Rollins School of Nursing honors Class of 2017
The Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing at Beebe Healthcare recently celebrated 17 graduates in Class of 2017 with a ceremony at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach.
Bonnie Cunningham, director of Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy/Diabetes Management at Beebe Healthcare, was the commencement speaker. Cunningham has held this position at Beebe Healthcare for almost 20 years. She is a licensed and certified advanced practice nurse, and a wound, ostomy continence nurse. She is a role model to nursing students by dedicating her time with the students as a guest speaker throughout the curriculum, as well as during clinical rotations. Elisha Brown, president of the Class of 2018, presented congratulations to the graduates. Ryan Gray, president of the Class of 2017, shared class reflections and well wishes. A video of favorite memories from the class was presented by Anna Merrick.
The Hon. William S. Lee, chairman of Beebe Medical Foundation's board of directors, presented the Board of Directors Award for the highest academic achievement to Bethany Campbell. The Beebe Healthcare Medical Staff sponsored the Salutatorian Award for the second-highest academic achievement, which was presented by Dr. R. Alberto Rosa to Hannah Bristow. The Alumni Award, given for Medical-Surgical Clinical Excellence in District Nursing, was presented to Emily Macklin. The Patient Care Leadership Award, presented by Beebe Healthcare's Chief Nursing Officer Steve Rhone, went to Bethany Campbell.
The Beebe Auxiliary presented the award honoring the graduates who excelled academically, clinically and in community involvement to two graduates this year: Megan Pusey and Hannah Bristow. Anna Merrick received the Cordrey-Cottingham Award in honor of Eleanor Cordrey and in memory of her sister Virginia Cottingham, as a graduate demonstrating commitment, professionalism in nursing and sincerity in her practice. Alissa Porter received the Dr. David Howard Memorial Award. The Bayside Health Association Award honoring the memory and characteristics of Alison Trout was presented to Lydia Cole. Both Jeremy Calloway and Scott Bell were honored with the Faculty Award recognizing the attributes of diploma education.
Lindsey Garcia was the recipient of the Delaware Hospice Award honoring an exemplary graduate exhibiting a compassionate philosophy in all aspects of care. Katie Dukes was honored for her perfect attendance. A new award was presented this year by the Beebe Medical Foundation in partnership with Margaret “Peggy” H. Rollins. The Margaret H. Rollins Student Philanthropy Award went to the graduate who demonstrated exemplary performance in philanthropic activities which supported both Beebe Healthcare and the community. This award was given to Katie Dukes for her leadership in numerous fundraisers and community activities that helped those less fortunate. The award was presented by Judy Aliquo, president and CEO of the Beebe Medical Foundation, and Mrs. Margaret H. Rollins. The School of Nursing graduates, faculty and team members were honored to have Rollins participate in the ceremony.
Beebe Healthcare Chaplain Keith Goheen shared the invocation and the benediction.
