The George Washington University School of Nursing community gathered at The Lodge in Aldie, VA. to celebrate its dedicated faculty and staff. The annual Faculty and Staff Awards Celebration serves as a vital moment to recognize those who go above and beyond in their commitment to nursing education, research, and student success.
Faculty Honors: Teaching and Mentoring
The faculty awards highlighted a deep-seated commitment to student growth. Carol Lang and Joyce Knestrick were recognized for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching, respectively, while Sandra Brown and Sandy Kurtyka shared the honors for part-time faculty excellence.
Mentorship remains a cornerstone of the GW experience. This year, the school honored Billy Mullins (undergraduate mentorship), Karen Kesten (graduate mentorship), and Ashley Darcy-Mahoney (faculty mentorship) for their tireless work in guiding the next generation of leaders. Rounding out the faculty awards, Catherine Cox received the Civility Award, Betsy Choma was recognized for Excellence in Research & Scholarship, and Patricia Deyo took home the Impact Award.
Staff Awards: The "Hat Trick" and More
In an unprecedented sweep, Surafel Yilma received three distinct honors: the Civility, Citizenship, and Service Awards, reflecting a remarkable level of dedication to the school’s culture. Idalia Alvarenga Chavez was honored as the Unsung Hero, and Miro Liwosz received the Staff Impact Award for their significant contributions to the organization.
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Faculty
The prestigious DAISY Award, a national recognition for extraordinary nursing faculty, saw a rare five-way tie this year, honoring Karen Whitt, Carol Lang, Patricia Deyo, Whitney Shanley, and Margaret Venzke for their exceptional impact on their students and the profession.
These awards are a testament to the passion and expertise that define GW Nursing. Congratulations to all the winners!