UTMB School of Nursing recently graduated its largest class. The school awarded 508 degrees — 371 bachelor of science in nursing degrees and 137 master of science in nursing degrees.

“The School of Nursing has a storied history and commencement reflects our commitment to the mission of educating the best nurses for Texas, the nation and world,” Dean Pamela G. Watson said.

The commencement speaker, Lynda Freed Woolbert, former director of policy for the Coalition of Nurses in Advanced Practice, completed her master’s degree in pediatric primary care at the medical branch.

The Distinguished Alumnus award was presented to Col. Karen Weiss, a consultant to the U.S. Air Force Surgeon General for nursing research. She received her master’s degree at the medical branch and was a member of the first class of Acute Care Nurse Practitioner students.

The Euphemia Jane Ritchie, RN, Excellence in Nursing Award was presented to Agnes Nguyen. The award is given to students in the school’s senior baccalaureate nursing class.

The Eisenhauer Biegert Faculty Award honors School of Nursing Faculty who demonstrate through their actions and an innovative, humanistic approach to teaching and nursing education. Dr. Linda Rounds was the recipient of this award.

The Pamela G. Watson School of Nursing Award recognizes outstanding faculty who have made contributions through commitment to excellence in patient care, research, publications, education, community service and nursing leadership. This year’s recipient was Dr. Darlene (Cheyenne) Martin.

Two faculty received research awards in January and were acknowledged. The Beverly and F.A. (Andy) Odom Endowment for Nursing Research was awarded to Dr. Kay Sandor, and the Alice Caroline Brown Endowment for Nursing Research was presented to Dr. Regina Lederman.