Distinguished Alumni Program

Eligibility    Nomination Process     Selection Process     
Award Ceremony     The Award     Nomination Deadline

Mercy College created the Catherine McAuley Awards for Nursing Excellence to honor alumni and friends of the Division of Nursing (or its predecessor program, the Mercy School of Nursing), for their lifetime achievements to the profession of nursing, their service to their communities, and their efforts on behalf of Mercy College of Health Sciences.

Eligibility 

Nominees who are alumni must be graduates of the Mercy College Division of Nursing (or its predecessor program) and have completed their degree at least five (5) years before their nomination.  Nominees who are friends must have held an important historical role in the growth or development of the nursing education programs at least five (5) years before their nomination.  Nominees should be persons who have made notable contributions to their profession, their community, and Mercy College or its predecessor institution. They should exhibit personal and professional integrity. The award may be given posthumously when appropriate.

Nomination Process

Each nomination must include the following items:

• A letter of nomination explaining fully why the nominee deserves this honor focusing on 1) professional accomplishments, 2) community service, and 3) assistance to and involvement with Mercy College; including the names, addresses and phone numbers of all the persons making the nomination.

• A formal, biographical sketch (a curriculum vita, resume or a similar factual statement) about the nominee.

A copy of the nomination form is available for downloading from this page and can be submitted either electronically or by mail.

Selection Process

Members of the Nursing Alumni Association Board of Directors will serve as the review committee for the award.  The selection committee will retain all nominations for further consideration for two (2) years if necessary to develop further supporting materials on nominees.

Award Ceremony

The distinguished alumni award will be presented annually at the Mercy College Nursing Alumni Association annual banquet held in early summer. Recipients and their guest will be guests of honor at the banquet.

The Award

The award is a framed copy of a portrait of Mother Mary Catherine McAuley, Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, by artist Cloy Kent.

Nomination Deadline

Nominations should be received by the last day of February each year and should be addressed to:

If you have questions about the award or the process, contact Melisa Cox at mcox@mercydesmoines.org.