Alumni Awards and Scholarships
Eligibility: School of Nursing Alumni; Faculty, Staff, and Students
Each year, the Rutgers School of Nursing Alumni Association presents one Outstanding Alumni Award and one Rising Star Alumni Award. The nomination period typically opens in the fall, and the awards are presented at the association’s annual gala. The association also presents scholarships to Rutgers School of Nursing undergraduate and graduate students. Info for 2026 to come.
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators
Submit your nomination by April 10, 2026
Anyone in the School of Nursing can submit a nomination. The nominee may only be eligible if:
- They are or have been a licensed nurse AND one of the following
- Tenured and Non-Tenured Faculty OR
- Part-Time Faculty OR
- Instructor
Criteria for selecting an honoree that exemplifies inspiring mentoring for professional growth:
- Serves as a role model and mentor for professional nursing.
- Demonstrates enthusiasm for teaching, learning, and nursing that inspires and motivates students.
- Uses personal attributes (e.g., caring, confidence, patience, integrity and flexibility) that facilitate professional growth.
- Develops collaborative working relationships with students and colleagues.
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students
Submit your nomination by April 17, 2026
- Anyone in the School of Nursing can submit a nomination.
- The nominee may only be eligible if they are currently enrolled at Rutgers School of Nursing.
Criteria for selecting an honoree as an Outstanding Future Role Model in Nursing
- Demonstrates commitment to the nursing profession.
- Demonstrates commitment to compassionate care of patients and families.
- Promotion of positive social change to improve health outcomes.
- Makes a connection with peers, faculty, patients, and members of the RUSON community by building trust and respect.
The Heart of School of Nursing Staff Award
Submit your nominations by April 10, 2026
- Only a full-time School of Nursing employee can submit a nomination. Self-nominations are not accepted.
The nominee may only be eligible if: - Full-time staff member who does not hold a faculty title. Individual has to be employed at the time the award is distributed.
Criteria for selecting an honoree that exemplifies community building and engagement: - Serves as a role model and mentor to other staff members.
- Displays exceptional and exemplary initiative, dedication, strong work ethic in achieving outcomes and service.
- Develops collaborative working relationships with students and colleagues.
New Jersey Health Foundation
Excellence in Research Award and Excellence in Teaching Award
Eligibility: School of Nursing Faculty with at least two years of service.
Nominations for 2026 are due 3/4/26. One faculty member will be selected for each category (Research and Teaching). The two awards will be presented at the School of Nursing Convocation in May.
Rutgers Health Chancellor Awards
Eligibility: Faculty, Staff
Deadline: June 5, 2026
The chancellor awards recognize and highlight the extraordinary work of Rutgers Health faculty and staff. The individual awardees will be honored during a celebration in fall 2026 and receive a recognition plaque and an honorarium.
Detailed information about the award categories, eligibility criteria, and the nomination requirements can be found at the link below.
Stanley S. Bergen, Jr. MD Medal of Excellence
Eligibility: MSN, DNP, or PhD School of Nursing students in the current year graduating class.
This award goes to one advanced-degree nursing student from the current graduating class. The award is presented at the School of Nursing Convocation in May. Nominations for 2026 are due on March 24th.
University Year-End Awards for Excellence
Eligibility: Faculty, Staff and Students
The awards honor outstanding Rutgers faculty, students, and staff for exceptional contributions to teaching, research, or public service through a program of six awards. For each award, the recipient receives a commemorative certificate and an honorarium. The deadline for submission of the Rutgers Faculty Year-End award is March 9, 2026.