The following awards were presented to the top students of the 2013 graduating class at the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing on May 18.
The St. Elizabeth Medical Staff Award was presented by Mr. Robert Scholefield, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of St. Elizabeth Medical Center, to Weekday Valedictorian, Emma Wagner of Whitesboro.
The St. Elizabeth Medical Center Award in Memory of Sister M. Regina was also presented by Mr. Robert Scholefield to Weekend Valedictorian, Kelly Osborn of Utica.
The Guild of St. Elizabeth Medical Center Award was presented by Mrs. Mary Napoli, Guild President, to Weekday Salutatorian Sherri Freiberger of Whitesboro, NY, and Weekend Salutatorian, Stephanie Mazloom of Utica.
The Alumni Association of the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing Award, given to the students with the third highest GPA, was presented by Ms. Suzanne Barnes, Alumni President, to Weekday Graduate, Briana Johnson of Whitesboro and Weekend Graduate, Hilary Hamlin of New Hartford.
The Alumni Association of the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing Clinical Award was also presented by Ms. Suzanne Barnes, Alumni President, to Weekday Graduate, Arianna Giruzzi of Latham and Weekend Graduate, Shalynn Cozza of Yorkville.
An Award in Memory of Nancy Lange and Rose M. Shields was given by their families and co-workers to a graduate who is caring, compassionate and demonstrates a commitment to nursing education. The 2013 recipient is AnnMarie Mateo, Weekend Graduate.
An Award in Memory of Jaden Zechariah Gioco, given to a graduate who demonstrated clinical excellence in the area of Obstetrics/Gynecology or Pediatrics was awarded to Patti Fikes, Weekday Graduate.
The Rose Shaffer Kolmer Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who persevered in the goal of becoming a St. Elizabeth Graduate, was awarded to Weekday Graduate, Jillian Doyle.
The Josephine Talerico Memorial Award, given in honor of Mrs. Josephine Talerico by her family, was awarded to Weekend Graduate, Cristy Gilman.
The Joann Nora Memorial Award, a graduate of St. Elizabeth's and a long time employee, is presented to a graduate to recognize her commitment and contributions to the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing program. This was awarded to Weekday Graduate, Sarah Jacopino.
An Award in Memory of Dr. John Hobika, who was an anesthesiologist at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for 30 years, is presented to a graduate who shows an authentic sense of compassion and whose calling is nursing. This year’s recipient is Weekend Graduate, Douglas Grinnell.
A first-time Award was given in Memory of Judy Snizek, who was a registered nurse in St. Elizabeth Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit for 27 years. At the request of her family and co-workers, this award is presented to a graduate who exemplifies Judy’s spirit of caring and compassion for her patients. The 2013 recipient is Weekday Graduate, Gwenda Warner.
The Award given in Memory of Regina Guiney, a 1957 graduate of St. Elizabeth School of Nursing who was employed by Little Falls Hospital for 40 years and served as its Director of Nursing for 15 years. This is presented to a graduate who is dedicated and caring. This has been awarded to Weekday Graduate, Janice Costello.
The Fred W. Buttenschon Memorial Award is presented to Weekday Graduate, Andrew Bradley for his commitment and contributions to the St. Elizabeth Nursing Program.
An Award in Memory of George Boise and Mary and William Galvin is presented annually upon the recommendation of the family. This was awarded to Alexandria Tizzano.
An Award in Memory of Thomas L. Capraro is given by his son, Gerald, to Weekday Graduate, Andrea Brennan.
Medals of Honor (students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher) were presented by Mrs. Elaine F. Brown, Dean of Academic Affairs, to the following Weekday and Weekend Graduates:
Weekday
Emma Wagner, Valedictorian; Sherri Freiberger, Salutatorian; Briana Johnson, Lisa Thomas, Sarah Jacopino, Randi Fike, Marissa Brewster, Megan Putnam, Judith Durso, Marianne Carzo, Kyle Bodnar, Michael Paul, Janice Costello, Patti Fikes, and Bridget McMahon.
Weekend
Kelly Osborn, Valedictorian; Stephanie Mazloom, Salutatorian; Hilary Hamlin, Nicole Denton, Cristy Gilmam