Loyola University > School of Nursing > About > Alumni > Alumni Events & Awards
Alumni Events & Awards
Once a Loyola nurse, always a Loyola nurse. As part of the School of Nursing family, we want to help you stay connected with your colleagues and mentors. Explore upcoming events where you can connect with classmates and help us celebrate our outstanding alumni. Each year, Loyola Nursing recognizes and honors alumni who have distinguished themselves in the health care field and exemplified the ideals of the school. Awards are presented during the School of Nursing’s Annual Alumni Mass and Awards Brunch Reunion. Nominations are accepted year-round.
AWARD DESCRIPTIONS
Distinguished Alumni Award:
- We consider this the most prestigious acknowledgment of the accomplishments of our nursing alumni. This award is presented to an alum who has brought pride and recognition to the School of Nursing by having achieved prominence in nursing on a regional, national, or international level. One award is given each year.
Spirit of Ignatius Award:
- This award is presented an alum of the School of Nursing who best exemplifies Cura Personalis or care of the whole person.
SUBMIT A NOMINATION
Alumni awards are presented during the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing's Annual Alumni Mass and Awards Brunch Reunion. Nominations are accepted year-round but must be received by Feb. 1, 2024 to be considered for the 2024 awards presentation. Nominations received after February 1 will be considered for future years.
PAST RECIPIENTS
Year |
Distinguished Alumni |
Spirit of Ignatius |
2009 |
Mary Dowd Sheehan, (BSN ’84, MSN ’92), MBA, RN |
Mary Ann B. Noonan, (BSN ’64, MSN ’79), FNP-BC |
2010 |
William J. Duffy, (BSN ’80, MJ ’92), RN, CNOR |
Phillip Werman, (BSN ‘06) |
2011 |
Sandra Millon Underwood, RN, PhD, FAAN (BSN '75, MSN '79) |
Cheryl McLean, RN (BSN '96, MSN '99) |
2012 |
Mary Jane Sauve, DNSc (BSN ’61) |
Sr. Maureen Grady, CSC, PhD, MA, RN (BSN ’65) |
2013 |
Sister Donna M. Wolowicki, CR, (BSN ’71, MSN ‘75) |
Verna Christian Garcia, (BSN ‘61) |
2014 |
Mary Ann H. Draye, (BSN ’64), MPH, APRN, FNP-BC |
Kathleen (Kindelin) Pender, MS, (BSN ’73), RN |
2015 |
Sheila A. Haas, (MSN ’74), PhD, RN, FAAN |
Ida M. Androwich, (BSN ’78), PhD, RN-BC, FAAN |
2016 |
Julie G. Donalek (BSN ’64) RN, PhD, APMHCS, BC |
Mary Sue Gorski (PhD ’04) |
2017 |
Kathleen Kilbane (BSN '79) |
Misty M. Kirby-Nolan (MSN '00) |
2018 |
Betty E. Fuentes (BSN '55, MED '70) |
Anne M. Guion (BSN '12) |
2019 |
Diana P. Hackbarth, PhD (BSN '68) |
Geraldine M. Gorman, PhD (BA '77, MA '81, BSN '94, PhD '01) |
2020 |
Nicole N. Abdallah (BSN ‘02) |
Karina E. Danner Koptik (BSN ‘87, MSN ‘93) |
Events
Reconnect with former classmates, faculty, and students at events celebrating the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing and its distinguished alumni.
SPRING NURSING ALUMNI DAY
Spring Nursing Alumni Day will be held on April 6, 2024. Find details and registration information here.
RUTH K. PALMER RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
Each year, nurses and health professionals gather to share the latest information in research at the Ruth K. Palmer Research Symposium. For decades, this event has addressed matters seminal to nursing research, education, administration, policy, and clinical practices.
The 37th Ruth K. Palmer Research Symposium will be held April 5, 2024 at the Loyola University Chicago Health Sciences Campus. Poster abstract submissions will be accepted through January 29, 2024, here. Details about registration are coming soon.