Awards

Region 15 Awards & Recognition

Sigma Theta Tau International Region 15 is proud to celebrate the extraordinary nurses and chapters across our region through the annual Awards & Recognition Program. Each year, we honor those who exemplify excellence in research, leadership, mentorship, and direct patient care.

Regional Award Categories

These awards are open to both Sigma and non-Sigma members. Nominations are submitted by peers, colleagues, and chapters throughout Region 15.

Award Categories

Nurse Researcher of the Year Award This prestigious award acknowledges a nurse researcher making significant contributions to nursing science within Region 15. The nominee should demonstrate excellence in generating, disseminating, or translating research that advances nursing knowledge and improves health outcomes, exemplifying Sigma's commitment to research excellence and evidence-based practice.

Nurse Legend Award This award honors a distinguished member whose career embodies exceptional leadership, mentorship, and dedication to the nursing profession and Sigma's values. The Nurse Legend Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to nursing and Sigma through their professional achievements, influence, and legacy.

Chapter Rising Star Award This award recognizes an emerging leader within a Region 15 chapter who has demonstrated exceptional commitment, potential, and early career contributions to their chapter and the nursing profession. The nominee should be making a significant positive impact despite being relatively early in their Sigma membership or nursing career.

Chapter Excellence in Mentoring Award This award honors a Sigma Region 15 chapter that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to mentoring new inductees, students, and developing nurse leaders. The nominated chapter should have established innovative, sustainable, and effective mentoring programs or initiatives that support professional growth and advance Sigma's mission.

Frontline Nursing Excellence Award This award recognizes a nurse in a clinical, public health, ambulatory, or direct care nursing role who exemplifies excellence in patient care while embodying Sigma's values. The nominee should demonstrate exceptional clinical knowledge, compassionate care, innovation in practice, and a commitment to evidence-based nursing that improves patient outcomes.

Dr. E. Ann Sheridan Legacy Award Scholarship This prestigious scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. E. Ann Sheridan, a distinguished Region 15 Sigma member. Nominees or self-nominees should demonstrate qualities and contributions that reflect Dr. Sheridan's commitment to nursing excellence, leadership, and service. The recipient will receive complimentary attendance to the Region 15 Symposium, the Awards Ceremony, and one year of paid Sigma membership.

Symposium Day Awards

In addition to our regional awards, four special honors will be presented during the symposium itself, recognizing outstanding scholarly work presented on the day of the event.

Best Student Poster Presentation Awarded to the student presenter whose poster demonstrates exceptional research quality, visual communication, and contribution to nursing science.

Best Student Oral Presentation Awarded to the student presenter who delivers an outstanding oral presentation demonstrating scholarly rigor, clarity, and engagement with the audience.

Best Nursing Professional Poster Presentation Awarded to the nursing professional whose poster demonstrates exceptional research quality, visual communication, and contribution to nursing science.

Best Nursing Professional Oral Presentation Awarded to the nursing professional who delivers an outstanding oral presentation demonstrating scholarly rigor, clarity, and engagement with the audience.

All four Symposium Day Awards are evaluated by a panel of judges during the event. Winners will be announced and recognized live at the Closing Ceremony of the 9th Annual Region 15 Nursing Research Symposium.