Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Nursing graduates Class of 2016

The Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Nursing held commencement ceremonies Friday, May 20, at Rudder Auditorium on the Texas A&M University campus. The college graduated 132 undergraduate students with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees, and 20 graduate students who earned Master of Science in Nursing degrees for nursing education and family nurse practitioner. This is the inaugural class for the master’s programs, and the largest graduating class for the College of Nursing in its eight year history.

The ceremony kicked off with a welcome by Dean Sharon Wilkerson, Ph.D., RN, CNE, followed by stage party introductions by Paul Ogden, M.D., interim senior vice president and chief operating officer, Texas A&M Health Science Center and interim dean, College of Medicine..

The Texas A&M College of Nursing also presented several awards during the ceremony.

Barbara Tillman of Kingwood, Texas was honored with the Emerging Professional Award. The award is presented to a graduate who demonstrates exemplary professionalism, both in the classroom and in the clinical setting, as well as through participation in student organizations.

The Community Service Champion Award was presented to Kristen Smith of Richardson, Texas. The award recognizes a graduate who has shown outstanding service to the college, the nursing profession and the community.

The W.F. (Boy) and Johnnie Hasskarl Humanism in Nursing Award was presented to Daniella Leonard of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The award is named in honor of Dr. W.F. (Boy) Hasskarl and his wife, Johnnie, who lived in and served the Brenham community for over 90 years. With this award, the Board of Directors of the Hospice Brazos Valley Living Endowment join the Hasskarl family in honoring Dr. and Mrs. Hasskarl for their service to others. This award honors not only the Hasskarls, but the College of Nursing graduate that exemplifies the attributes of integrity, compassion, altruism, empathy and service.

Lisa Bryan of Little Elm, Texas was honored with the Advancing the Profession Award, which recognizes a graduating RN-to-B.S.N. student who has shown exceptional scholarship and creativity in the ePortfolio project.

Given annually by the Association of Former Students, in conjunction with the Texas A&M Student Government Association, the Gathright Award recognizes the senior with the highest grade point ratio from each college. Kelci Zentner of Rowena, Texas is this year’s recipient.

Margaret Bosenbark of College Station, Texas received the Outstanding Graduate Student award for demonstrating outstanding leadership skills, and for her contributions to the teaching, research and service mission of the college.

The Dean’s Excellence Award was awarded to graduate Carissa Lucas of Hutto, Texas. The award is presented to a graduate who has reflected the philosophy of the college by a commitment to knowledge, discovery, and service and must rank in the top 25 percent of the class.