School of Nursing
Contact Us
3000 Arlington Ave
Toledo, OH 43614
Mail Stop 1026
Student Services: 419.383.5810
CHHSadmit@utoledo.edu
Graduate Nursing Convocation Ceremony
spring 2026 ceremony program
Congratulations to all our Spring 2026 graduates and award winners!
parking information
A parking permit is required for this event. Attendees may park in Lot 44 within Zone 9257 for the duration of the event.
Park UToledo information on visitor parking
Register for a parking account
Program
Procession 9:45 p.m.
Opening Remarks
Eileen Walsh, Ph.D., APRN, CVN, FAHA
Associate Dean and Professor, Chief Nurse Administrator
Graduate-Entry Masters Welcome, Student Award/Honors Recognitions, and SIGMA Member Recognition
Holly A. Myers, D.N.P., RN, CNE
Director GEM Track
Presentation of Candidates for Hooding and Pinning
Holly A. Myers, D.N.P., RN, CNE
Director GEM Track
Scott Molitor, Ph.D.
Senior Vice Provost for Academic and Graduate Affairs
Transition
Holly A. Myers, D.N.P., RN, CNE
Director GEM Track
Masters and Certificate Welcome
Jennifer DeVries, D.N.P., RN, FNP-C
Director DNP, MSN, and APRN Tracks
Student Awards/Honors Recognitions, and SIGMA Member Recognition
Jennifer DeVries, D.N.P., RN, FNP-C
Director DNP, MSN, and APRN Tracks
Presentation of Candidates for Hooding and Pinning
Certificate
Master of Science in Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Jennifer DeVries, D.N.P., RN, FNP-C
Director DNP, MSN, and APRN Tracks
Scott Molitor, Ph.D.
Senior Vice Provost for Academic and Graduate Affairs
Closing and Recessional
Eileen Walsh, Ph.D., APRN, CVN, FAHA
Associate Dean & Professor, Chief Nurse Administrator
Awards
GEM Excellence Award
The GEM excellence award is presented to a graduating GEM student who exemplifies excellence across all areas of nursing education. This recipient consistently demonstrates superior performance in the classroom through academic achievement, critical thinking, and a commitment to lifelong learning. In clinical settings, the student provides safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care, reflecting strong judgement, professionalism, and dedication to patient well-being. Beyond individual achievement, this student serves as a positive role model for peers demonstrating integrity, accountability, collaboration, and a strong work ethic. Their leadership, support of fellow students, and commitment to the values of the nursing profession distinguish them as an exemplary graduate prepared to make meaningful contributions to healthcare.
APRN Academic Excellence Award
The APRN Academic Excellence Award recognizes a graduating advanced placement registered nursing student who has demonstrated outstanding performance in both clinical practice and academic achievement. This honor reflects excellence in clinical judgment, professionalism, leadership, and commitment to patient-centered care. Recipients are selected through a collaborative vote by faculty and peers, highlighting not only scholastic success but also the respect and impact the student has within the program and clinical environment.
School of Nursing Faculty and Staff
Faculty
- Susan Batten, Ph.D., APRN-CNS, FNP-C
Cheryl Bearringeer, D.N.P. RN, CNE
Jennifer DeVries, D.N.P., RN, NP-C
Sharmeta L. Gibbon, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Dawn Goldstein, Ph.D., RN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN
Elizabeth Grothaus, M.S.N., RN, CNS
Cindy Herrera, D.N.P., M.S.N., RN, PPCNP-BC
Jennifer Johnson, D.N.P., RN, APRN-CNP, ACNPC-AG, CCRN
Kelly Lewandowski, M.S.N., RN
Kathleen Mitchell, D.N.P., APRN-CNS
Holly A. Myers, D.N.P., RN, CNE
James F. Oberlander, Ph.D., RN
Mary Jean Ohns, D.N.P., M.S.N., RN, CPNP-AC/PC, CCRN
Kelly Phillips, Ph.D., APRN-CNS, CNL
Kathryn Pilliod-Carpenter, M.S.N., RN, FNP-C
Susan L. Pocotte, Ph.D.
Colleen Quinlan, Ph.D., CNP, WHNP-BC
Kristi Reuille, Ph.D., M.S.N., RN
Susan Rice, Ph.D., RN, CPNP-PC, APRN-CNS
Heidi Shank, D.N.P., M.S.N., RN
Gregory A. Shannon, D.N.P., RN
Colleen Taylor, Ph.D., M.S.N., RN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Karen M. Vargas, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Eileen Walsh, Ph.D., APRN, CVN, FAHA
Dawn Woolford, Ph.D., RN
Professional Staff
- Pamela Alexander, M.S.N., RN
- Ecole Charley, B.S.N., RN
- Jordan Glaze, B.B.A.
- Karen Jackson, M.S.N., RN
- Kyle Kitchen, B.T.A.S.
- Dawn Ray. M Ed
- Beatriz Roman, B.S.N., RN
- Krystal Smith, B.S.N., RN
- Lindsay Smith, M.S.N., RN
- Bari Staelgraeve, M.S.N., RN
- Linda Sulpizio, B.S.N., RN
Support Staff
- Mary Babcock, B.A.
- Pamela S. Rice, M.A. Ed, B.A.
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