Graduating Student Awards

Our students work so hard. At the end of their UIC Nursing careers, it's time for a little extra reward.

These awards are available to students in any UIC Nursing degree program who are in their last term of study and will have graduated or will be due to graduate by next May, when the award is conferred. For instance, any student finishing their degree in August 2023, December 2023 or May 2024 is eligible for the May 2024 awards.

Cardew-Mullane Award in Clinical Excellence and Leadership

Established by Mary Kelly Mullane, second dean of the UIC College of Nursing, this award recognizes outstanding clinical skill and leadership abilities in graduating students. The award also serves as a memorial to Emily Cardew, Mullane’s predecessor as dean. More than one student can win this cash award, which is sponsored by the UIC College of Nursing Alumni Association and is customarily given at the May commencement.

Selection Criteria – Student nominee must:

1. Be due to graduate in or before next May. (See page header for clarification.)

2. Be nominated by faculty or staff members, alumni or peers

3. Have demonstrated clinical excellence:

  • Exceeds course expectations or is considered outstanding
  • Is innovative
  • Serves as a role model
  • Is collaborative and interdisciplinary in nature
  • Incorporates patient/family/community
  • Shows exceptional caring
  • Demonstrates exceptional decision-making
  • Is dedicated to evidence-based practice

4. Have demonstrated leadership abilities:

  • Involved in extracurricular activities that promote nursing and/or nursing practice
  • Evidence of leadership roles
  • Evidence of community service/membership
  • Future plans include the potential for leadership

At least one (1) letter of support from someone who can speak to the nominee’s academic history must accompany a nomination. Upload the letter via the nomination form.

2024 nominations are due Mar. 15.

Graduating Student Recognition Award

Established in 1996, this cash award is given in recognition of academic excellence and initiative in actively supporting the UIC College of Nursing. More than one student can win this award, which is customarily given at the May commencement.

Selection Criteria – Student nominee must:

  1. Be due to graduate in or before next May. (See page header for clarification.)
  2. Be nominated by faculty or staff members, alumni or peers
  3. Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in all work attempted
  4. Be recognized as outstanding by both peers and faculty
  5. Have been an active participant in college and campus activities
  6. Have been an actively involved in community service activities (health, political, religious, civic)

At least one (1) letter of support from someone who can speak to the nominee’s academic history must accompany a nomination. Upload the letter via the nomination form.

2024 nominations are due Mar. 15.