HAYS, Kan. – Three graduates of Fort Hays State University’s Department of Nursing were recognized in a pinning ceremony with Leora B. Stroup Awards as outstanding fall 2019 graduates.

Jillian Fabela, Boerne, Texas, received the Master of Science in Nursing Award. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with her MSN as a nurse educator. She earned her Associate in Nursing in 2010 from Cayuga Community College, New York, and her BSN in 2017 from Fort Hays State. She works as the education coordinator at Metropolitan Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

Her capstone project studied the influences of mentorship programs on new graduates.

The RN to BSN Award went to Kylie Geist, Hays, an RN who is working in the surgical unit and acute care at Hays Medical Center. She earned her Associate Degree in nursing in 2013 at North Central Kansas Technical College.

“She is the type of nurse that we hope all nurses strive to be,” said the award letter. The letter continued, “When she is in charge, you know the day will go well. This reward is a great validation for her hard work."

Geist completed her degree while continuing to work full time and raise her family.

Claire Kringen, Manhattan, received the On-Campus BSN Award. The award letter recognized her as an active and devoted member of the nursing program.

“She is a devoted and dedicated student, has persevered against many obstacles, has an inquiring mind and is constantly challenging herself in all academic areas,” said the letter.

Kringen was active in the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and served as house manager for the sorority. She was also a Panhellenic Council delegate.

The Stroup Awards, named for the founder of FHSU’s nursing program, recognize outstanding clinical performance, community involvement and academic achievement.