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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.
It was our privilege to honor the following outstanding individuals in 2020:
Nicole N. Abdallah (BSN ’02) | Distinguished Alumna Award
Karina E. Danner-Koptik (BSN ’87, MSN ‘93) | Spirit of Ignatius Award
AWARD DESCRIPTIONS
Distinguished Alumni Award:
- We consider this the most prestigious acknowledgment of the accomplishments of our nursing and health care alumni. This award is presented to an alumnus 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 characterizes Cura Personalis or "Care of the Person."
Other Loyola University Chicago Awards:
Graduates of the School of Nursing are also eligible for honors presented by Loyola University Chicago. These awards include the Damen Award and the President's Medal. Learn more about the Damen Award
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 they must be received by November 22, 2020, to be considered for this year’s award class. Nominations received after November 22, 2020, 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 |
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2016 |
Julie G. Donalek (BSN ’64) RN, PhD, APMHCS, BC |
Mary Sue Gorski (PhD ’04) |
2017 |
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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 two events celebrating the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing and its distinguished alumni.
BLESSING OF THE HANDS MASS & ALUMNI AWARDS CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH
*Check back for information about our 2021 Blessing of the Hands Mass and Alumni Brunch