Six members of the Yale School of Nursing (YSN) community—students, faculty, and alumni—were honored for their excellence, impact, and commitment to advancing the nursing profession at this year’s Distinguished Alumni and Commencement Awards Reception. The event, held on Saturday, May 18, took place at the Schwarzman Center as part of a weekend of commencement celebrations.
The school’s Decade Award went to Stephan Davis, DNP, MHSA, FACHE, ANEF, FAAN. This annual honor recognizes a YSN graduate who, within a decade of their graduation, has made a significant impact on the profession and whose trajectory promises continued achievements of distinction. Dr. Davis is the inaugural executive director of leadership, policy, and Doctor of Nursing practice education at the Georgetown University School of Nursing.
YSN named Allison Squires, PhD, as its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award honoree. A 2007 graduate of YSN, Dr. Squires is a professor at New York University’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing and director of t
he Global Consortium of Nursing and Midwifery Studies, a research consortium that encompasses 82 countries. She is the author of more than 200 which have significantly influenced global public health and nursing.
“I as dean and we as a leading school of nursing are proud of these distinguished scholars,” said YSN Dean Azita Emami, PhD, MSN, BSN, RN, FAAN. “They exemplify the vision, creativity, capability, and leadership that is advancing our profession and healthcare in the U.S. and globally.”
The event also celebrated the achievements of current students. Craig Manbauman received the Charles King, Jr. Memorial Scholars Aid Prize for his outstanding leadership and commitment to health equity in clinical practice and research. His involvement in community-based health projects and his contributions to peer-reviewed journals highlight his dedication to improving patient care.
Dr. Dakota Denielle Lawtum was awarded the Milton and Anne Sidney Prize for her exemplary DNP project focused on enhancing healthcare access and awareness for transgender and gender-diverse populations in urban healthcare systems. Her project demonstrated significant improvements in inclusive communication among nurse leaders, showcasing her visionary leadership and commitment to health equity.
Steve Li was honored with the Heather Dawn Reynolds Equity Award for his dedication to supporting marginalized communities. His broad range of experiences, from crisis counseling to being the Director of Behavioral Health at the Haven Free Clinic, underscores his commitment to compassionate and inclusive healthcare.
Finally, the prestigious Annie Goodrich Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented to Carisa Tufano. Tufano is recognized for her engaging teaching methods, support for student development, and her open-minded approach to education that empowers students.
These awards underscore the exceptional talent fostered within the YSN community and highlight the importance of leadership, innovation, and commitment to equity in healthcare. As the recipients continue to make groundbreaking strides in nursing, their achievements inspire current and future students to carry forward the mission of “better health for all people.”