TO PRESS RELEASES   •   NURSING DEPARTMENT

Nursing Students Win Awards

HARRISONBURG, Va. — Three Eastern Mennonite University students, all members of the graduating class of 2002, have been recognized for their outstanding work as students in EMU's nursing program.

Surlina P. Asamoa, from Waynesboro, Va., received the "Centennial Award of Excellence" from the Virginia League of Nursing.

Julia P. Hodnett, from Martinsville, Va. received the Pi Mu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau "Outstanding EMU Nursing Student" award. One student is selected from EMU and one from James Madison University. Hodnett graduated with academic honors (cum laude) from EMU.

Rachel L. Buckwalter, from Alfred Station, N.Y., received a 2002 Merck Manual from Merck & Co., Elkton, Va., for having the highest grade point average in the nursing program for the past academic year. She graduated summa cum laude.

Mrs. Asamosa's award was based in part on a brief essay she submitted on "why I want to become a nurse." In her written remarks, she stated, "Nursing is a part of who I am. Ever since childhood I've always had a desire to care for people. Although I put off completing my education for a number of years, I never gave up my dream of making nursing my life work," she wrote

"Nursing is not just giving medications or following doctors' orders. It also incorporates caring, advocating, teaching, health promotion, and health restoration. Nursing is about holding the hand of a lonely, dying person or soothing the cries of a little child," Asamosa commented.

"It is my desire one day to give back to my community by opening a clinic for teenage girls who are in crisis. I want to become a nurse because I cannot imagine myself being anything else."

All three students received bachelor of science degrees in nursing during EMU's 84th annual commencement exercises held Apr. 28.

MAY 13, 2002