OADNOADNAugust 13, 2025
Washington, D.C. — August 13, 2025 — The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Awards, Scholarships, and Grants, honoring exceptional educators, dedicated researchers, and inspiring students who are shaping the future of associate degree nursing (ADN) education.
These distinguished honorees represent the power and promise of the ADN pathway — a cornerstone of the nursing profession that provides accessible, high-quality education and remains one of the primary entry points to RN licensure across the country.
“Every one of these recipients is advancing the mission of the ADN pathway — to provide opportunity, promote excellence, and meet the healthcare needs of our communities,” said Rick García, PhD, RN, CCM, FAAOHN, FNYAM, FAADN, Chief Executive Officer of OADN and the OADN Foundation. “They embody the compassion, skill, and leadership that define associate degree nursing, and they are making a profound difference for patients and families across the country.”
As Donna Meyer, MSN, RN, ANEF, FAADN, FAAN, President of the OADN Foundation, explained, the work of these honorees reaches far beyond the classroom: “The ADN pathway is the most accessible and affordable entry point into the nursing profession, and it plays a vital role in addressing our nation’s nursing shortage. These recipients are making an impact in the classroom, in their communities, and across the nation — advancing excellence in education, expanding access to care, and inspiring the next generation of nurses. Supporting them means strengthening the entire nursing workforce.”
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN ADN EDUCATION
The Foundation’s awards recognize faculty who inspire, lead, and innovate in ADN programs — making a difference in the classroom, serving their communities, and shaping the future of nursing education nationwide.
Bobbie Anderson Leadership Award – Elizabeth Robinson, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, CHSE-A, Professor Emeritus, Northwest Florida State College – Fort Walton Beach, FL
Donna Meyer Visionary Impact Award – Mary Dickow, MPA, FAAN, University of California San Francisco / OADN – San Francisco, CA
OADN Foundation Elsevier Educator of the Year Award – Samantha J. Bonaduce, DNP, RN, CNE, Kent State University Tuscarawas – New Philadelphia, OH
Wolters-Kluwer New Educator Award – Joseph J. Colazzi, MSN, RN, CCRN, Johnson County Community College – Overland Park, KS
INVESTING IN INNOVATION AND RESEARCH
By funding projects and research within ADN programs, the Foundation advances evidence-based teaching strategies and innovative tools that strengthen student learning and patient care.
i-Human Patients Simulation Advancement Grant by Kaplan – Carman Genae Godfrey, DNP, RN, CHSE, Coastal Alabama Community College – Bay Minette, AL
Research Grant Program – Kary Ann Waybrew, Los Angeles County College of Nursing & Allied Health – Hermosa Beach, CA
SUPPORTING FACULTY THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS
Faculty in ADN programs are critical to preparing the next generation of nurses. These scholarships help educators continue their own academic journeys, ensuring they can bring advanced knowledge and skills back to their students.
Level Up RN Educator Scholarship – Amanda L. Gromer, MSN, RN, CNEn, Johnson County Community College – Overland Park, KS
OADN Foundation Educator Scholarship for Academic Progression – Tyffani S. Wesoloski, MN, RN, Salina Area Technical College – Salina, KS
Wolters-Kluwer Nurse Educator Scholarship – Katelyn Shepherd, MSN, CNE, RN, Bluefield State University – Bluefield, WV
EMPOWERING ADN STUDENTS NATIONWIDE
The Foundation’s student scholarships provide vital financial support to those working toward their ADN, helping them overcome barriers and focus on their studies so they can join the nursing workforce.
Alpha Delta Nu Student Award for Recognition Leadership and Service – Kendall Rice, Joliet Junior College – Joliet, IL
American Association of Critical Care Nurses Scholarships
• Amy Bram, Howard Community College – Columbia, MD
• Grace Casino Reyes, Cochran School of Nursing – Yonkers, NY
• Cheris Fisher, Mount Aloysius College – Cresson, PA
• Josue Gonzalez, Tulsa Community College – Tulsa, OK
• Veronica Helphand, Arizona Western College – Yuma, AZ
• Rhonda Jones, Joliet Junior College – Joliet, IL
• Richard Lewis, Waubonsee Community College – Sugar Grove, IL
• Irene Martin, Kent State University Tuscarawas – New Philadelphia, OH
• Rachel Malloy, SUNY Broome Community College – Binghamton, NY
• Nicholas Esposito, SUNY Broome Community College – Binghamton, NY
• Kylie Payne, SUNY Broome Community College – Binghamton, NY
• Bryan Anthony Russootal, Greenville Technical College – Greenville, SC
• Aaron Michael Simmons, Grand Rapids Community College – Grand Rapids, MI
• Rene Rose Sundoen, Shasta College – Redding, CA
• Aya Oriane Juliette Aka, Montgomery College – Takoma Park, MD
• Gisel Zuniga, Moraine Valley Community College – Palos Hills, IL
Level Up RN Student Scholarship – Dominica Hunt Carey, Temple College – Temple, TX
OADN Foundation Student Scholarship for Allied Health Careerists in Nursing – Bryan Maxwell Porath, Mount Aloysius College – Cresson, PA
Wolters-Kluwer LPN Transition Scholarship – Hannah R. Whewell, Daytona State College – Daytona Beach, FL
The OADN Foundation Awards, Scholarships, and Grants are made possible through the generous support of sponsors, donors, and partners who share our commitment to the ADN pathway. Together, we ensure that associate degree nursing students and educators have the resources they need to thrive — and that communities across the country benefit from highly skilled, compassionate care.
ABOUT THE OADN FOUNDATION
The OADN Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN), dedicated to supporting and advancing the ADN pathway through scholarships, grants, leadership programs, and recognition initiatives. By investing in students, educators, and innovation, the Foundation helps ensure a robust and diverse nursing workforce for the future.