April 8, 2025
The UNC School of Nursing welcomed donors, students, and friends on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, for its annual Carrington Society Dinner. The evening celebrated the generosity that powers the Carolina Nursing community and the strong connections between donors and students.
Held each spring, the Carrington Society Dinner is more than a meal or a formal gathering. It is a chance to recognize the donors whose scholarships and contributions make a meaningful impact on nursing education at Carolina. It also gives students the chance to share what that impact looks like in their everyday lives.
This year’s student speaker, senior nursing student I’Mani Barnes, delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude. She thanked the donors in the room for lifting the burden of financial stress and helping students like her grow into future leaders in nursing.
Barnes, a recipient of the Hedberg Self Nursing Scholarship, reflected on how donor support allowed her and her peers to lead organizations, attend conferences, and even study abroad. She also praised Carolina Nursing faculty and staff for guiding her through the highs and lows of her academic journey and for instilling the resilience, skill, and compassion that define the profession.
Your generosity extends far beyond financial contributions; it serves as an investment in the future of nursing.
I’Mani Barnes, Senior Carolina Nursing Student
The Carrington Society Dinner brought together the people who make Carolina Nursing what it is. It reminded everyone in the room of the power of community, shared purpose, and the bright future ahead for nursing.
I’Mani’s complete remarks from the evening are included below, and we invite you to relive the highlights of the Carrington Society Dinner by visiting the event’s photo gallery.
Speech by Carolina Nursing student I’Mani Barnes, '25
Carrington Society Dinner 2025 Student Speech Good evening, everyone. My name is I’Mani Barnes, I am a senior nursing student, and I am honored to represent the undergraduate class at UNC’s School of Nursing. It is truly a privilege to stand before you tonight in a room filled with excellence, generosity, and a shared commitment to the future of nursing. My younger self would be overjoyed to see this dream come to life—a dream made possible by the unwavering support of so many in this room. I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to Mrs. and Mr. Hedberg Self for affording me this incredible opportunity. Your continued goal of making a difference in the lives of nursing students is a testament to your kindness and belief in the power of education.
To all of the donors in the room tonight—on behalf of myself and my fellow students, thank you. Your generosity extends far beyond financial contributions; it serves as an investment in the future of nursing. Because of your support, we are not only able to pursue our education but also immerse ourselves in experiences that shape us into well-rounded, compassionate professionals. Your generosity has lifted the burden of financial stress, allowing us to lead organizations, attend conferences, volunteer, and even study abroad. These experiences have been invaluable in shaping the kind of nurses Carolina seeks to uphold. We cannot thank you enough for believing in us and contributing to our success.
I also want to extend my appreciation to the Carolina Nursing Faculty and Staff. I still remember the nerves and excitement of my first day of orientation—overwhelmed and uncertain of what lay ahead. But from that day on, our faculty have been unwavering in their support. Their encouragement and reassurance, over time, turned uncertainty into confidence. They have not only prepared us to be skilled nurses but have also instilled in us the resilience, knowledge, and compassion that embody this profession.
Whether through office hours, exam reviews, mentoring, or simply offering a kind word when we needed it most, our faculty has gone above and beyond. The wisdom and expertise they share inspire us daily. To every faculty member, adviser, and leader—we are beyond grateful for your guidance. Thank you for listening, for pushing us to grow, for shaping our passions, and for your constant dedication to improving our education. Carolina Nursing would not be what it is without you.
And finally, to my fellow classmates—the ones who have made this rollercoaster of a journey worth every moment. Being surrounded by such intelligent, driven, and passionate individuals gives me so much hope for the future of nursing. From late-night study sessions and clinicals to skills labs and simulations, I have watched each of us grow into the confident professionals we are today. The lives we have already touched in our time together are just the beginning of the impact we will make. I am so proud to stand beside you all, and I cannot wait to see where our journeys lead us. You all inspire me every day, and I am beyond grateful to have walked this path with each and every one of you.
Thank you all for being here tonight. Thank you to those who made this event possible and to the service staff who have graciously helped make this evening so special. Thank you
To relive the highlights of the Carrington Society Dinner and experience the joyous moments shared by all, visit the event's photo gallery.