The WSU College of Nursing honored its Spring 2025 graduates across two meaningful events in Spokane: a Graduation Brunch and Awards Ceremony held on May 2, followed by the formal Commencement on May 3 at the First Interstate Center for the Arts.
The weekend began with a celebratory brunch designed to recognize students in a more personal setting before the formality of graduation day. Hosted at the Spokane campus, the event welcomed graduates, families, faculty, and staff for food, conversation, and awards honoring academic excellence, leadership, clinical achievement, and inclusive care.
“This morning is about more than just awards—it’s about community,” said Dr. Anne Mason, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. “Commencement is a whirlwind but today gave us time to slow down and reflect on the incredible resilience and compassion our students have shown.”
Chris Sogge, Director of the Center for Student Excellence, opened the ceremony with a warm welcome. “We’re proud to recognize the outstanding work our graduates have done—inside and outside the classroom—and to send them off knowing they’ve made a lasting mark on our College,” he said.
Several students were honored during the brunch, including those who completed honors theses, led service projects, and demonstrated exceptional compassion in clinical settings. Notable awards included:
Outstanding DNP Student: Theresa Bowden
Outstanding PhD Student: Natasha Barrow
Outstanding BSN Student: Emily Lloyd
Inclusive Excellence: Liana Elmaliah
Clinical Excellence: Anayansi Lopez
DAISY Award: Lindsey Palmquist
Graduates inducted into the Delta Chi-at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, the nursing honor society, were also recognized for their academic excellence and leadership.
College of Nursing Honors students
On Saturday, May 3, the WSU College of Nursing held its Spring 2025 Commencement at the First Interstate Center for the Arts in downtown Spokane. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Anne Mason, welcomed graduates to the profession, encouraging them to carry the values of partnership and collaboration into their careers. With more than 10,000 Coug Nurses now serving across the country, the newest alumni join a powerful network dedicated to meeting health care challenges with skill, compassion, and resilience.
The 2025 graduating nursing class included:
- 4 PhD Students
- 56 DNP Students
- 7 Master of Nursing Students
- 241 BSN students
By campus:
- Spokane: 99 undergraduate and 14 graduate students
- Tri-Cities: 52 undergraduate and 15 graduate students
- Vancouver: 65 undergraduate and 37 graduate students
- Yakima: 25 undergraduate and 1 graduate student
Watch the WSU College of Nursing ceremony:
Congratulations to the Class of Spring 2025—your compassion, leadership, and drive will shape the future of health care. #CougNurses #GoCougs
