Nursing Alumni Society Awards
Nominate a colleague
The nomination period is open from October 31 through December 6. Awards will be presented at the Alumni Awards recognition ceremony on April 10, 2026.
Eligibility
All College of Nursing alumni are eligible*, including:
- All undergraduate nursing alumni, including RN to BSN and the traditional BSN
- Bachelor of Science of Health and Wellness alumni
- Master of Science in Nursing alumni
- Masters in Healthcare Innovation alumni
- Master of Clinical Research alumni
- Doctor of Nursing Practice alumni
- Doctor of Nursing Education alumni
- PhD alumni
*Current members of the Nursing Alumni Society Board of Governors are not eligible for these awards. Previous recipients are not eligible for the same award.
Nomination checklist
We recommend uploading the following documentation all at once. Once a nomination is submitted, it cannot be edited.
- Nominating statement limited to three, single spaced pages
- Letters of support, limited to three
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
Other things nominators will share in the form:
- Nominator name, email and phone number
- Nominee name, email, employer and phone number
The Nursing Alumni Society Awards Committee will determine which award is best suited for each nominee based on their credentials and experiences.
Award categories
The Distinguished Alumni Award is given to an Ohio State College of Nursing graduate in any of the degrees conferred by the college. This is in recognition of and appreciation for exceptional achievement in their career. The recipient of this award exemplifies the mission and vision of the College of Nursing while providing inspiration for current students, faculty and alumni. Professional areas for consideration include one or more of the following: practice excellence, education, community service, health equity and diversity/inclusion, innovation, health and wellness initiatives, administration, professional writing, evidence-based practice, research or public service.
The Distinguished Recent Alumni Award is given to an Ohio State College of Nursing alum who has graduated within the past 10 years. This award is in honor and appreciation of accomplishments that exemplify outstanding early career achievement in at least one of the following areas of practice excellence, innovation, community service, health equity and diversity/inclusion, health and wellness initiatives, education, administration, evidence-based practice, research or commendable public service.
The Community Service Award is presented to an Ohio State College of Nursing graduate in honor of the significant contributions of time, actions, talents and dedication made to improve the health of the community (local, regional, national or global) including advocacy in health equity and diversity/inclusion in the community. The awardee promotes the health of the community through sustained professional and/or volunteer work. The recipient serves as a model for compassion and service to others.
The Mildred E. Newton Distinguished Educator Award honors an Ohio State College of Nursing graduate who has served, or is currently serving, as an educator or dean of a nationally accredited college/school of nursing. The Awardee’s personal integrity, leadership, commitment to nursing education and advancement of nursing science has contributed significantly to the advancement of the nursing profession and the preparation of the next generation of nurses. The following exemplars will be considered: teaching, evidence-based practice, research, publication, leadership in the professional communities at the state, national or global levels, or public service.
An award given to a College of Nursing graduate who demonstrates exceptional leadership and action in policy, advocacy, legislature and leadership to improve the healthcare systems either on a national, state or local level (e.g. a graduate of the college that becomes a congressperson who advocates for healthcare policy).
An award given to a College of Nursing graduate who demonstrates exceptional advocacy and leadership in the discipline of mental health.