Catie Henkelman: From teacher to nurse

Catie Henkelman began her career as an elementary teacher, but quickly learned she belonged in another field.

"I really learned that this is a community that I wanted to be a part of. So, in coming to college here, I started my career here with a completely different degree, and I went through, and I finished and graduated with that degree,” said Henkelman, 23, who graduated with Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree over the weekend. “But thinking about what I really, really wanted to do, which was take care of people and help people, I looked into this nursing program here and decided to do the accelerated program. I kind of fell in love with the nursing profession and realized that this was a place that I could really grow and thrive.”

While Henkelman, who now plans to work as a nurse in a pediatric hospital, is excited about her new career path, it did not come easily. Henkelman recalled the time early in her nursing program when she struggled in a class. 

“I am really thankful to say that I was uplifted by my peers and supported and uplifted also by the faculty and staff at Michigan State and I had many people reach out to me and tell me that I could not give up,” Henkelman. “So, I went back. I retook the class, and I passed it with flying colors”. 

Henkelman was among the 86 BSN, 58 DNP and 1 PhD Michigan State University College of Nursing graduates celebrated this spring.

Graduates by program this spring:

·      Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (TBSN): 77 graduates

·      Nurse Anesthesiology: 21 graduates

·      Family Nurse Practitioner Graduates: 19 graduates

·      Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 19 graduates

·      Accelerated Second BSN Graduates): 5 graduates

·      Post Masters DNP: 5 graduates

·      Clinical Nurse Specialist: 4 graduates

·      Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN): 2   

     graduates

·      PhD: 1 graduate

In an intimate setting at the Wharton Center, BSN students attended their Pinning Ceremony marking their transition from a student to a nurse. The ceremony acknowledges the students hard work and dedication to their clinical experiences and studies while the pin is a symbol of the student’s readiness to serve as a healthcare professional and uphold the principles of the nursing profession.

In addition to in-person graduation and pinning ceremonies, the College of Nursing honors exceptional student achievements across all programs. Each academic track recognizes recipients of the Outstanding Student Award and Spirit Award, celebrating both academic excellence and the embodiment of the Spartan nursing spirit.

 

Board of Trustees Award

At the university level, students who have maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout their academic career are recognized as 4.0 Honors recipients—an honor formerly known as the Board of Trustees Award. Among this distinguished group is nursing student Ainsley Woodrum, whose dedication to excellence sets a powerful example for future nurses.

Woodrum stated, “Through the guidance and encouragement of faculty, staff, and peers, I experienced not only academic growth, but also significant personal development. I’ve learned what it truly means to care, lead, and advocate—not just in clinical settings, but in everyday interactions.”

Board of Trustees Award recipients from the College of Nursing: Sydney Butler, Caroline Kumiega, Jenna O'Brien, Christine O'Donnell, Ainsley Woodrum

The Outstanding Student Award 

This award honors graduates who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in the areas of academic excellence, clinical practice, and leadership throughout their time in the program.

TBSN Outstanding Student Award Recipient: Ainsley Woodrum

Post Masters, DNP: Sarah Hansen

Psychiatric Mental Health, Doctor of Nursing Practice: Nonye Amadi

Family Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice: Kayeleigh Brown

Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice: Avalon Vanderslice, Stephanie Sauve

Spirit Award 

This award is presented to a student who has gone above and beyond to uplift their peers—motivating and inspiring classmates to embody the College of Nursing’s mission while fostering a sense of community and positivity throughout the program.

TBSN Spirit Award Recipient: Avery Bernice Kammerzell

The DAISY Award 

This award celebrates nursing students who demonstrate commitment to care and compassion and make the nurse-patient connection that makes such a difference in the healthcare experience.

Daisy Award Recipients: Darnisha Law, Jessica Troyer, Anup Bhullar

“On behalf of all of us at the College of Nursing, congratulations to our graduates, their friends, family, and loved ones. We are so proud of you. You have been essential in fulfilling Michigan State’s commitment to working for the common good with uncommon will,” said Dean Leigh Small.

Published May 7, 2025.