Standout faculty, student honored with 2024 college awards
Annual college awards ceremony recognizes exceptional faculty, staff and alumni with a variety of honors Heading link
The UIC College of Nursing celebrated four members of the college community who have made outstanding contributions to the fields of scholarly practice, research, mentorship and equity and inclusion.
The 2024 award ceremony was held Thursday, Sept. 26, at UIC Nursing’s Chicago campus.
Meet the 2024 award winners
Meet the 2024 award winners Heading link
Judith Lloyd Storfjell Distinguished Practice Award
The college’s highest award for excellence in nursing practice, it was permanently endowed in 2022 with a gift from Storfjell.
Clinical assistant professor Gina Juliano, DNP ’16, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC, IBCLC, received the 2024 Storfjell Award for her work as a nurse practitioner at the UIC College of Dentistry/Miles Square, as well as her teaching abilities and scholarly work. Working at UIC’s pediatric dental practice, she provides required health screenings to children who are scheduled to undergo oral surgery, expediting the procedure.
Distinguished Researcher Award
An annual award established to recognize a UIC college faculty member or alumnus who has made an outstanding contribution to nursing science and research.
Professor Judith M. Schlaeger, PhD, CNM, Lac, FACNM, FAAN, was honored for her research at the intersection of midwifery/women’s health, chronic pain and acupuncture. She developed her interest in researching pain through her extensive experience as a practicing licensed acupuncturist. Her funding to study acupuncture to treat pain has surpassed $15 million, including five NIH grants.
Julie & Mark Zerwic Diversity Award
Established to recognize a UIC Nursing faculty member, student or staff member who has made a significant contribution to support diversity and foster equity and inclusion.
PhD student Phiset Khueanthong, MNS, RN, received the 2024 Zerwic Award for his work to promote diversity and inclusion efforts within the Thai Student Association (ThaiSA). In addition, Khueanthong actively sought partnerships with other cultural student organizations, fostering meaningful connections and promoting intercultural dialogue.
Distinguished Mentor of Faculty Award
The award recognizes a UIC College of Nursing faculty member who has made an outstanding contribution to faculty mentorship.
Recently retired clinical associate professor M. Cecilia Wendler, PhD, RN, NE-BC, was recognized her past efforts to mentor faculty members at UIC Nursing–Springfield. She is known to have a special interest is igniting the fire in students, nurses and faculty for research and evidence-based practice. She has mentored many to move on with their education.
