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Emory’s School of Nursing welcomes 298 graduates at winter commencement
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Melanie Kieve
Senior Director of Communications and Marketing
Dean Linda McCauley greets a graduate on stage at commencement

Dean Linda McCauley congratulates a student during School of Nursing commencement exercises on Dec. 12. The graduation ceremonies marked McCauley's last before her retirement as dean.

— Jenni Girtman/Atlanta Event Photography

The Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing welcomed 298 graduates into its alumni community during graduation ceremonies on Friday, Dec. 12, at the Emory Student Center.

Two ceremonies marked the occasion:

  • Morning Ceremony: 157 graduates from the pre-licensure Master of Nursing (MN) and Distance Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (DABSN) programs.
  • Afternoon Ceremony: 141 graduates from the post-licensure Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.

As newly minted graduates, these alumni are poised to join the nursing workforce for the first time, advance their careers into leadership roles or specialized fields, or pursue further education in nursing.

This graduation also marked the final ceremony presided over by Linda McCauley, who retires as dean of the school at the end of December after a remarkable 16-year tenure.

I can’t imagine a more meaningful way to close this chapter as dean than standing here with you,” McCauley shared at the afternoon ceremony. “Today, you join a proud legacy — and you carry a piece of my heart with you.”

Several awards and recognitions were bestowed at the two ceremonies:

The Silver Bowl Award, the highest award given to graduating students:

  • DABSN: Michelle Pasetti
  • DNP: Jacob Howe and Sadaf Khan
  • MN: Serenity Murdie
  • MSN: Tanvi Gurazada

The Compassion and Caring Award, given to graduating students who demonstrate the caring spirit of the school’s namesake, Nell Hodgson Woodruff:

  • DABSN: Shea Hicks
  • MN: Esther Ryu

The Heart of the Students Award, given to faculty and staff for their dedication to students:

  • DABSN: Instructor Crystal Johnson
  • DNP: Academic Technology Specialist Brian Jones
  • MN: Assistant Professor Wendy Gibbons
  • MSN: Clinical Instructor Brandi Middour-Oxler

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