The College of Nursing and Health Sciences acknowledged students’ outstanding accomplishments at the annual Honors Tea on April 27. Students across the college received awards.
Dean Patricia Prelock opened the ceremony, pointing out that CNHS students forge trails of learning and leadership, and already make a difference in the world. “Our students in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences are not just doing what’s necessary. They are engaging in what is possible and at times, may seem impossible — but they are incredibly successful. I am humbled by their accomplishments,” she said.
Award recipients were as follows:
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Promise Award – Recognizes an undergraduate student deemed by the CSD faculty to have the most promise in Communication Sciences and Disorders in research and/or clinical work. This year, the faculty voted that two students meet that description: Elizabeth O’Donnell and Shira Habermehl
CNHS faculty know O’Donnell for her enthusiastic drive to engage in research, academic success and meaningful clinical work with families. In presenting the award, Communication Sciences and Disorders Professor Danra Kazenski talked about Elizabeth’s involvement in a stuttering camp and her honors senior research thesis project. “We are sure that you will leave a substantial mark professionally in our field,” Kazenski said.
Regarding Habermehl, Kazenski said she “is a passionate and devoted student who engages in multiple research projects during her time here at UVM. She has been highly involved as student representative of the CNHS Interprofessional Education committee, co-developing a framework for a new Student Interprofessional Education Leadership committee that will launch this year.”
Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences
Chair’s Award – Presented to a student who has a remarkable GPA and has demonstrated significant involvement in extracurricular activities: Brianna Pierce
“In addition to her excellence in scholarship with an impressive GPA of 3.95, Brianna demonstrates a sincere commitment and involvement in extracurricular activities,” said Biomedical and Health Sciences Department Chair Paul Deming, noting that Pierce participates in the pre-PA club and tutoring other students.
René C. Lachapelle Award – Given to an outstanding junior in Medical Laboratory Science for excellence in scholarship, involvement in extracurricular activities and commitment to cultural diversity: Katie Su
Su has been a teaching assistant, class note-taker and chemistry tutor. She studied abroad for a semester in Wales, UK and is now a Global Ambassador for the Office of International Education. “Katie is an example of a great student, who is committed to academics, as well as to growing in her professional life, all while helping others,” said Deming.
New Hampshire-Vermont Clinical Laboratory Manager Association Scholarship - Presented to a third year Medical Laboratory Science student at UVM and is based on academic performance, need and demonstrated dedication to the field of medical laboratory science: Casey Bartlett
Invited guest, Charlie Gilroy, Laboratory Educator at UVM Medical Center, presented the award to Bartlett, noting that she works an assistant in her department, participates in an independent immunology research project and tutors for cell biology. She plans to pursue a career in immunohematology.
“Casey’s participation in the wide variety of academic, extracurricular and service activities are a testament to her engagement in her community, her passion for helping others and her commitment to the field of Medical Laboratory Science,” Gilroy said.
Department of Nursing
Chair’s Award - Recognizes a sophomore and a junior student who have demonstrated clinical competence, intellectual ability, and a determined effort to become an excellent nurse.
- Presented to a second-year student in recognition of excellence: William Harmeyer
- Presented to a third year student in recognition of excellence: Sarah Dyke
A student athlete on the UVM Nordic ski team, Harmeyer successfully balances nursing studies with athletic events, meets and practice. He aims to qualify for the 2022 Olympics after passing the nursing licensure exam.
“It is no easy task being a student athlete,” said Nursing Department Vice-Chair Stuart Whitney, noting the dedication, commitment, and organizational skills Bill demonstrates in nursing studies and on the trail.
In presenting the award to Sarah, Whitney said that she is “keen to spend her entire shift at the patient’s bedside, attending to their needs and completing detailed physical assessment. I have no doubt that she will be an exemplary future nurse and any individual is very fortunate to have her overseeing their care.”
Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science
Rookie of the Year in Athletic Training Award – Given to student in his or her first year of clinical experiences who has shown exceptional potential as a dedicated and responsible future professional: Cassidy Troy
“Cassidy’s passion for knowledge and excitement about the profession of Athletic Training is clearly evident,” said Professor Kelly Tourville, Athletic Training Program Director. “In the clinical environment she clearly feels “at home,” she is proactive and is very internally motivated to learn as much as she can.”
Professional Growth Award – Presented to the student who has shown exceptional growth in the areas of prevention, recognition, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries – Beth Lewis
“During emergent situations, Beth has shown the ability to remain calm and correctly asses a situation, then handle it accordingly to what she has learned,” said Eugene Santos, clinical athletic training preceptor. “As a clinician, Beth has also grown into her own individual style, becoming a reliable and dependent source of care for the student-athletes.”
University Honors
The College of Nursing and Health Science acknowledged the following CNHS students who are members of the UVM Honors College, which recognizes and encourages academic excellence.
Athletic Training
Kalee Hennig
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Clara Behrman, Ani Harlan, Julia Hurd, Elizabeth O’Donnell, Hannah Sheehy, Kelly Walton
Exercise Science
Dakota Dione, Abby Goldman, Josie Larkins, Sophie John, Casey Little, Sarah Lubic, Kristen Mackie, McKenna Neeb, Reba Salton, Isabella Sierra
Nursing
Paige Brower, Annik Buley, Deirdre Charles, Benjamin Combs, Maggie Dwyer, Brigid Enright, Jessica Hartman, Maeve Higgins, Nicole Lawrence, Daniel McCarthy, Colin Murphy