The Student Nurses’ Association at UCF Orlando received the state’s top honor, the Diamond Chapter Award, and many others at the 2024 Florida Nursing Students Association convention.
They’re shining bright as future Knight nurses. For the fourth consecutive year, tenth time overall, the Student Nurses’ Association (SNA) at UCF Orlando was honored with the prestigious Diamond Chapter Award. SNA at UCF Orlando received this and several other honors during the 2024 convention of the Florida Nursing Student Association, which represents more than 5,000 nursing students across the state.
The Diamond Chapter Award recognizes the high-achieving chapters in the State of Florida that have demonstrated outstanding service and engagement. To be considered, chapters submit an extensive application to showcase activities and achievements for the past year to promote nursing as a profession, mentor new students, and promote community health.
For example, in addition to regular meetings with guest speakers throughout the year, SNA at UCF Orlando participates in community health events from food and blood drives to awareness walks and more. Members of the student-led organization also visited high schools and college fairs to speak with students about careers in nursing.
“Receiving the Diamond Chapter Award is a tremendous honor for our chapter,” says Victoria Trautwein, a senior Traditional BSN student and president of SNA at UCF Orlando.
“This recognition is deeply meaningful to us as it reflects the collective hard work and dedication of all our officers and members. It serves as both a testament to our efforts and an inspiration to continue striving for excellence, driving us to further strengthen and improve our chapter every day.”
“I never cease to be amazed by the excellence of our chapter’s leaders and members, and this year’s members accomplished so much,” says Brian Peach, assistant professor and co-advisor to SNA at UCF Orlando.
With a hometown convenience, nearly 20 SNA at UCF Orlando chapter members attended the 2024 convention in Lake Buena Vista earlier this month. The annual event provided professional development, networking, educational and advocacy opportunities for nursing students across the state.
“At the convention, we gained valuable insights into the significant role nurses play in driving change within the profession and the broader healthcare system,” says Trautwein.
Nine students from UCF Orlando also served in the State House of Delegates, actively engaging in voting on resolutions and proposed amendments to the Florida Nursing Student Association bylaws. In addition, Jenna Koo, SNA at UCF Orlando legislative director, passed a resolution she authored titled, In Support of Nurses Serving in Underserved Countries to Address Nursing Shortages and Care Quality. Koo will bring the resolution to the 2025 national convention in Spring 2025.
UCF’s College of Nursing also received several other accolades at the convention, including Dean Mary Lou Sole being awarded the 2024 Dean/Director of the year Award.
“We are extremely grateful for her support of our chapter and work within the college,” says Trautwein.
“Dean Sole embodies the qualities and achievements that make a truly exceptional academic leader,” Trautwein said in the nomination letter. “What sets Dean Sole apart is not just her professional acumen, but also her unwavering dedication to the welfare of students and faculty.”
“Her leadership has not only elevated our institution but has also set a benchmark for excellence in academic administration, research, and nursing practice,” she added.
Additional awards include:
- Faculty Excellence Award, Instructor Sara Rose Thornton ’18BSN ’21MSN
- Star RN Award, David Frederick ’20BSN ’24DNP
- FNSA Lifetime Honorary Membership, Joyce DeGennaro ’03 ’09BSN ’13MSN
Two SNA at UCF Orlando board members also received scholarships, Victoria Trautwein and Jayla Call, chapter treasurer.
“This years’ Orlando SNA chapter is nothing short of excellent and this recent convention is one way to validate their ongoing efforts,” says Kate Dorminy, instructor and co-advisor to SNA at UCF Orlando. “The awards, honors, and scholarships are all indicative of their ability to assert themselves as young aspiring professionals in such an outstanding way.”
With support from donors, UCF’s College of Nursing established a permanent philanthropic fund to support student professional development opportunities, including supporting students in attending the Student Nurses’ Association national convention.
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