Purdue Global School of Nursing celebrates accomplishments of students and faculty with DAISY Awards

April Shoudy — Associate of Science in Nursing

Shoudy of Belle Plaine, Iowa, was honored for demonstrating extraordinary compassion during a clinical shift, when she helped an anxious patient whose family could not be present. Shoudy provided the kindness and companionship the patient needed most. Her presence eased anxiety, preserved dignity and brought peace during a deeply vulnerable time.

Czarina Dandan — RN-to-BSN program/Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Dandan of North Charleston, South Carolina, consistently demonstrates exceptional compassion, professionalism and dedication to advancing her education and patient-centered care. Dandan approaches every learning opportunity with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence, serving as a positive role model among her peers.

Natalie Maltezos — Master of Science in Nursing 

Maltezos of San Diego was honored for providing compassionate care and supporting patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Even patients who may be anxious or difficult with others often respond positively to her because of her calm, respectful and caring approach. Beyond bedside care, Maltezos is an outstanding teammate and leader. She serves as a wound care resource nurse, provides education to staff, supports quality improvement projects and represents nursing concerns to leadership.
 

Schuyler Kubiak — Master of Science in Nursing 

Kubiak of Whitehouse, Texas, demonstrated compassion and kindness to a pediatric patient and their family during a difficult time. Kubiak went above and beyond after finding out the child had to spend their birthday in the emergency department. She decorated the ER room and even the ambulance when the child was leaving the hospital, creating a birthday celebration in the middle of a stressful situation. Kubiak showed that nursing is about more than medical treatment; it is also about compassion, empathy and making patients feel valued. 

Oluseyi Sharon Agbaje — Doctor of Nursing Practice

Agbaje of Owings Mills, Maryland, was honored for her extraordinary compassion, dedication and advocacy for vulnerable children. She learned of a young mother who was pregnant with twins and overwhelmed with no support system. She located an organization that could provide ongoing care and assistance. Agbaje consistently goes the extra mile for others, especially children. Her compassion, courage and willingness to act embody the true spirit of The DAISY Award.

Jessica Finken, MSN — Associate of Science in Nursing program

Finken of Waukee, Iowa, was honored for going beyond simply teaching skills. She truly invests in her students and their growth as future nurses. She is credited by her students for creating a supportive learning environment, taking time to explain why certain procedures and practices matter — especially when caring for children and their families. Her patience, encouragement and confidence in her students’ abilities help build both clinical knowledge and self-assurance.

Kellee White, PhD — Bachelor of Science in Nursing program

White of Purvis, Mississippi, is a DAISY recipient for serving as a mentor. She supports Purdue Global students and faculty 100%. She never says no to any requests for assistance. She works hard behind the scenes to make the nursing school exceptional without seeking the spotlight or any recognition. 

Dominic Etli, DNP, MSN, MPH — Master of Science in Nursing program

Etli of Las Vegas was honored for his work in transforming his students’ understanding of epidemiology, including revealing epidemiology as a dynamic and essential discipline within healthcare, particularly nursing. His lectures are delivered with clarity, enthusiasm and a deep commitment to making complex concepts accessible and meaningful for all students. Etli consistently demonstrates dedication to student learning. He encourages thoughtful discussion, welcomes questions during seminars and responds to emails promptly and supportively. His passion, approachability and unwavering commitment to student success make him an outstanding educator.

Dawn Vollers, DNP, MPH, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, CPHQ — Master of Science in Nursing program

Vollers of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, was honored for the way she prioritizes the human side of learning. She regularly reminds students to care for themselves while balancing graduate school, work and family responsibilities. Vollers does more than teach leadership. She models it through kindness, empathy and support. She creates an environment where students feel valued and motivated to succeed. 

 

Jeanine DuVerney, DNP, MSN-NE, BSN, RN — Doctor of Nursing Practice program

DuVerney of Tamarac, Florida, was a DAISY recipient for creating a learning environment where questions were welcomed and complex concepts felt approachable. DuVerney’s detailed feedback, encouragement and real-world clinical examples have strengthened the confidence and critical thinking abilities of her students. To them, DuVerney is not just an instructor; she is a dedicated mentor who genuinely invests in her students’ success.