Since 1966 we have recognized outstanding alumni for their achievements in nursing. In 1991 and each year after, we have awarded fellow nurses these prestigious awards at our annual Nursing Awards Banquet.
If you know someone deserving of one of these awards, please fill out a nomination form. All nominations need to include an overview of the nominee’s achievements, accomplishments and why the nominee is deserving of the honor. Please include background information, resume and other support materials with your nomination.
The Citation of Merit is a campus-wide award and is the most prestigious award presented by the MU Nursing Alumni Organization.
- MU School of Nursing graduate
- Demonstrated outstanding achievement in the nursing field
- Shown continued interest and support of the school
- Made a substantial contribution to the nursing profession through the lifetime or corpus of their career
- Approved by the MU Alumni Organization Board of Directors
- Be present to receive the award
- MU School of Nursing graduate
- Distinguished him/herself in an exceptional way that brings recognition of achievement in nursing through any of the following: leadership, publication, education, research, clinical practice, education, and professionalism
- Continued interest and evidence of support (including time, effort, and/or monetary contributions) toward the enhancement of the school’s reputation
- Approved by the MU Nursing Alumni Organization Board of Directors
- Be present to receive the award
- MU School of Nursing graduate
- Significant achievement in nursing or support of the profession
- Continued interest and evidence of support (including time, effort, and/or monetary contributions) toward the enhancement of the school’s reputation
- Great potential for further continued achievement in the nursing profession
- Approved by the MU Alumni Organization Board of Directors
- Be present to receive the award
- MU School of Nursing graduate
- Recipient administers to individuals/families in need of support and care through volunteer time and effort
- Applies a high level of nursing knowledge, compassion and caring to vulnerable populations on an ongoing basis
- Demonstrates a continued interest in the MU School of Nursing and students.
- Approved by the MU Alumni Organization Board of Directors
- Be present to receive the award
- NOT a graduate of the MU School of Nursing
- Outstanding achievement in nursing or support for the nursing profession
- Continued interest and evidence of support, including time, talent or treasure towards the enhancement of the school’s reputation
- Approved by the MU Alumni Organization Board of Directors
- Be present to receive the award
2024 Alumni Award Recipients
Cynthia McCurren, BSN’72, MS(N)’81
Citation of Merit
With over five decades dedicated to nursing and nursing education, Dr. Cynthia McCurren, dean and professor at the University of Michigan-Flint School of Nursing, personifies leadership and advocacy in the profession. Her vast expertise spans nursing education, healthcare delivery, policy and community engagement. She has provided leadership in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing over the past 19 years in roles with increasing influence, elected member of the board of directors, chair-elect and board chair from 2020 to 2024.
She was inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing in 2023. She is deeply committed to the profession of nursing, the transformation of health care, academic-practice partnerships and ensuring the assembly of a diverse student body. Her commitment to nursing’s advancement stands as a testament to her visionary leadership and the enduring impact of a dedicated caregiver’s heart. As such, we are honored to call Dr. McCurren a Mizzou Nurse and are thrilled to present to her this year’s Citation of Merit Award.
Marjorie Cole
Distinguished Friend of the School
Marge Cole is a trailblazer in the fields of school nursing and nursing leadership, having dedicated more than three decades to reshaping the practice of school nursing. As the state school nurse consultant for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, she has empowered school nurses to be agents of change in the lives of children and families. Marge’s influence extends nationally, shaping policy and practice.
Her emphasis on comprehensive care and community engagement transcends mere tasks, fostering a culture of holistic health care for our most vulnerable members of society, our children. She has redesigned the narrative of school health services by inspiring nurses to prioritize meaningful impact and outcomes over counting visits to the nursing office.
The Sinclair School of Nursing believes that all children deserve health care and Marge has personified those efforts to prioritize Missouri children. We are delighted to bestow the 2024 Distinguished Friend of the School award upon Marge, a genuine community leader and tireless advocate for school nurses.
Glenda Dahlstrom, MS(N)’86, PhD’02
Alumni of the Year
Dr. Glenda Dahlstrom is described by her nominators as a shining beacon of dedication, compassion, and excellence in the field of nursing. For five decades, Glenda has served the Jefferson City, Missouri community as a nursing administrator and educator, leaving an indelible mark on the health care landscape. She has served as vice president of patient care services at Capital Region Medical Center, vice president of acute care services at St. Mary’s Health Center, and professor of nursing science at Lincoln University.
Glenda’s leadership during challenging times, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcased her resilience, strategic prowess, and unwavering commitment to patient care. Her colleagues speak of her dynamic leadership style, which seamlessly blends kindness with effectiveness, earning her the reputation of possessing a ‘true superpower.’ Beyond her professional roles, Glenda spearheaded innovative initiatives to address nursing shortages and enhance patient care standards, leaving a legacy that continues to shape the future of nursing practice. In retirement, her commitment to mentorship and community service remains unwavering. She continues to serve as adjunct faculty for the Lincoln University School of Nursing, where she inspires and empowers the next generation of nurses.
Sean Pridgeon, DNP’21
Alumni Achievement
Throughout his 15-year career at MU Health Care, Dr. Pridgeon has exemplified exceptional nursing leadership, unwavering dedication, and a profound commitment to enhancing workforce well-being.
Since graduating with his Doctorate in Nursing Practice in May 2021, Sean has made indelible contributions to the nursing profession, locally, regionally, and nationally. As director of professional practice for the Office of Professional Practice at MU Health Care, he has played a pivotal role in overseeing critical areas such as UM Health Care’s ANCC Magnet Recognition program, nursing professional development, evidence-based practice, research, patient education, and policy. Sean’s unwavering commitment to elevating the nursing profession, coupled with his exemplary military service in the United States Army Reserves, truly embodies the spirit of excellence and service. Today, we celebrate Sean’s outstanding achievements and profound impact on the Mizzou Nursing community.
Sean, your alma mater proudly celebrates your accomplishments and looks forward to witnessing the continued impact of your exemplary leadership in the years to come.
Susan Wuest Devaney, BSN’72, MS(N)’80
Humanitarian Award
Dr. Susan Wuest Devaney epitomizes dedication and compassion in nursing, earning her recognition as an exemplary figure in the profession. With an unwavering commitment to serving others, she has spent decades imparting her benevolent care to those in need, both within her community and beyond.
Throughout her 39 years at Central Methodist University, Susan has not only educated countless nursing students but has also embodied the values of selfless service and continuous learning.
Beyond academia, Susan’s impact extends to the grassroots level, where she has actively engaged with faith-based health ministries. Her pivotal role in establishing the Columbia Catholic Tri Parish Health Ministry attests to her vision of addressing health care needs with a focus on body, mind, and spirit. She has been referred to as a “Shepard as she keeps tabs on the parishioners, visiting those in need of nursing and spiritual care, bringing soup to those that are ill, and being present for those dying and their families.” Her unwavering commitment to the well-being of others serves as an inspiration and a testament to the transformative power of compassion within the nursing profession and why she is is most deserving of our humanitarian award.
Denice Mendenhall
Honorary Alumni Award
Denice Mendenhall, is an esteemed faculty member of the Sinclair School of Nursing who retired in 2023. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Denice’s unwavering commitment to nursing education, support for the profession, and dedication to knowledge and service serve as a beacon of inspiration for us all. Beginning her journey with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University and a Master of Nursing from the University of Washington, Denice’s passion for nursing education found its true home at Mizzou.
As a Clinical Instructor from 1990 to 2023, she left a lasting mark on the hearts of students, faculty, and staff alike, reshaping the educational landscape with her innovative teaching methods and curriculum enhancements. Described by colleagues as a cornerstone of the undergraduate program, Denice’s impact extended far beyond the classroom, touching the lives of countless individuals within our school and community. Her dedication to excellence, mentorship and genuine care for students’ well-being have left a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of nurses. We celebrate Denice’s outstanding achievements, passion and unwavering pursuit of knowledge and excellence in teaching and mentorship to aspiring nurse educators. She has enriched the nursing profession and the educational experiences of students at Mizzou.