On commencement day, faculty surprise psych/mental health NP graduates

Faculty delivered congratulations to graduates’ doorsteps

Graduates from the Doctor of Nursing Practice psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner program had a special surprise come to their doorstep to help celebrate their graduation. On May 16, when the University and school held virtual commencement ceremonies to honor the achievements of graduates, faculty from the specialty drove to each graduate’s home to deliver congratulations and a basket of goodies.

Four faculty in the psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner specialty, Merrie Kaas, Barb Peterson, Amanda Schuh and Elena Geiger-Simpson, drove 100 miles (in separate cars) to deliver the surprises, traveling from Minneapolis to Plymouth, Hopkins and Red Wing. They arrived with Hail, Minnesota blaring from a car and held personalized signs while cheering for the graduate.

“Our specialty faculty build close relationships with many of our students over the course of the program,” said Geiger-Simpson. “We value building relationships with our students because we care about them first as people and second as students. When they graduate they become our colleagues and often end up becoming preceptors.”