4.0 Honors student highlights Fall '24 graduation awardees

Graduation at the Michigan State University College of Nursing celebrates our extremely hardworking and resilient students. 

This fall, the college will be celebrating: 

·      Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (TBSN): 40 graduates

·      Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN): 1 graduate

·      Master of Science in Nursing: 9 graduates

·      Doctor of Nursing Practice: 2 graduates

In addition to hosting in-person graduations and pinning ceremonies, the college celebrates our top achievers across the college. Each program acknowledges an Outstanding Student Award and Spirit Award recipient. 

The university also recognizes top achievers who have maintained a 4.0 throughout their college career as “4.0 Honors” students (formerly, the Board of Trustees Award), one of which is nursing student Kaitlyn Stanford. 

“What I loved most about being a Spartan Nurse is creating lifelong friendships with the people in my cohort,” said Stanford, who will receive a special green-and-gold award during graduation. “We have supported and cheered each other on through so much. The experiences and opportunities we have shared throughout the program are things that I will always remember and cherish!”

The Outstanding Student Award recognizes graduates who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in scholarship, clinical practice and leadership.

The Outstanding Student Award Recipients are: 

TBSN Outstanding Student Award Recipient: Grace Caldwell

RN to BSN Outstanding Student Award Recipient: Ashlyn Lane 

Post Masters, DNP program: Joseph Karanja

Psychiatric Mental Health, Post Graduate Certification program: Kristen Munyan

Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner program: Jeremy Garrett

The Spirit Award recognizes a student who has done the most to motivate and inspire their classmates to uphold the college’s mission and keep up morale.

TBSN Spirit Award Recipient: Darby Pickford

“We are proud to celebrate our graduating fall class this year,” said Dean Leigh Small. “These graduates are now part of a proud Spartan Nurse family that is a transformative force in improving health disparities and quality patient outcomes."

Published Dec. 9, 2024