Lane Community College proudly celebrated its first-ever DAISY Award ceremony this week, honoring the exceptional compassion, dedication, and professionalism demonstrated by students and faculty in the college’s Nursing Program. Four students and two nurse educators were recognized during the event, which featured remarks and presentations by LCC President Stephanie Bulger.
The DAISY Foundation—an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System—was established in 1999 by the family of Patrick Barnes after he passed away at age 33 due to complications from an autoimmune disease. Moved by the extraordinary care Barnes received, his family created the DAISY Foundation to recognize the profound impact of nurses. Today, the program is embraced by healthcare institutions and nursing schools around the world.
“Your work as nurses is so powerful and meaningful,” said Dr. Bulger in her remarks to honorees and guests. “Its impact creates a ripple effect throughout our community.”
The ceremony at Lane recognized seven student nominees and nine faculty nominees, with six individuals selected to receive the prestigious award. Each of the six honorees received a pin, certificate, a hand-carved serpentine stone sculpture from Zimbabwe symbolizing the nurse-patient bond, and benefits from the DAISY Foundation.
Student Honorees
- Rick Colby – Nominated by four of his peers, Colby was recognized for his quiet strength, kindness, integrity, and commitment to helping others. “He actively works to be compassionate, understanding, and helpful to everyone,” one nominator wrote.
- Wendie Kelley – A leader in the Student-Faculty Collaborative Committee, Kelley was praised for building trust across the program. She led efforts to gather and honor memories of a classmate who passed away, writing a heartfelt tribute shared with the entire cohort.
- Haley Evans – Nominated by an instructor for her exemplary care of a vulnerable patient with complex needs. Evans’s ability to connect on a personal level empowered the patient and became a turning point in his recovery. Her nominator noted, “She makes an intentional difference in her patients during every clinical shift.”
- Paige Miller – Consistently upholds the highest standards of nursing, providing care that is clinically sound and deeply empathetic. A peer wrote, “She creates a safe and trusting environment that promotes healing,” always with professionalism and compassion.
Faculty Honorees
- Susan Roders – Recognized by a colleague for her extraordinary dedication to students, peers, and program improvement. Roders serves in numerous leadership roles, regularly updates her practice with evidence-based standards, and uses student feedback to enhance instruction. “The nursing world is a better place because of her,” her nominator said.
- Jeremy Kaufman – Celebrated for his innovation in teaching and his deep commitment to student success. Kaufman improves instructional materials to better engage learners, supports student organizations, and brings positivity and collaboration to every aspect of his role.
Lane’s partnership with the DAISY Foundation reflects its dedication to preparing future nurses not only with clinical skill but with compassion at the heart of their practice.
To learn more about Lane Community College’s Nursing Program, visit www.lanecc.edu/nursing.
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $675 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 8,900 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.