Senior Caroline Ronning and junior Brooke Deters were awarded the Fall 2022 DAISY Awards. They were among eight seniors and four juniors from Concordia’s nursing program nominated for the awards.
The DAISY Award is a national program that recognizes above-and-beyond care that nurses provide to patients. The DAISY Foundation has expanded its award program to recognize exceptional nursing students. The Concordia program awards two students, one at the senior level and one at the junior level, twice per year. Nominations come from faculty, clinical instructors, staff, and peers.
Ronning was nominated for the DAISY Award by Amanda Tracy, assistant professor of nursing at Concordia.
“Every semester I am continually impressed by Caroline’s abilities and commitment to her role as a nursing student,” Tracy said. “Caroline is a wonderful asset to the nursing department. She faithfully serves as the Student Nurses Association president while managing her studies and performing well in her courses. Her leadership with the SNA does not go unnoticed!”
“Further, Caroline added a role this year as a tutor for the nursing department and as a student lab assistant, where she also demonstrates her leadership and ability to provide mentorship to the junior cohort,” Tracy added. “Caroline demonstrates a servant’s heart, and we are lucky to have her as a Concordia nursing student."
Ronning said she was honored to have received the DAISY award. “I can’t thank the amazing nursing professionals, professors, and my peers for teaching me and helping me along the way. I look forward to starting my nursing career very soon!”
All the senior nominees are pictured from left to right — back row: Meghan Lentz, Joe Thuente (accelerated), front row: Caroline Ronning, Cassidy Quiner, Brita Koehnen (accelerated), Lindsay Clay (accelerated), Savannah Sedlacek, and Morgan Weinand. 
Deters received two nominations for the DAISY Award. The first nomination was from Dr. Tally Tinjum, associate professor of nursing.
“I would like to recognize Brooke for her outstanding clinical performance in her preparation and patient care,” Tinjum said. “Brooke has been very self-motivated and self-driven in her organization and preparation for her first clinical experience. Brooke consistently exceeds clinical preparation expectations and has demonstrated great application of theory content as reflected in her clinical prep and her patient care. Speaking of patient care, Brooke emulates caring, compassion, and a true genuine ability to connect with patients of all backgrounds. Time and time again I have been impressed by Brooke and her professionalism at clinicals.”
Brooke's second nomination was from a peer in the nursing program who noted that she is an outstanding nursing student who always comes to class with a willingness to learn and a strong disposition toward success. In addition, she is also extremely generous and frequently offers assistance to other nursing students and encourages her peers by emphasizing their strengths. Her quiet leadership skills do not go unnoticed by her peers.
“I am very honored to accept the DAISY Award and want to credit my phenomenal professors that push us to be our best and my supportive classmates that are there for everything,” Deters said.
The four junior nominees were (from left): Camille Hagen, Laura Bakeman, Brooke Deters, and Greta Larson.