School of Nursing Sends Off New Crop of Graduates

The School of Nursing honored its latest crop of nearly 200 graduates who received their master's and doctoral degrees at a June 14 commencement ceremony.

The school, among the nation's best, is led by Dean David Vlahov, RN, PhD, who along with Graduate Division Dean Elizabeth Watkins, PhD, welcomed the students and their supporters to the gathering at Davies Symphony Hall.

Courtney Lyder, ND, dean of the UCLA School of Nursing, delivered the commencement address, and awards were given to outstanding students and faculty in the following categories:

• Outstanding Master of Science Student Award, presented to the student who best demonstrates leadership, scholarship, expertise in the area of specialization and potential for significant contribution to nursing and scholarship. Recipient: Brandie Hollinger
• Distinguished Dissertation Award in Nursing, presented to the doctoral student whose dissertation best exemplifies scholarship and innovation and best contributes to the discipline of nursing.
  Recipient: Naomi Schapiro
• Distinguished Dissertation Award in Sociology, presented to the doctoral student whose dissertation best exemplifies scholarship and innovation, and best contributes to the discipline of sociology.
  Recipient: Michael Fisher
• Nursing Alumni Student Award for Meritorious Service, presented by the UC San Francisco Nursing Alumni Association to the graduating student who made a significant contribution in service to the community.
  Recipient: Jonathan Van Nuys
• Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, presented by graduates in recognition of a Masters of Science faculty member's dedication, support and excellence in teaching.
  Recipient: Barbara Burgel, RN, PhD
• Faculty Award for Mentor of the Year, presented by graduates in recognition of a doctoral program faculty member's dedication, support and excellence in teaching.
  Recipient: Steven Paul, PhD

The School of Nursing traces its roots back to 1907, when the University of California first established a diploma program at the hospital training school for nurses in San Francisco. The Regents of the University of California officially established the School of Nursing in 1939, the first autonomous school in any state university system. Since then, it has become a vital part of a world-renowned health sciences university, fostering excellence, diversity and innovation.

In 2011, the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings available, the School of Nursing ranked fourth nationwide for both its master’s of nursing program and its nursing-midwifery program.

Photos by Cindy Chew