivity, fostering a strong, supportive program community. Award recipients have distinguished themselves through exceptional initiative, creative problem solving, and a commitment to inspiring others to achieve their goals.
Highlight from Abraham's nomination
Abraham distinguished himself through an unwavering positive attitude and a relentless passion for the OT profession. He approached every clinical and academic challenge as an opportunity for growth, which inspired those around him. A true advocate at heart, Abraham didn’t just focus on his own success; he maintained an interest in the success of the Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program and assumed an advocacy role for student and program needs.
Highlight from Luke's nomination
Luke has been a vital architect of the Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program’s culture, consistently building bridges between faculty and students to ensure a cohesive learning environment. As a natural spokesperson, he navigated complex challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, ensuring that every peer felt heard and valued. Luke served as a foundational support system for his own cohort while taking the initiative to mentor and welcome the incoming class. His leadership wasn't just about managing problems; it was about creating a sense of belonging for everyone.
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Public Health Leadership Award – Eileen Gallardo and Sheena Malla
About the award
This award is presented to a graduating Master of Public Health (MPH) student or students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership by driving transformative, innovative change in public health. Award recipients have inspired, influenced, and motivated others, guiding collective efforts to achieve public health goals.
Highlights from Eileen's nomination
Eileen exemplifies the spirit of public health through her leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to others. As president of the MPH Graduate Student Organization, she has united her cohort, fostering collaboration and inclusivity. Her capstone work on suicide prevention and social isolation among older adults in rural communities reflects her dedication to addressing critical public health issues. Eileen’s calm, steady presence and quietly commanding leadership style have earned her the respect and trust of her peers. From her first year, she has demonstrated initiative and engagement, attending every meeting and program hosted by the Public Health Division. Eileen’s contributions have left a lasting impact on her community.
Highlights from Sheena's nomination
As a graduate assistant for the Division of Public Health, Sheena delivered invaluable support, consistently demonstrating sound judgment and discretion. She serves as the liaison between the MPH Graduate Student Organization, where she holds a leadership position, and the Division of Public Health faculty and staff. Sheena is an excellent communicator who elevated the graduate assistant role by taking initiative and ownership of numerous projects. She is eager to learn and continually strives for improvement.
Memorial Awards
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Martha Harnick Bress ’69 Nursing Award – April Harper
About the award
This award is given to a graduating senior in the baccalaureate nursing program who has demonstrated clinical excellence by completing the program as a second-degree student or as a nontraditional-age student.
Highlights from April's nomination
April is the epitome of a second-career nursing student. She has not only tackled the accelerated program head on, but she has maintained her teaching as a professor of history. Throughout the nursing program, April has modeled a focused and caring approach to her patients and peers. One faculty member summarized her performance this way: “Throughout her journey, she has demonstrated a remarkable sense of resilience. True nursing excellence isn't just about clinical skill; it is about remaining compassionate not only to your patients but also to their families, your peers, and fellow staff members, even in the most challenging moments.”
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Mary Pillepich Award for Excellence in Nursing Practice – Anna Peret
About this award
This award is presented to a graduating baccalaureate nursing student who has demonstrated outstanding clinical skills, exceptional application of the nursing process, and continuous growth in professional values and practice rooted in nursing theory. The recipient must have provided care with genuine compassion and excelled in patient interactions.
Highlights from Anna's nomination
Anna demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and engages fully in every interaction. Her outstanding ability to listen sets her apart; she consistently takes the time to check in on others and strives to make every interaction meaningful. Throughout the program, Anna excelled in every clinical setting, showing compassion, professionalism, and attentiveness. She proactively sought learning opportunities, communicated clearly with faculty and staff, and adapted seamlessly to challenges. Faculty have unanimously recognized her as a standout student.
Student Class of 2026 gifts
During the ceremony there was an announcement of the Binghamton University Nursing Student Association (NSA) and Mary E. Mahoney Nursing Support Group gifts from the Class of 2026. This year, both organizations made donations to Decker College’s Assessment Kit Sponsorship program to purchase medical equipment kits for undergraduate nursing students.