Raymond Walters College Names Honor Student of the Year

Nursing student Jenae Alford has been selected as Honor Student of the Year at the University of Cincinnati’s

Raymond Walters College

, located in Blue Ash.

Alford, a West Chester resident, started at Raymond Walters in fall of 2001 in order to earn an associate degree in nursing. Two years later, she’s done more than just earn a degree, she has also immersed herself in national and community organizations and activities.

For instance, Alford is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the National Health and Wellness Club, and the National Arbor Day Foundation.  She is the coach - and a player - for a co-ed soccer team.

She also worked part time while taking demanding nursing classes. She is a senior certified pharmacy technician at Walgreen's and a delivery driver for Papa John's Pizza. At Papa John’s, Alford was twice named employee of the month for her dedication and attitude.

While working and involved in extracurricular activities, Alford studied hard. She had to take 18 credit hours her entire first year at RWC, while also keeping her grades up in order to keep her Cincinnatus scholarship. She did just that. She earned a 3.87 grade point average and was on the Dean's List her entire college career.

But, she credits her mother for giving her the edge she needed to get where she is by teaching her the importance of education.  "She always said that knowledge was the only think that cannot be taken from me. She taught me that I can do anything," Alford says.

Nursing Department Chair Marisue Naber says Alford is a very bright and conscientious nurse.   "She seeks to know her patients' health needs very thoroughly and in a very caring and quietly competent way. Her brown eyes just pierce you," Naber says. "You know she is listening to you and taking in all you are saying. She is extraordinarily caring and competent."

Diane McPhillips, assistant professor of nursing, couldn't agree more.  "Jenae was a model nursing student, one who would listen with interest and respond with enthusiasm. Although somewhat quiet in nature, Jenae demonstrated a great ability to communicate with patients, families, faculty and staff," McPhillips says. "She would always treat the patient with respect and empathy. She was an all around above average performer. She has a high standard of care and achieves it!"

So now that she has worked hard and earned her associate degree, Alford has big plans. First, she will work at Cincinnati's Children's Hospital Medical Center in the pediatric ICU. She also plans to get even more of that precious education her mom wanted for her. She will be starting at University of Cincinnati's Clifton campus this fall to work toward her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. After that, she hopes to earn her master's degree in order to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. She also hopes to someday be a flight nurse.

Each year, Raymond Walters College selects an Honor Student of the Year. Criteria for the award include a high grade point average, a desire to succeed, a well-rounded personality, and the ability to give back to the college and community. Alford was recognized as Honor Student of the Year at RWC's graduate recognition ceremony in June.

Additional nominees for Honor Student of the Year received an Academic Achievement Award. These graduates are Blue Ash residents Kathleen E. Hughes and Eric Molin, Hamilton resident Nicole Violet Moore, Colerain resident Kathleen M. Niklas, Mason residents Monica Pisati and Karyn Zimerman, Loveland resident Elizabeth Ruebusch, Cleves resident Marguerite Scheid, and Norwood resident Jason Curtis Stevens.