Ms. Gantt enrolled in the accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program at Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. This 16-month, full-time program accepts students who hold non-nursing bachelor’s degrees.
Ms. Gantt’s time in the program was not one without challenges. She was newly single with four young boys when she enrolled at Loyola. Her youngest child was just 3 years old. But this busy mom found a way to balance it all. She went to class and clinical experiences during the day while homeschooling her four young boys and finding time for her own studies at night. Ms. Gantt relied heavily on her mother and sister who took turns cooking, educating and caring for her boys while she was away.
“It was an intense time trying to negotiate my clinicals with classwork and family demands. I couldn’t have done it without the support of family,” Ms. Gantt said. “I also am grateful to my professors and classmates who made my experience worthwhile. Loyola’s Jesuit traditions and emphasis on compassionate care are something I will carry with me as I become a nurse.”
Ms. Gantt is finally realizing her dream. She will graduate this month and will pursue a position in critical-care nursing in the Chicago area. She was recently selected by her peers to speak at Loyola’s Honors and Pinning ceremony held last Friday at Loyola’s Health Sciences Campus in Maywood. This long-standing tradition represents the transition from student to nurse.
“While it’s true that we arrived on campus as separate, distinct individuals, we have now become unified in purpose, grown in compassionate skillful care and become transformed into men and women who will extend the healing ministry of Christ in the lives of those we meet with kindness, quality care and dignity,” Ms. Gantt said, as she welcomed 62 of her peers into the nursing profession. “I am extremely proud of each of you, and I have great confidence in the future of nursing.”
The following awards and honors were presented during the ceremony:Dean’s Gold Key Award: Malaika DentThe Dean’s Gold Key is the highest academic award presented to a graduating student for excellence in scholarship, service and leadership. This student exemplifies the highest ideals of the university as a nurse and a citizen.
Alumni Award: Mary Beth WebbThe Nursing Alumni Award is presented to an undergraduate nursing student who best exemplifies a commitment to excellence, values-based leadership, service both to Loyola and to the external community while promoting fellowship among nursing peers.
Laura Difiglio Klink Scholarship: Andrea DeFeliceLaura Difiglio Klink decided to become a nurse after a seven-year career as an accountant. She wanted to make a measurable difference in people’s lives and believed that nursing would provide her with that opportunity. During her ABSN schooling at Loyola, Ms. Difiglio Klink devoted herself to learning how she could provide the best care to patients. Her efforts ended prematurely. At the age of 31, Ms. Difiglio Klink was killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver. This scholarship was set up in her memory.
Gladys Kiniery Clinical Excellence Award: Andrea DeFeliceGladys Kiniery MSPH, RN, was the second dean of Loyola University Chicago School of Nursing from from 1947 to 1966. This award is given to a graduating student who exemplifies the late Dean Kiniery’s philosophy by demonstrating excellence in clinical practice.
Carol Kraft Memorial Award: Jessica GuerrieriThis award is given to a senior nursing student or graduating ABSN student who best exemplifies excellence in the practice of nursing at the completion of the clinical role transition experience at Loyola University Medical Center.
Julia Lane Silver Key Award This award is given to graduating ABSN students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher:
Katelynn BraggShaina CherniakJohn CrossKaitlin DembskiMalaika DentCaryn EllinKristen FleischauerBrigette ForneyMikaila GawrynJessica GuerrieriSahara Knapik-ChristensenJessica LaymanGerald SantangeloKelly SimonNicole StupkaHilary ToaddyNicolle WaldmanMary Beth Webb
View photos of the event here.
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