May 13, 2025
On May 9, the UNC School of Nursing celebrated a milestone moment with nearly 300 students crossing the stage during its Spring 2025 Commencement at the Dean E. Smith Center—capping off National Nurses Week and marking 75 years since the School’s founding in 1950.
Dean Valerie Howard welcomed the crowd with a salute to the graduates and a nod to the School’s history. “Tonight, you join a legacy that began with 27 students and three faculty members. With your class, we now proudly count over 11,000 Carolina Nursing alumni,” said Howard. “And while this moment marks the end of your time as a student, it also marks the beginning of your journey as a colleague in a profession that needs your leadership, skill, and compassion now more than ever.”
Family and friends filled the arena, cheering as graduates from five programs were recognized: 108 students earning a BSN, 86 earning an accelerated BSN, 51 earning an MSN, 36 earning a DNP, and 13 earning a PhD. Many were recognized for academic honors and service, including members of the Katherine Acierno Doula Scholars Program and graduates of Carolina Nursing’s Military Pathway.
Patricia Benner, PhD, RN, FAAN—an internationally recognized nursing theorist and author of From Novice to Expert—delivered the commencement address. A pioneer in the field of clinical reasoning and professional formation, Benner has influenced generations of nurses and educators around the world.
In her remarks, Benner emphasized the deep value of hands-on learning and the transformative power of compassionate care.
“You don’t know what you can achieve with your caring practices until you see it with your own eyes, in your own practice.” —Patricia Benner, PhD, RN, FAAN
Carol Durham, EdD, RN, FAAN, Faculty Chair, offered words of encouragement on behalf of the faculty. “Stay curious. Stay courageous. Stay connected to Carolina,” she said. “Because behind every opportunity is a chance to make meaningful change in people’s lives.”
Student speaker Grace Anderson, BSN ’25, recognized faculty and peer award recipients. Among those honored were Dr. Maureen Baker with the Faculty Excellence Award, Dr. Lisa Woodley with the Unsung Hero Award, and Megan Ross with the Educational Support Award. Apollos Lee received the Class of ’56 George T. Livas Award. The Pauline W. Brown Diversity Awards went to Fatoumata Diallo and Sarah Folorunsho.
The evening also featured the presentation of the 2024 Carolina Nursing Alumni Awards by Alumni Association Chair Schquthia Peacock, BSN ’92, MSN ’99. This year’s honorees included Dr. Ethan Cicero (Outstanding Alumni Award), Dr. Paul Allen Gray Jr. (Outstanding Alumni Service Award), Dr. Tonya Rutherford-Hemming (Outstanding Nurse Innovator Award), and Dr. Shielda Rodgers (Honorary Alumni Award).
Faculty members Dr. Jessica Williams, Dr. Carrie Palmer, and Dr. Elizabeth Stone led the formal awarding of degrees, followed by a closing message from Dean Howard.
“Today you become our alumni and our colleagues,” said Howard. “You’ve grown, you’ve persevered, and you’re ready. Go forward with confidence—and make us proud as Carolina Nurses.”
The ceremony concluded with a musical tribute from the Clef Hangers, who led the audience in “Carolina in My Mind” and the University alma mater, “Hark the Sound.”
