Mary C. Geary ’74 MSN has been awarded the 2018 AYA Leadership Award for Volunteer Innovation and Service in recognition of her commitment to enhancing the student-alumni experience at Yale School of Nursing. She will receive the award at the AYA Assembly Awards Reception on November 8th.
On learning about her honor, Mary remarked, “I am astonished! Then humbled. All my work for Yale is a true labor of love for a school and a university that has made such a wonderful difference in my life from early on.”
Mary is passionate about enhancing the student/alumni experience at YSN. As a senior executive with over 25 years of experience in clinical work and healthcare operational leadership, she brought exceptional organizational and team leading skills to her alumni board presidency (2016-2018), improving student-alumni programs, and the election process for board candidates and distinguished alumni award winners. She participates in the mentorship program, CV review, speed networking event, and the Yale Day of Service: Newborns in Need event.
Every year, she shares her extensive skills as a hiring executive, negotiating health care contracts for hospital vendors, by holding one-on-one consultations with YSN students, reviewing résumés, conducting mock interviews, and advising on job searches. She gives a presentation on job negotiation skills, followed by a networking dinner, and offers an alumni webinar to discuss job transitions. YSN is truly a better place because of Mary’s commitment.