Eight 2025 Graduates Honored with School of Nursing Pins

Victoria Breton x’25 (TBSN)
Board of Visitors Pin

Victoria Breton x’25, knew she wanted to work in health care when she saw family members experience inequitable care due to language barriers. “I chose nursing, specifically, because it was the career that allowed me to be able to care for my patients in unique and flexible ways, as well as it allowed me to directly enact the plan of care and be the last line of defense that makes sure my patient is safe,” she said.

Through her extensive research she has conducted throughout her undergraduate honors studies, Breton has aimed to improve human health, and she has conducted, executed, and presented her findings at both the 2025 Madison Area Nursing Symposium as well as at the UW–Madison Undergraduate Symposium. For her work and research, she has been selected as this year’s recipient of this year’s Board of Visitors (BOV) pin, which recognizes a student’s leadership and strategic guidance.

Breton, who hails from Brooklyn, NY, took a leap of faith when choosing UW–Madison to pursue her degree. But choosing to attend school in the Midwest meant that she would be 15 hours from home, and would be away from her twin sister for the first time in her life. As a result, things were not always easy for her during her freshman year, and the transition proved to be challenging. Breton felt isolated, noting, “As the isolation began to sink in, I began to get homesick.” However, she was not about to let these challenges get the best of her, and Breton credits those challenges as beneficial, noting, “Despite the challenges I had faced at first when adapting to this environment, I can confidently say that during my time here at UW–Madison I have had the opportunity to grow as a person… in leadership, confidence, and service.”

Breton became involved in service early in her college career, volunteering at SSM Health. The experience she gained while volunteering there taught her the importance of doing whatever it takes for her patients. It also inspired her to pursue her next position as a float medical assistant in pediatrics, family medicine, and urgent care the following year.

She spent her summers earning her emergency medical technician (EMT) certification and participating in the Health Professions Shadowing Program offered by both the Center for Pre-Health Advising on campus as well as the School of Medicine and Public Health’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. This intensive, two-week program created shadowing and professional development experience, presenting participants with experience in a variety of healthcare fields and networking opportunities to help increase access and equity in healthcare.

Breton has worked hard to address patient care and give it the attention it deserves through her research as an honors student. Assistant Professor Maichou Lor ’11, MS’12, Cert’14, PhD’17, RN, shares, “She exemplifies our School of Nursing’s mission to improve human health through research,” adding, “Her research has the potential to drive meaningful change in hospital policies and improve patient experiences.”

During Breton’s time in clinical settings, she noticed inequities regarding hair care for Black and African American patients in the hospital setting. As a result of what she noticed, she applied to the nursing honors program to analyze this on a deeper level. Breton used her resources, collaborating with Dr. Lor to learn about patients’ backgrounds with hair care to improve their care in a hospital setting to promote more equitable, culturally appropriate patient-centered care. As her honors project evolved, Breton applied for, and received, the School of Nursing’s Student Research and Scholarship Committee Grant to further conduct her study. Lor notes, “While I provided guidance [as her mentor], she led the research with confidence and determination. A natural leader, she also co-mentored a pre-nursing student eater to get involved in research. Thanks to her enthusiasm and drive, we completed this project in under a year- an extraordinary achievement for an undergraduate student.”

Continuing with her unwavering desire to grow and learn and grow, Breton has immersed herself in many activities to help her grow as a nurse. She has worked as a student health technician in the OBGYN and Sexual Health department in University Health Services and became a Nursing Knowledge Network Peer Leader.

Breton is also a co-founder of the Caribbean Student Association where she serves on the executive board. She says that she and her peers founded the organization “with the hopes of cultivating safe spaces for individuals who identify as Caribbean or want to learn more about Caribbean culture.” On top of all of that, Breton also works as a student nursing assistant on the B4/6 transplant floor at UW Health.

Breton is honored to receive a pin from the School of Nursing’s BOV, saying, “Receiving this pin means everything to me… Tradition is something that is so important to me, and to know that I am part of one in the nursing school is powerful.”

From stepping foot on campus homesick for the familiar, to becoming a leader amongst her peers and conducting significant research to improve patient-centered care, Breton recognizes that she has gone through significant growth while at UW–Madison. “While I leave UW this May with a degree in Nursing, I can proudly say that I will also be leaving having learned that I am resilient, hardworking, and can adapt to anything, and will forever be grateful for my time here,” she said.

Maggie Cook x’25 (BSN@Home)
Pin Donor Jean Jacob ’66

Maggie Cook x’25, will walk into Camp Randall Stadium on May 10 to accept her bachelor of science degree in nursing, but it won’t be the first degree she will have earned from the university. “I currently hold a bachelor of arts degree in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin–Madison,” Cook says.

For 12 years, Cook has worked in marketing, even owning and operating her own business towards the end of her first career choice. However, she noted that she was always encouraging friends and family who were preparing for their own college journeys to pursue a career in nursing because she herself regretted not going down that path. “I have always had a strong passion for helping others,” Cook said. After realizing her true path was a career in nursing, and with the support of her husband, she made the decision to begin pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse.

Cook’s journey to earning her degree in nursing has been unconventional to say the least. Nursing students know the rigors of studying, attending classes, and going on clinical rotations. But for Cook, along with attending classes on a full-time basis, the mother of three was also working hard to be present for her children, all while working full-time in an emergency department (ED). Her hard work has been paying off as she has already been able to grow in her new career. “I started out as an ED technician in a Level 3 Trauma Center, and worked my way up to an ED Registered Nurse in a Level 2 Trauma Center at Mayo Clinical Health System in Eau Claire, WI, where I have worked for two years now,” said Cook.

She notes that working in the ED for the last five years has been a great experience for her, sharing, “There is always something to learn, and the environment fosters continuous growth, all while serving our community during their time of greatest need. I always strive to provide the highest quality of care to my patients and feel strongly that my education from UW–Madison will contribute to my ability to provide this care to my patients throughout my nursing career.”

Throughout her nursing education journey, Cook has been recognized for her high academic performance, maintaining a near-perfect GPA, and earning both Dean’s List honors as a student of the UW–Madison School of Nursing, and President’s List honors at Chippewa Valley Technical College where she earned her associate degree in nursing. In addition, she has continued to grow her skill sets so she can provide her patients with the highest quality care possible, obtaining her Trauma Nursing Core Course and Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course certifications.

Cook’s hard work doesn’t stop there, she has also taken on a leadership role in precepting new ED staff, helping them work through orientation and onboarding amidst the fast-paced, high-stress work environment.

Her commitment to quality patient-centered care has not gone unnoticed. Cook said, “I recently received a positive survey response for my care of a patient in the ED who stated, ‘The nursing staff, especially Maggie, were dutiful and compassionate in caring for me during the unfamiliar medical event. Their communication was clear and concise and helped to ease my stress about the situation I was experiencing.’ We do not often hear how our patients are doing after they leave the ED, and to receive such a positive note reinforced the purpose of why I originally wanted to become a nurse.” She added, “I take great pride in the work I do, maintaining patient-centered care, all while serving as a role model for my children to follow [their] dreams and help others in need.”

Cook received her pin from Jean Jacob ’66, who, like Cook, worked diligently to balance both family life and working as a nurse full time, serving as a role model for her children. “It was incredibly humbling to learn I would be receiving the nursing pin of Jean Kluge Jacob ’66,” said Cook. “As I move forward in my nursing career, I know I not only represent myself, my family, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, but I also represent Jean and the legacy she has left as a Badger nursing alumnus. It is a massive responsibility that I do not take lightly. To join the legacy of the University of Wisconsin–Madison nursing alumni is an extraordinary honor and a point of pride I will carry with me for a lifetime.”

Jacob worked as a nurse for 40 years, a career that she wanted to pursue since childhood—a dream that was inspired by watching her mother Violet’s career as a nurse and nurse anesthetist.

Jacob came to UW–Madison with the intent of pursuing her nursing degree. During her time as a nursing student, Jacob married and had two children, all while starting a career as a floor nurse at UW Hospital on the night shift for a few months before the birth of her second child.

Despite challenges and setbacks over the next few years, Jacob remained grateful for the opportunity to care for others in her role as a nurse. Just 10 years into her career, as a single mother, she decided she wanted more. She returned to UW–Madison to obtain her master of science degree in nursing education. The resurgence of her education sparked changes in her personal life as well, as she remarried and moved her family to Watertown, Wisconsin, worked hard to complete her master’s degree, and got a job as a Dodge County public health nurse. Her daughter, Jill Wooton, notes that Jacob’s “resilience and hard work paid off when, four years later, she landed a job as a nursing instructor for MATC at the Watertown campus, and never looked back.”

Jacob dedicated her life to this position, working at what was formerly Madison Area Technical College (now Madison College) for 25 years before retiring in 2008. Wooton, shares that her mother said, “Having a career in nursing was the best job [I] ever had, and [I] wanted to be remembered for making a difference.” Wooton adds that, “In nurturing and preparing hundreds of students to join the nursing profession, we believe she made a difference in thousands of lives.”

After retirement, Jacob wanted to continue being a life-long learner, exploring the world through travel. However, she was diagnosed with melanoma in 2010 and succumbed to the illness after a brief battle. Wooton notes it was, “A deep loss not only for her family, but everyone she touched over the years through nursing, education, and friendship.”

Wooton said, “Jean’s pin embodies the spirit of a woman who faced all the ups and downs of life with love, compassion for others, intelligence, determination, gratitude, a deep desire to help those around her and make a difference, and to never stop learning and growing.” By receiving Jacob’s nursing pin, Cook will have the wonderful opportunity to emulate Jacob’s remarkable 40-year career, caring for patients with compassion while always learning and growing in the profession—all while being a strong role model for her children.

Sonam Dorjee x’25 (TBSN)
Pin Donor Sue Lebby ’75

A member of the Class of 2025’s traditional bachelor of science in nursing cohort, Sonam Dorjee chose nursing because of the endless opportunities for education and growth. “As a first-generation college student and someone who values learning, nursing offered me a pathway to continually expand my knowledge while making a direct impact on people’s lives,” said Dorjee. The diverse skill set required in nursing—from clinical expertise to emotional intelligence—really resonates with me.”

Dorjee has been a student ambassador since entering the TBSN program. The experience has fine-tuned her leadership skills and strengthened her pride for the UW–Madison School of Nursing. “This role has deepened my appreciation for the education I am receiving, and the strong sense of community that the School fosters,” said Dorjee. “It has also allowed me to connect with fellow students, faculty, and alumni, all of whom continue to inspire me with their passion for nursing and patient care.”

Advancement Manager Jordan Langer, shares that, “She demonstrates maturity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the nursing profession.”

In addition to her duties as a student ambassador, Dorjee has sought additional leadership opportunities across campus, saying, “During my time at UW–Madison, I have been fortunate to take on leadership roles that have helped me build a strong foundation in teamwork, communication, and community.” She has dedicated her time to the Tibetan Student Association of Madison, both as Treasurer from 2021 to 2022, and President of the organization from 2022 to 2023. Dorjee notes that being a part of the organization was extremely rewarding and impactful, allowing her to interact and share values with an extensive range of students. “These experiences taught me the value of listening to others, finding common ground, and leading with empathy—all skills that I continue to carry with me in both my academic and clinical work,” Dorjee said.

Academically, Dorjee has excelled during her time in the nursing program. Despite the challenging courses and rigors of nursing school, she has consistently been named to the Dean’s List for her efforts. Dorjee recognizes that the challenges are worth the extra effort. “I am deeply grateful for the rigorous education I have received,” she said.

In addition to her academic efforts, she has taken on the responsibility of being a nurse extern at UW Health on the surgical trauma/intermediate care unit. “This opportunity has allowed me to apply the knowledge I’ve gained in the classroom to real-world clinical settings,” said Dorjee. “I’ve witnessed the challenges that patients face, and have learned firsthand how critical it is to approach each situation with both technical skill and compassionate care. Working alongside skilled nurses has inspired me to continuously strive for excellence.”

Throughout her undergraduate journey, Dorjee has aimed to ensure the UW–Madison community is an inclusive place for all. She served as the Diversity and Inclusion Chair for the Mercile J. Lee Chancellor’s Scholarship Program in 2022 and 2023. Dorjee noted, this “… allowed me to further my passion for supporting underrepresented and fellow first generation college students on campus. I was privileged to work alongside others who were equally committed to making UW–Madison a more inclusive and welcoming environment. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of diversity within the healthcare field.”

On receiving a nursing pin, Dorjee shares, “I am humbled to be a part of a prestigious tradition. I hope to honor the Badger nurses who came before me by absorbing their intelligence and skill set, while also helping to build the next generation of Badger nurses. This pin represents not only my achievement but my responsibility to uphold the legacy of excellence and care that defines this profession.”

Dorjee will be receiving her pin from Sue Lebby ’75, who has made an incredible impact during her career. For Lebby, her gratitude for the education she received from the UW–Madison School of Nursing is the primary motivation for donating her pin. She believes that her education has carried her far and aided in many accomplishments, and her nursing family continues to support her throughout her journey. Lebby, who was incredibly proud and honored to reflect on her career as a Badger nurse, noted that it brings her immense pride to be able to share her experiences with this year’s graduating class. Lebby advises these young nurses never to take for granted the education they receive, as she says “A bachelor’s degree in nursing sets you up for a leadership position in your field. Be curious and continue to learn. It will pay big rewards. If you love kids, be a camp nurse for the summer. You will not regret it. I hired many new grads, and they all loved and learned from the experience.”

Lebby did not initially start her nursing journey at UW–Madison. After starting her college career at the University of Wisconsin–Lacrosse, she transferred to UW–Madison after being inspired by her father, who was an alum of UW–Madison. Lebby’s father understood the value of a longer-lasting education for his child, and encouraged her to change schools in order to pursue a nursing degree.

However, when Lebby transferred to UW–Madison, it was a very turbulent time in history due to the war in Vietnam. The conflict caused many protests and demonstrations in the United States, including on UW–Madison’s campus. While many campus demonstrations were peaceful, on August 24, 1970, a bomb was detonated outside of Sterling Hall in an act of protest against the war and the Army Mathematics Research Center housed inside the building. The bombing at the Sterling Research Center worried Lebby’s parents and made them hesitant to let their daughter attend the university. However, living on a big campus and meeting a wide variety of people was a learning experience she did not want to miss out on. Being from Wisconsin Rapids, a very small town in Wisconsin, she had a great desire for a more significant college experience. In the end, her parents allowed Lebby to transfer to campus.

Being at a school surrounded by many driven students, she quickly learned that memorization and comprehending many different topics in one attempt was not a strength of hers. Lebby notes she struggled in nursing school, as it was incredibly difficult for her to understand and apply the content. “For that reason, what I learned is still with me today,” Lebby said. “I knew that people would count on me in my profession. Therefore, when I wasn’t in class, I was in the medical library preparing to be the professional nurse that I hoped to be.” Despite the challenges, Lebby worked hard, persevered, and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in nursing in 1975.

Following graduation, Lebby acquired her first job as a camp nurse at North Star Camp for Boys in Northern Wisconsin. She found the position after noticing it posted on a school bulletin board while studying for her state boards. It was here that she continued to develop her skills as a nurse and was able to put what she learned into practice.

“While the camp was for healthy boys, I was exposed to anything that might and could happen in a pediatric setting,” said Lebby. “I could write a book about my experiences and what I learned.”

Lebby soon passed her board exams and acquired a job at the University of Minnesota hospital, M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center, on a medical surgery and kidney transplant floor. During this time, she realized just how spectacular her education at the UW–Madison School of Nursing is. She noted she could comprehend things other new hires could not, quickly setting her apart and elevating her to the role of charge nurse. Even with a full-time job, she would return to camp each summer on sabbatical—noting that this further strengthened her ability to make critical decisions—and she would return to her full-time position even more knowledgeable than before.

After gaining significant experience in medical surgery and kidney transplant floor and all she had learned from camp, she acquired a job at the Minneapolis Children’s Hospital in the emergency room. This marked the beginning of pediatrics becoming her specialty, and her love for camp never wavered. She continued to return to camp each summer and even ended up marrying the camp owner and director.

Following marriage, she took on a new position at Milwaukee Children’s Hospital as a float traveling to the nursery, intensive care unit, and oncology. While there, she was offered a full ride to Marquette’s graduate school of nursing to hone her advanced skills. Lebby notes this was a challenging decision to make, but she turned down the offer to make a career in camp nursing.

Lebby is proud to be a Badger nurse and looks back on her career fondly. “I have no regrets, only gratitude for my education at UW–Madison School of Nursing and the amazing experience in youth development that was my camp profession,” she said. “Thousands of children came through our doors with our intent to send leaders out into the world. Our goal was always to strive to make the world a little more like camp.”

Freya Ebbesen x’25 (TBSN)
Pin Donor Nancy Reid Gallo ’57

Freya Ebbesen x’25, did not initially aspire to be a nurse. She began her UW–Madison journey as a sociology student and acquired a role as a research assistant in the Gender and Sexuality Studies department, investigating medication abortion. As she began to assist with research and better understand the topics, she felt a pull to be the one performing the hands-on work in health care, rather than just studying it. It led to her decision to pursue nursing, and she earned a spot in the traditional bachelor of science in nursing program’s cohort set to graduate in 2025.

During her time at the UW–Madison School of Nursing, the Saint Paul, Minnesota native has gained experience caring for people in hospital, hospice, and labor and delivery settings. In doing this work, she has chosen to begin her nursing career in obstetrics and gynecology clinic care, and reproductive justice advocacy and education. She also aspires to return to school to become a nurse midwife.

She is grateful for all the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the School of Nursing have provided her, saying, “My time at UW has been an incredible gift and has solidified my passion for care work.” She notes that the university is a special place, and feels ready to enter professional work and change lives.

Ebbesen received her pin from Nancy Reid Gallo ’57, who connected with Ebbesen through the School of Nursing’s adult telehealth project that pairs nursing students with older adults in the community living independently as part of the Nursing Care for the Aging Adult course. Through the program, the two formed a bond that extended beyond the classroom, demonstrating how Badger nurses are linked across generations.

Nurses have an incredible opportunity to leave a one-of-a-kind legacy, and at 91 years old, Gallo feels she has done just that. Now, Gallo would like to pass her nursing pin on to Ebbesen to build upon her legacy.

Gallo originally wanted to become a nurse because she was inspired by her mother, who was a registered nurse in the First World War followed by a skilled nurse in private-duty care. Gallo wished to carry on her mother’s legacy and pursued a nursing career.

However, at the time of her upbringing, there were only two primary career choices for women, teaching or public health. She initially chose to teach and spent one year in Dallas, Texas, teaching first-year nursing students.

Teaching provided Gallo with the proper skills to support others and aid learning, but she still wished to honor her mother’s legacy. With this drive, after her teaching experience, she attended the UW–Madison School of Nursing, graduating in 1957.

Gallo has devoted her life to caring for others and serves as a point of inspiration for Ebbesen who enters the nursing workforce with the same passion and drive as Gallo did when she began her career so many years ago. For Gallo, she views the passing down of her pin as a symbol of closure to her career and believes her pin will inspire today’s nurses. She congratulates Ebbesen and knows the new Badger nurse will do her pin proud!

For Ebbesen, the opportunity to wear Gallo’s pin is a true honor. Ebbesen said, “Toni Morrison said, on caring: ‘It is more interesting, more complicated, and more intellectually demanding to love somebody, to take care of somebody, to make one other person feel good.’ I am so honored to graduate into this community of people who have chosen to care, and so honored to receive this pin from Nancy.”

Haley Meskin x’25 (ABSN)
Pin Donor Patty George ’87

A member of the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, Haley Meskin x’25 has taken a unique path before finding her way to nursing. “Five years ago, I never would have imagined that I would be graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing,” she said. “I feel incredibly grateful for this profession and the opportunities I’ve had through the School of Nursing.”

A native of Madison, Wisconsin, her undergraduate career began at the University of Vermont (UVM) where, in 2023, she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychological Science with minors in Public Health, Biology, Emergency Medical Services, and Behavioral Change Health Studies. Her multifaceted academic background from UVM would prove to be useful in helping her find her path to nursing. “Throughout my undergraduate years, I have been fortunate to gain hands-on patient care experience in a variety of settings,” Meskin said. “The common thread in each of these roles has been my desire to connect with, and support others. Whether working in emergency medicine, global health, or public health initiatives, I have found immense fulfillment in serving my communities.”

The opportunity to serve her community has arisen on multiple occasions, locally, nationally, and globally. While nursing was not part of her original plan when she began her undergraduate path at UVM, thanks to the broad experiences she has had the opportunity to immerse herself in, Meskin came to find that nursing is her passion.

Meskin’s nursing journey began at home in Madison during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. She witnessed firsthand the critical need for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the hospital where her father works in Madison. That summer, she secured a job as a regional coordinator for MedSupplyDrive, which involved getting critical protective equipment to frontline healthcare workers.

When she returned to Burlington, Vermont for in-person classes at UVM, she noticed Burlington’s unhoused population lacked essential items like PPE, winter clothing, and other essential items. “To take action, I founded StepZero, a nonprofit that collected and distributed essential items such as hats, gloves, masks, hygiene products, and hand sanitizer,” said Meskin. “Students eagerly helped me pack and distribute care packages across the state. Through committed leadership, I have learned that I have the power to mobilize my community.”

She also spent her nights volunteering on a rural ambulance service, dedicating over 2,000 hours as an EMT. “Over my three years of service I learned the balance of leadership and followership,” said Meskin. “I had the privilege of working alongside medics with 30 years of experience. I learned to anticipate my crew members’ and patients’ needs, but more importantly, I learned how to be a great team member.”

Meskin also had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with Tsering Fund, an organization dedicated to helping the underprivileged in Kathmandu, Nepal. Through these various volunteer opportunities, Meskin uncovered her passion for medicine.

However, her passion for nursing wasn’t uncovered until a short while later. In addition to her volunteer work, Meskin gained hands-on experience as an emergency department technician at the University of Vermont’s Level 1 emergency department. There, she was able to grow her clinical skills and was given increasing levels of responsibility such as precepting new hires, performing intraosseous access, running the Belmont rapid infuser, and even delivering a baby in an elevator. “Through this experience, I have learned that medicine truly is a team sport,” said Meskin. It was in this role that she truly solidified her desire to pursue a career in nursing.

For Meskin, team environments have played a big role in her life since she was a young girl playing on various sports teams. “Growing up, I idolized Badger hockey players like Erica Lawler and Hillary Knight,” she said. “They were models of academic and athletic excellence as well as community service, and I aspired to be like them.” In 2019, Meskin was one of four finalists for the Jeff Sauer Humanitarian Award, which recognizes student athletes who contribute to their communities with a humanitarian spirit.

Being a member of sports teams growing up taught Meskin the important lessons in hard work, problem solving, and building lifelong bonds and memories with teammates. Lessons that she wants to instill in generations to come. “The values I’ve learned from athletics have shaped my leadership experiences in undergrad, and I will continue to apply them in my future career as a nurse,” she said. Meskin notes that she wants as many people as possible to have the same experiences, which is why she has been balancing the rigors of nursing school and clinical hours with her time spent volunteering as a coach for the U10 girls’ hockey program in Madison.

It’s these same team moments in her various undergraduate experiences that have helped solidify her decision to choose a career in nursing. “My most meaningful experiences have always come from working with a close-knit team to accomplish a goal, alleviate someone’s pain, or bring joy where there is hardship,” said Meskin. “Whether it was treating patients at 2 a.m. as an EMT, vaccinating my peers and fellow Vermonters against COVID-19, providing medical care in Nepal with Tsering’s Fund, researching internalized disorders in children, or working in the emergency department, I have approached each experience with professionalism, compassion, and a desire to learn.  I truly believe that nursing is the perfect intersection of my passion for patient care, my commitment to service, and my love for teamwork.”

Through it all, Meskin has learned what is at the heart of what drives her. “For me, giving back is the foundation of my life and is the reason behind my decision to pursue a career in nursing.” She plans to use her skills as a leader and teammate after graduation, working as an emergency department nurse in Washington, D.C. “In the future, I hope to combine nursing with my background in psychological science and public health to better serve vulnerable communities both locally and globally,” Meskin added.

Meskin will receive her nursing pin from Patty George ’87 and recognizes the importance of the legacy held within the pin, as well as the parallels between Badger nurses who have come before her and her own journey to nursing. “I think about the incredible nurses who have come through this program and the impact they’ve made on their patients, their communities, and global health,” she said. “I look forward to the next 100 years of Badger nursing and passing my pin on to the next generation.”

Nursing was not always the career path George wanted to pursue. She originally applied to UW–Madison as a physical therapy (PT) major. However, things changed after not being accepted into the PT program, not once, but twice. As a result, George shares, “I walked to the School of Nursing and was accepted in the program and never looked back.”

While enrolled in the School of Nursing, George fondly remembers her colleagues and patients and how much they instilled in her. She reminisces that she is grateful for all the knowledge she gained from them.

After her time in the School of Nursing, George started her professional career in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Madison General, now UnityPoint Health – Meriter. She was offered a three-month preceptorship and was eager to take the opportunity. After this learning experience, she worked in the ICU for nine years. However, with young children at home, George wanted to be at home for her family. As a result, she shifted her schedule and dedicated her nights to intermediate care for two years. After that, she worked four years in a mobile unit and ended her career with an 18-year stretch in the post-anesthesia care unit.

George came across her nursing pin as she was helping her mother downsize her home, which inspired her to look at her own house and things. She knew that her children would not fully understand the significance of her UW–Madison School of Nursing pin and felt the desire to pass it down to a new Badger nurse who could carry on its legacy.

With over 30 years of experience, George wants new nursing graduates to know that there is always something new to learn. Medicine and procedures are constantly changing and evolving, and it is simply impossible to know everything when graduating. Her advice for new School of Nursing graduates touches upon the themes of teamwork and continuous growth, saying, “Take each day to learn from each co-worker and patient. Always, always ask questions… Smile, hold a hand, let your patient know they are safe.” She also advises new graduates to never feel stuck in nursing and keep exploring and find what “makes you tick.”

Like George, Meskin understands the value of learning from co-workers, continuing her education, and trusting in teamwork, saying, “My life, and now journey to a career in nursing, has been shaped by Badger values of leadership, service, and teamwork.” She will carry those values into her own nursing career proudly wearing the UW–Madison School of Nursing pin donated by George, carrying on her legacy.

Amy Padilla x’25 (TBSN)
Pin Donor Laura Simonds ’85

Amy Padilla x’25 has had to take the initiative to chart her own course throughout her undergraduate experience. “As a first-generation college student, I navigated the complexities of higher education without the guidance of family members in healthcare, which presented unique challenges,” she said. “However, I sought out mentorship and opportunities to ensure my success, including joining PALMA,a pre-health organization focused on preparing the next generation of Latino healthcare professionals. Through PALMA, I gained invaluable academic and professional support, reinforcing my commitment to increasing diversity in nursing and advocating for underserved communities.”

Padilla chose nursing to make a difference in underrepresented populations. “As a first-generation Mexican-American student, I chose nursing to advocate for underrepresented populations and provide culturally competent, compassionate care,” she said. “My passion for health equity and maternal health has guided my journey. Through clinical experiences, research, and community involvement, I’ve become even more committed to breaking down barriers in healthcare and empowering patients through education.”

She did not initially start at UW–Madison, but rather transferred to the university in search of “a stronger academic and social community.” After transferring, she immediately found a strong community in a multicultural sorority, Sigma Lambda Gamma (SLG) that dedicates itself to academics, community service, cultural awareness, social interaction, and morals and ethics. “I now serve as Vice President of our campus chapter, leading our philanthropic endeavors, utilizing my roles to promote our principles, and creating a sense of empowerment with each member and the community,” she said.

In her role with SLG, Padilla notes, “I have leveraged my role to advocate for health education and outreach, collaborating with student organizations such as the Black Student Nurses Association, Minority Student Nursing Organization, and Student Nurses’ Association at UW–Madison.” Through these partnerships, she has helped increase engagement in health initiatives to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have access to vital health information. She has also leveraged her involvement with PALMA to connect with and support future health care professionals.

As part of her philanthropic efforts in her sorority, Padilla organized and executed a breast cancer awareness event by inviting local doctors to share their experiences and advice. This event focused on health disparities in the Black community, specifically toward breast cancer. “By connecting community healthcare professionals with students, I helped bridge the gap between medical knowledge and real-world prevention efforts, reinforcing my dedication to community-based healthcare education,” Padilla said. This event was targeted at college students, offering them an accessible and easy way to learn more and get inspired to help.

Padilla also created a period poverty awareness event, incorporating both educational and donation components into the program. “Attendees learned about the menstrual cycle, the effects of period poverty, and available resources, while I coordinated a donation dive for the YWCA, collecting menstrual and hygiene products for individuals in need,” Padilla explained.

On top of all of that, she has also taken the lead in fundraising for TRIO, a program that supports first-generation and underrepresented students as they work towards completing higher education.

Outside of her sorority, Padilla has spent many hours volunteering for MEDiC, a student-led organization that runs free health clinics in Madison. Her role as a Spanish intake volunteer has gifted her the opportunity to practice medical Spanish skills and assist Spanish-speaking patients. She has helped the organization navigate the healthcare system and improve access to quality care. “Being able to provide linguistically and culturally competent support in clinical settings has been both a challenge and a privilege, reinforcing my dedication to advocating for marginalized communities,” Padilla says.

She has also mentored four pre-nursing students, guiding them through the application process and helping them navigate early academic and professional opportunities. “Because of my mentorship, one student has been accepted into the HOPE Program, and two others have secured volunteer positions at Meriter Hospital, further developing their clinical exposure,” she added.

Most importantly, Padilla has put in plenty of hard work and is dedicated to her academics. “Despite balancing clinical rotations, leadership responsibilities, and volunteer commitments, I continue to value my academics,” she said. “My experiences across transplant, general surgery, trauma, obstetrics, and med-surg have strengthened my ability to think critically, provide compassionate care, and adapt to high-acuity environments.” While her nursing journey has not been without challenges, Padilla knows that every obstacle is an opportunity to work even harder to succeed, serve, and lead.

A member of the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program, Padilla has learned through all these experiences that being a nurse means more than just knowing how to perform certain skills or retain specific knowledge. “What matters is the ability to connect with people, listen without judgment, and show up with empathy even when things feel uncertain,” she said. “I’ve learned that you won’t always feel confident, but leading with compassion and staying grounded in your purpose will carry you through. Some of the most powerful moments in my clinical experience have come from simply being present and making sure my patients felt seen and understood.

This experience helped strengthen her ability to provide care and make patients feel safe, allowing her to work across transplant, general surgery, trauma, OB, and med-surg units. Parallel to these experiences and her dedication to serving underrepresented communities, after graduating Padilla plans to pursue a career in postpartum care and maternal health. Simultaneously, she will continue fighting for underserved communities and mentor future nursing students.

For Padilla, being selected to receive a School of Nursing pin is an honor. “Receiving this pin feels like the torch is being passed to me; it symbolizes the strength, resilience, and compassion of generations of Badger nurses before me. It’s an honor to be part of a legacy that reminds me that this journey is bigger than myself; it’s for the patients I’ll serve, the communities I’ll advocate for, and the future nurses I hope to inspire,” she said.

Padilla received her pin from Laura Simonds ’85, who advises new graduates to, “Learn new things. Challenge yourself. Challenge others. Ask questions. Make mistakes and learn from them. Enjoy your work. Make a difference—whether it’s large or small.” She adds that what may seem insignificant at the time can be huge later on.

Simonds admired the nursing profession from a very young age, being one of five siblings, and the only sister. Simonds recalled she used to play “nurse” as a child with a cape and bag. Despite this innate love for nursing, she never considered it for herself, and instead, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. After earning her degree, she felt like something was still missing from her career and decided to do “some soul searching.” This search led to the choice of becoming a midwife. Simonds began taking science-related courses as a result, and the more science she learned, the more nursing classes began to appeal to her.

Having learned from her past degree and experiences, she knew she wanted to apply practicality to whatever career path she would end up choosing. As she completed her science courses, the nursing profession was extremely interesting to her, specifically community health nursing. It felt like the perfect fit because of its ability to provide preventive care to people and communities. This was extremely important to her and something she was passionate about. This realization was what officially kick-started her nursing career.

After discovering nursing was the occupation she longed for, the next step was nursing school. The UW–Madison School of Nursing was the ideal choice. One of the fondest and most impactful memories Simonds has of her time in nursing school was during her senior year. With four months until graduation, she was in a community health clinic. Simultaneously, her mother was battling liver cancer. As it became more apparent her mother’s days would soon end, Simonds traveled home to Pittsburgh, PA, to reunite with her family. Simonds shared that her mother died after just one week of Simonds being home, and she stayed there to help plan her mother’s memorial service and grieve.

As a result, Simonds was absent from classes for an extended period, missing content and learning opportunities in her community health clinic. Simonds expected to receive an incomplete in the clinical, but on the contrary, her professor gave her a passing grade. The explanation she received was that attending to her mother and family taught her more than the clinical experience could. “I wouldn’t have traded that time at home for anything in the world,” Simonds said. “Her kind gesture only added to my feeling that I had made the right choice.”

After her journey through nursing school concluded, Simonds remained confident that community health was where she felt the most comfortable and excited. With this confidence, she bypassed the traditional years spent on the hospital floor and instead moved into a community-based setting, working part-time in a skilled nursing facility and as a home health care nurse at a local county community health agency. Simonds gained significant experience from these roles, which encouraged her to obtain a newly opened position in a county community health agency, later named the health department. She had great success in this role for 36 years.

With Simonds’ nursing journey coming full circle, her nursing pin has “served her well.” She feels it is now time to pass it on to someone who will understand its magnitude. Considering herself a practical and frugal person, after reading the call for pin donations, repurposing the pin felt like a great way to give it new life. Simonds notes, “I hope [Padilla] will have the same joy and success in their nursing journey that I did. Wear it well. On, Wisconsin!”

Padilla will carry on Simonds’ legacy as she enters the nursing workforce with a strong set of values that she has developed in her time at the School of Nursing. Her contributions as a TBNS student to the nursing profession and community have already made such an incredible difference. From leading philanthropic efforts to serving in different clinical settings, Padilla has left her mark.

After graduation, Padilla has a desire to continue to serve underserved communities and mentor future nursing students. She also plans to pursue a career in maternal health, specifically postpartum care. “As I begin this new chapter of my career, I’m looking forward to providing the care I’ve been working toward all these years,” she said. “I aim to be a nurse who leads with empathy, advocates fiercely, and continues learning every day. I’m excited to care for patients and their families during such meaningful moments, especially in maternal health. I also look forward to building connections, mentoring others, and uplifting underrepresented voices in healthcare.”

Padilla will wear Simonds’ pin proudly, saying, “The School of Nursing Alumni Pin recognition represents more than just an honor; it symbolizes the resilience, leadership, and service that define the nursing profession. I am deeply grateful for the experiences that have shaped my journey, and I look forward to carrying these values into my future nursing career.”

Madisin Randolph x’25 (TBSN)
Pin Donor Patricia Little ’74

Madisin Randolph x’25 first knew she had a passion for nursing when she noticed the quality of care that her mother received during a high-risk pregnancy. “I wanted to offer the same support for other birthing persons that my mother received,” said Randolph. Throughout her undergraduate journey, Randolph has been fine-tuning her skills, dedicating her time to serving communities and advocating for others.

A member of the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree’s graduating class of 2025, Randolph has dedicated time to serving as a student ambassador for the School of Nursing during her first year of nursing school. She has also represented the School as the student representative through Associated Students Madison (ASM), the student government at UW–Madison. She is also currently working in a research lab, further fueling her passion for optimizing health equity for underserved groups.

Outside of her academic endeavors, Randolph has volunteered with Matriculate, a non-profit organization that connects high-achieving, low-income juniors and seniors in high school with undergraduate advisors in a virtual setting. Through this organization, Randolph has aided high school seniors in the college application process to help them get into colleges and universities where they will thrive.

In addition to her volunteer work, Randolph has held two internships while earning her nursing degree. Her first was at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in the Summer Health Professions Education Program. Her second internship was at Northwestern-Prentice as a student nurse extern in the postpartum unit. These opportunities strengthened her skills and have aided her in her toughest challenges through nursing school.

Throughout the rigors of nursing school, Randolph has overcome academic challenges, turning setbacks into successes along the way. After learning she would need to enroll in a third year at the School of Nursing, Randolph decided to take her academic goals to new heights. She completed the Nursing Honors Program, which included presenting a poster of her research project at the Undergraduate Symposium and also earning certificates in both Gender and Women’s Studies and Health Policy. She credits these extra courses for making her a more well-rounded nurse entering the workforce.

Randolph received her pin from Patricia Little ‘74, who advocates for following one’s dreams, even if they change. Randolph is grateful for the opportunity to carry on Little’s legacy, saying, “This pin symbolizes the hard work and dedication that has paved the way for me, as well as the promise to uphold the same commitment for future generations. It’s a mark of achievement but also a reminder of the impact I will continue to have as I begin my career as a nurse. I am proud to be part of this long-standing tradition of compassion, advocacy, and service.”

Little looks back on her years as a nurse with nothing but fond memories and wishes the same for Randolph. For Little, the pin symbolizes her fulfilling career, and passing it down to Randolph completes her nursing career while also giving another Badger nurse the potential to excel in the profession and follow in her footsteps.

Little initially chose to be a nurse after reading the Cherry Ames book series as a child.

She noted that the main occupations for women at the time she was a child were teaching or nursing. A career in nursing immediately stood out to Little, and the book series helped solidify this calling for her.

On top of the pull towards nursing, Little also noted that she needed a career that would support not only her but also her future husband, who was a grad student. She needed to take charge, and nursing was the best way to make that happen.

When reflecting on her time as a nurse, Little says she was inspired and had many opportunities throughout her career. She began working in public health in Ithaca, New York. “It was a great job, exposing me to so many kinds of nursing,” says Little. After gaining this experience and having children, her eyes opened to other specialties in nursing. Her love for her children motivated her work in childbirth education and additional areas within public health.

Her passion for nursing and hard work did not end there. As her children got older, Little decided to further her career, obtaining her Master of Science degree in nursing to become a family nurse practitioner. She then worked in school-based health for 20 years.

After many years of incredible experience, Little concluded her fulfilling nursing career in 2015. Of all the knowledge she gained throughout work and school, Little is most grateful to her School of Nursing professor, Glenda Butnarescu, MS, RN, FAAN, for “encouraging my friend and me to take grad courses in obstetrical nursing.”

When asked what advice she has for new nurses, Little notes, “Nursing allows so many choices and opportunities to grow. Try different areas. What you enjoy at 22 may be different when you are 40. Go for it!”

In her undergraduate journey, Randolph has learned to “go for it” and looks at obstacles as opportunities as she gets ready to enter the workforce. “The most important lesson nursing school has taught me is resilience and embracing failure. There are many obstacles in nursing school, and there have been times when I did not overcome those obstacles the first time around. Although it was difficult, I have learned from those mistakes, and they have built the foundation of the person I am today,” said Randolph.

With each new obstacle that arises, Randolph finds a way to turn it into a positive, using the opportunity to grow and expand herself both personally and professionally. She will continue to grow and expand her limits after graduation in her new position working in the postpartum unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in her hometown of Chicago, Illinois.

Mai Nhia Yang x’25 (TBSN)
Dean’s Pin

Mai Nhia Yang, a first-generation college student who will graduate from the traditional Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program, is the recipient of this year’s Dean’s Pin, honoring her leadership and service to the UW–Madison School of Nursing.

Yang’s journey to nursing has been one of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to paving the way for others. Her desire to pursue a career in nursing stems from personal experience. “Growing up, I often accompanied my parents to medical appointments, serving as their interpreter due to their limited English proficiency,” she said. “Despite the availability of interpretation services, my parents frequently did not receive one, resulting in longer wait times and communication barriers that left them without a full understanding of their medical conditions or treatment options. Witnessing these challenges firsthand solidified my decision to pursue nursing, recognizing that nurses play a critical role in ensuring patients receive equitable and culturally competent care.”

Yang’s dedication to health equity is reflected in her involvement in the community. She has served as a Resource Navigator, which allowed her to connect patients to essential resources such as housing assistance, food and nutrition programs, and financial support to cover health care expenses. “This role deepened my understanding of how social determinants impact health outcomes and reinforced my belief that nursing care must be holistic, addressing both medical and social needs,” said Yang.

She also volunteered her time with MEDiC, a student-run free clinic where interdisciplinary teams work together to provide care for low-income and underserved populations. Working at the clinic helped Yang learn the importance of patient-centered outcomes. She notes, “These experiences have prepared me to screen, educate, and connect patients to community resources, ensuring that they receive comprehensive care.”

School of Nursing Assistant Professor Maichou Lor ’11, MS’12, Cert’14, PhD’17, RN, says about Yang, “She has exemplified the School of Nursing’s pillar of inclusive excellence through her dedication to equitable care, particularly for vulnerable populations, such as individuals with limited English proficiency and minoritized populations.”

Beginning in the fall of 2022, Yang has worked under the guidance of Dr. Lor on research dedicated to enhancing pain communication among Hmong individuals with limited English proficiency, research that is extremely meaningful and hits on personal experiences. “This research reinforced my passion for evidence-based practice and highlights the importance of communication interventions in addressing linguistic and cultural disparities in healthcare,” said Yang.

“Her passion for social justice led her to collaborate with me on my NIH-funded project, which focuses on improving pain communication among Hmong patients with limited English proficiency,” Lor explained. Working with Dr. Lor, Yang has co-authored two manuscripts and presented at multiple conferences, advocating for communication strategies that address disparities in health care among diverse populations.

The research Yang has helped conduct has helped her to better understand health equity and advocacy. “One of the most profound moments in this research was transcribing patient-provider-interpreter encounters and witnessing a Hmong older adult struggle to describe their pain due to the lack of medical terminology in the Hmong language,” said Yang. “However, in the second phase of our study, we introduced a culturally and linguistically tailored information visualization tool consisting of a body diagram for pain location, 11 pain quality characteristics of Hmong pain metaphors translated into English medical terminology, and six faces for pain severity. The tool significantly improved patient-provider communication, reducing provider probing questions and shortening visit durations by an average of seven minutes.”

Lor notes that Yang’s understanding of research methodologies and systems is advanced. “As an undergraduate student, I was deeply impressed by her ability to grasp complex research concepts and methodologies at a graduate level,” Lor said. “She demonstrated exceptional proficiency in conversation analysis, asking insightful questions to deepen her understanding and successfully conducting analyses in the Hmong language. As a result of her contributions, she co-authored two manuscripts with me—one published in Patient Education and Counseling, and another currently under review in Social Science and Medicine. This level of scholarly productivity is extraordinarily rare for an undergraduate student.”

As an undergraduate honors student, Yang has also collaborated with Assistant Professor Jingxi Sheng, PhD, RN, on research that brings attention to disparities in breast cancer treatment among Asian American women—a population that often goes unstudied in research. “This experience highlighted the critical need for inclusive research opportunities and strengthened my commitment to improving representation in healthcare studies,” said Yang.

She has taken on leadership roles beyond her academic and research efforts. As the undergraduate student representative on the School of Nursing’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, she has contributed to conversations and initiatives that are aimed at fostering a more inclusive, equitable environment in the School of Nursing, on campus, and beyond.

In addition, as a previous presenter at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research (NCUR), she serves as a peer leader for NCUR’s Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement program. As a peer leader, she mentors 33 first-generation college students of color, many of which are first time presenters at NCUR. Yang helps her mentees navigate the research process, develop and refine their research posters, and strengthen their presentation skills, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to succeed. Through these leadership roles, Yang has strengthened her ability to lead diverse teams, mentor future nurses, and advocate for policies that promote inclusivity in health care.

Pursuing her nursing degree has not been without its challenges. Yang notes, “Balancing rigorous coursework, research, leadership responsibilities, and work has required perseverance and discipline. Additionally, navigating higher education as a first-generation student came with its own set of obstacles, from financial barriers to the lack of familial guidance in academia. However, these challenges have only strengthened my resolve to succeed and give back to others who may face similar struggles.”

As a result, Yang has worked hard throughout her undergraduate journey to succeed, and help others succeed, as well. She will carry on those values into her nursing career upon graduation. “Through my personal, academic, and professional journey, I have learned that being a nurse is not only about providing care – it is about advocating for change, ensuring equitable access to healthcare, and breaking down systemic barriers that prevent individuals from receiving the care they deserve,” she said. “I am committed to these principles as I continue to serve as a role model and leader for others who, like me, are determined to make a meaningful impact.”

Yang is excited to step into the nursing workforce to begin the next chapter of her nursing journey caring for patients beyond the classroom setting. “I look forward to building trust with my patients, learning from their stories, and being part of their healing journey,” she says. “I’m also eager to grow within a supportive team, contribute meaningfully, and continue developing my clinical skills and confidence. Most of all, I’m ready to embrace the challenges and rewards that come with making a difference in people’s lives every day.”

After graduation, she plans to work at a Magnet hospital that facilitates research opportunities which will allow her to integrate her research knowledge with clinical practice. “I will continue to advocate for patient participation in research, recognizing its vital role in developing interventions that reduce health disparities and improve healthcare outcomes,” she said.

Yang is grateful to receive the Dean’s Pin, and recognizes that it is truly a special honor. “Receiving this nursing pin is one of the most humbling and meaningful moments of my journey,” she said. “Two years ago, I could only dream of being here—unsure if I’d even be accepted into the School of Nursing. Today, I graduate not only with my degree, but with the Dean’s Pin, a symbol of academic excellence, leadership, and service. I am deeply honored and filled with gratitude for everyone who believed in me and supported me along the way. This pin is more than recognition—it’s a reminder of the resilience, sacrifices, and purpose that brought me here, and a promise to carry those values forward as I serve others with compassion, dignity, and respect.”