FORT KENT, Maine — Sixty-eight University of Maine at Fort Kent nursing students graduated from the program, with 33 of them attending the 2012 Pinning Ceremony on May 11, at the Fox Auditorium.
The Distinguished Nursing Alumni Award is bestowed upon a nursing graduate of the UMFK bachelor of science in nursing program, who displays accomplishment in the nursing profession, as well as a commitment to his/her community through volunteer service and humanitarian efforts. This year, the Nurse Award was presented to UMFK Alumna Lara Boudreau from Connor Township.
Boudreau began her nursing career in 1998 as a licensed practical nurse. She earned an associate’s degree in nursing at NMCC in 2006. While simultaneously working full-time at Cary Medical Center, she also worked on her RN-BSN degree at UMFK. She excelled in the program and graduated in 2008.
As a member of the Cary Medical Center team, she plays a key role in the education and training of her peers by serving as a staff developer and nurse educator.
Boudreau is a clinical adjunct instructor for UMFK, instructing both junior- and senior-level nursing students in a hospital setting. She also has served in a similar capacity at NMCC.
“She has been instrumental in the lives and education of many UMFK nursing students in the last few years, serving as a preceptor, mentor, and role model within the profession. She embodies what it means to serve as an example to others,” noted Dr. Erin Soucy, UMFK nursing division director.
During the ceremony, Professor Cheryl Roberts recognized the hospitals and preceptors who contributed to the education and development of the graduates. Special plaques were given to Cary Medical Center, Northern Maine Medical Center and The Aroostook Medical Center.
The UMFK Nursing Division faculty and staff are Dr. Erin Soucy, Jacqueline Devoe, Diane Griffin, Larry Nadeau, Dr. Jenny Radsma, Cheryl Roberts, Tanya Sleeper and Diane Gagne.
