FSU College of Nursing marks 75 years of excellence with a spectacular celebration at the third annual Nole Nurse Shining Stars Gala
Florida – Florida State University’s College of Nursing marked a significant milestone on March 21, celebrating 75 years of nursing excellence at the third annual Nole Nurse Shining Stars Gala. The gala brought together alumni, faculty, staff, and community partners to honor the college’s rich history, recognize distinguished individuals, and highlight the impact of Nole Nurses in shaping the future of healthcare.
“This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate 75 years of nursing excellence,” said Dr. Jing Wang, dean of the College of Nursing. “Since our founding, the College of Nursing has grown into a leader in nursing education, research, and healthcare innovation. This gala was an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come, honor those who have shaped our success, and look ahead to a future driven by cutting-edge advancements, including artificial intelligence and innovative healthcare solutions.”
The night was a celebration not only of the College’s past accomplishments but also of its future trajectory. The event underscored the importance of nursing education, practice, leadership, and research, all areas where the College of Nursing has made a remarkable impact.
Dean Wang emphasized the College’s continued commitment to shaping the next generation of nurses, noting, “As we mark this milestone, we remain committed to preparing the next generation of Nole Nurses to lead with knowledge, compassion, and a pioneering spirit.” These words reflect the College’s philosophy of integrating both technical expertise and empathy into nursing education, ensuring that its graduates are well-equipped to face the evolving challenges of modern healthcare.
The gala also served as an opportunity to recognize the exceptional individuals whose contributions to nursing have significantly advanced the field. The event included several prestigious awards honoring alumni, faculty, and community members for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to nursing.
Distinguished Graduate Awards
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Distinguished Graduate Awards, which celebrated alumni who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to nursing. This year’s honorees included:
• Exemplary Leadership: Maureen LeSerra
• Practitioner: Patricia I. Geddie, Ph.D., APRN, AOCNS, FCNS
• Government and Community Service: Rear Admiral Denise Hinton, MS, RN, FAAN
• Educator: Lucie Bouffard Dlugasch, Ph.D., APRN, FAANP
• Recent Alumni: Chad Massey, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC
DAISY Awards
The DAISY Awards, given to honor those who exemplify excellence in nursing and nursing education, were also presented. These awards highlighted the profound impact that nurses have in the field, both in terms of patient care and educational leadership. Awardees included:
• Advancing Health Equity: Laurie Abbott, Ph.D., RN, CNE, DipACLM, PHNA-BC, FAAN
• Extraordinary Nurse Educator: Sam Nguyen, ARNP
• Lifetime Achievement: Jolynn Greenhalgh, DNP, APRN
• Nurse Leader: LeeAnn Barfield, Ph.D., DNP, APRN-BC, CNE, FACHE
• Ethics in Nursing: Lucinda Graven, Ph.D., APRN, FAHA, FAAN
Dean’s Awards
The Dean’s Awards recognized individuals who have made a lasting impact at the College of Nursing. These awards, which honor exceptional service, teaching, and contributions to nursing, went to:
• Outstanding Service: Victoria Reeves
• Outstanding Contributions to Nursing: Jorge Gonzalez
• Dean’s 3 T’s Award (Time, Talent, Treasure): Marie Cowart, Ph.D.
• Undergraduate Teaching Excellence: Amanda Winrow, DNP, RN
• Graduate Teaching Excellence: Ali Craig-Rodriguez, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-BC, DipACLM
• Research Excellence: Lisa Hightow-Weidman, MD, MPH
The gala was made possible through the generous support of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, whose sponsorship helped create a memorable evening for all those in attendance. Their commitment to advancing healthcare and supporting educational excellence aligns with the values celebrated at the event.
As the College of Nursing celebrates its 75th anniversary, it looks ahead with a sense of purpose and excitement. The College continues to play a pivotal role in the advancement of healthcare, providing both skilled professionals and groundbreaking research that benefits communities far and wide.
Dr. Wang concluded by reaffirming the College’s vision: “We will continue to prepare the future of nursing to lead, innovate, and serve with compassion. The legacy of Nole Nurses will continue to grow, driven by a deep commitment to making a lasting impact in the world of healthcare.”
To learn more about the College of Nursing’s 75th anniversary and upcoming events, visit their official website at nursing.fsu.edu.
This year’s gala served not just as a celebration of past achievements but also as a glimpse into the bright future that lies ahead for the College of Nursing, its students, and its alumni.
