When Shirley Sears Chater was an undergraduate in the School of Nursing, former Nursing Dean Theresa Lynch told her that she had no integrity. But the regents' professor and former Commissioner of Social Security appeared confident and dignified as she addressed the Nursing class of 1997 at Monday's graduation. Her success in the fields of education, medicine and and politics led the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters recipient to write to Lynch each time she received a new job or earned a promotion. And Chater dared the graduating class to make their own difference in the world that awaits them. "You are leaders because your program of study has prepared you with such skills," she said. "No curriculum prepares you for leadership like the nursing curriculum." The ceremony also honored many of the graduating students. Nursing senior Michelle Perkins received the Award of Special Recognition for her quiet leadership and compassion for others. The recipient of the Dean's Award for epitomizing the objectives of the Nursing School was Nursing senior Jill Marchetti. And the Sal Weinstone Award for creating a positive change with lasting impact went to Nursing senior Virginia Biddle, who also received the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society Award. Other award winners include Nursing seniors Kristen Chasse, Eden Houser, Rebecca Peacock, Allyson Fuller, Gabrielle Lightfoot, Amy Krinsley, Heidi Leister, Maria Ladores, Elaine Lander, Christopher Friese, Valerie La Forge, Amy Hoult, Christi Strawley and Emily Fisch. -- Stephanie Cooperman
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