Nurses of Influence Awardees

Recognizes a UW School of Nursing alum whose career in nursing exemplifies excellence in clinical practice, leadership in professional organizations, outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the community. Only UW School of Nursing graduates are eligible for the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Year  Name
2024   Karin Huster
2023   Jesus Reyna
2022   Deanna Iwamoto
2021   Joycelyn Thomas
2020   Jose A. Pares-Avila
2019   Elizabeth Bridges
2018   Karalee Hatch Sutterlin & Pamela Cipriano
2017   Sam Miller
2016   Louise Kaplan
2014   Ruth Fletcher Benfield
2014   Carolyn Chandler Main
2013   Sallie Davis Kirsch
2012   Mady Murrey
2011   Donna Gerity
2010   Vickie Ybarra
2009   Cynthia Hecker
2008   Judith Huntington
2007   Mary Salazar
2006   Deborah Martin
2005   Kathleen Dorcy

Recognizes an individual whose research, professional achievements and cumulative contributions have brought personal distinction, enhanced the profession, improved the welfare of the general public and brought honor and prestige to his or her field.

Year  Name
2024   Katie Haerling
2023   Margaret Heitkemper
2022   Frances Marcus Lewis
2021   Mayumi Willgerodt
2020   Debra Ridling
2019   Teresa Ward
2018   Betty Bekemeier
2017   Margaret Wallhagen
2016   Brenda Zierler
2015   Karen Thomas
2014   Lynn Reinke
2013   Frances Marcus Lewis
2012   Cynthia Dougherty
2011   Marylin Dodd
2010   Pamela Mitchell
2009   Carol Landis
2008   Donna Berry
2007   Elaine Thompson
2006   Kathryn Lee
2005   Karen Schepp

Recognizes a nurse who demonstrates excellence in nursing care, serves as an advocate for patients, families, and/or communities, makes a recognizable difference through his or her practice and embodies the essence of the nursing profession.

Year   Name
2024   Holly Vance
2023   Carla Jolley
2022   Frankie Manning
2021   Kristen Childress
2020   Patricia Blissitt
2019   Sarah Devine
2018   Sarah Rawlins
2017   Jean Blue
2016   Shannon Fitzgerald
2015   Pamela Stitzlein Davies
2014   Randy Eveland
2013   Laurie Soine
2012   Charles Moody
2011   Emily Butler
2010   Kiki Van Zandt

Recognizes a nurse who advocates for the needs of underrepresented populations and communities; encourages dialogue and reflection regarding societal power imbalances; and demonstrates leadership in promoting diversity in nursing.

Year   Name
2024   Sofia Aragon
2023   Muriel G. Softli
2022   Butch de Castro
2021   Keondra Rustan
2020   Frankie Manning
2019   Enedina Dumas
2018   Caroline Chow
2017   Ekene “Kennie” Amaefule
2016   Eleanor Marsh
2015   Carolyn June Strickland
2014   SON Diversity Awareness Group

Recognizes an individual who demonstrates excellence in nursing advocacy, patient advocacy, administration and leadership; serves as a champion for the nursing profession, actively seeks to improve nursing management, administration and goes above and beyond across the nursing practice continuum.

Year   Name
2024   Keri Nasenbeny
2023   Samara Hoag
2022   Louise Peterson
2021   Anne Hirsch & Sue Birch
2020   Katie Johnson & Lois Schipper
2019   Sofia Aragon
2018   Barbara Trehern
2017   Jaynce Kauzloric

The Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious award selected by the UW School of Nursing’s Executive Dean. The recipient of this award demonstrates remarkable leadership and commitment to the nursing field and has proven their passion and devotion throughout their life and career.

Year   Name
2021   Rep. Eileen Cody
2018   Doris Carnevali
2012   Margaret Hollinger

Honors a clinical preceptor or mentor who demonstrates exceptional commitment to student learning, clinical excellence, and community service. These dedicated educators bridge the classroom with real-world nursing by guiding DNP students through immersive, hands-on clinical experiences.

Coming Soon!!