Awards, scholarships, and a new mentorship program strengthen alumni association’s impact

December 4, 2025

These nursing students are among this year’s recipients of scholarships from the Rutgers School of Nursing Alumni Association

With its signature alumni awards at the forefront, alongside a new mentorship initiative and a record number of student scholarships, the Rutgers School of Nursing Alumni Association is strengthening its role in supporting and celebrating Rutgers nurses across generations.

This year, the association advanced several key priorities: elevating alumni excellence through its annual awards, honoring retiring faculty and staff, presenting scholarships that help students progress in their nursing education, and launching its new Mentoring Circles program.

These efforts were highlighted during the Alumni Association’s annual Scholarships & Awards Gala on November 20 at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge. Nearly 200 alumni, students, faculty, staff, and supporters gathered to recognize achievements, support fundraising for future scholarships, and deepen connections across the Rutgers nursing community.

View the Alumni Gala Photo Gallery

Alumni Awards: Celebrating Excellence

Susan B. Fowler (PhD, RN, CRRN, NE-BC, FCNS), received the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award. As a PhD in Nursing graduate, Class of 2000, Fowler has built a nationally recognized career as a neuroscience clinical nurse specialist, scholar, and mentor. In addition to her extensive scholarly publications and global dissemination of evidence-based practice, she has held national leadership roles, including serving as president of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses. Her mentorship of more than 60 health professionals across multiple disciplines reflects her long-standing commitment to advancing clinical excellence and nursing science.

Justinna Dixon (PhD, RN), a first-generation college graduate and School of Nursing Educational Opportunity Fund alumna, received the 2025 Rising Star Alumni Award. Dixon, who earned her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers School of Nursing in 2020, has quickly emerged as a leader in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, with research focused on mental health disparities and health equity. After completing her PhD at Columbia University, she is serving a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship with the National Clinician Scholars Program and the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research at the University of Pennsylvania.

Class of 1975 Golden Anniversary Recognition

An additional highlight of the evening was the recognition of the 50^th Anniversary of the nursing school’s Class of 1975. Representing their class to a standing ovation were alumni Cheryl Levine Kahane, Marie Lahm, Mary Lang, Roshnee Maharajh, Claire Murphy, Patricia Murphy, Christine Musial, and Joan Smolar.

Introducing Mentoring Circles

Gala attendees were among the first to learn about the Alumni Association’s new Mentoring Circles program. The structured, cohort-based mentoring program aims to strengthen professional networks, expand access to career guidance, and build leadership capacity among both recent graduates and experienced nurses.

Developed in collaboration with the School of Nursing’s Multicultural Nurse Leadership Institute, the initiative will launch four groups scheduled to begin meeting by early 2026: a Circle of Mentors for experienced nursing leaders; a Circle of BS in Nursing New Graduates; a Circle of DNP New Graduates; and a Circle of Nursing Leaders for nurses in formal or emerging leadership roles. Together, these circles emphasize peer-to-peer learning while offering an accessible, community-based approach to mentorship and professional growth.

Honoring Faculty and Staff Retirees

The Alumni Association also recognized retirees whose service and leadership have contributed to the School of Nursing’s academic programs, student experience, and operational strength.

Edna Cadmus, PhD, MA, BSN — Clinical Professor
Lucille Joel, EdD, RN, APN, FAAN — Distinguished Professor
Barbara Niedz, PhD, RN, CPHQ — Clinical Assistant Professor
Maria Peralta, MBA — Chief Financial Officer
Denise Santangelo — Senior Administrative Assistant

Aiding Students with Scholarships

In the largest scholarship presentation in the Alumni Association’s history, multiple endowed and alumni-supported awards were presented to undergraduate and graduate nursing students.

Aspire to Inspire Scholarship: Gabriela Arias; Loletha Johnson
Caruso Family Endowed Scholarship: Kimberly Barone; Monica Loperena
Elizabeth M. Fenlason Award: Navdeep Kaur; Brianna Napoli; Shakira Nives; Michelle Sech
Nancy M. Valentine Endowed Scholarship: Leah Banks; Omoye Oribhabor
RSONAA Endowed Scholarship: Bruna DaSilva; Rayza Gonzales; Nicole Gotti; Katherine Rodriguez; Sandra Ugorski
Rutgers College of Nursing – Class of 1970 Endowed Scholarship: Katlyn Jansen; Stacey Lozin
Scarpa Family Memorial Scholarship: Kelsie Whalen

View Photos from the 2025 Alumni Scholarship & Awards Gala

Sponsors: Supporting Nursing’s Future

Thank you to these sponsors of the Rutgers School of Nursing Alumni Association Awards & Scholarship Gala 2025. All proceeds from sponsorships support nursing scholarships. Learn about School of Nursing giving opportunities.