Courage to Inspire, Strength to Empower Award
The Courage to Inspire, Strength to Empower Award (based on Adelphi University’s award of the same name) was created in 2021 to recognize outstanding female student leaders whose service and commitment to excellence benefit and inspire the members of the Shepherd Ram family.
The award recognizes a student who, through meaningful philanthropic work on- and off- campus, embodies the commitment of WISH to impact and enhance the Shepherd community.
The winner is announced during the annual WISH Membership Program and is invited to vote as an honorary member for the next year’s grant awards. This year, the Shepherd University Rotaract Club will also be providing a monetary award to the recipient. Nominations are now closed.
Isabelle was nominated by Dr. Lisa Zerull, who is an assistant professor in the Shepherd Nursing department. Dr. Zerull’s nomination enumerated how Izzy is an exceptional young woman worthy of recognition. As a senior nursing student from Hedgesville, WV, Izzy has maintained a 4.0 GPA even while engaging in active volunteerism in support of the Ram community and greater community.
Elected by peers to three leadership positions within the Shepherd Student Nurse Association, Izzy current serves as president of the organization. She has committed to inspiring and supporting more than 100 nursing students (past and current), as well as faculty and the community.
Under her leadership, the organization increased its membership by 30%; delivered new student nurse orientation inspirations twice annually; coordinated a SCRUBS closet where graduating students donate their scrubs to incoming students with financial challenges; coordinated regional community drives for groups like Meals on Wheels and Relay for Life; and volunteered time to various other activities.
Her passion for advocacy and education is apparent through her commitment to excellence and service. Along with her work history in the restaurant industry, Izzy also has held leadership positions with the Delight Ministries group to encourage and connect incoming freshman to Shepherd.
Her career path reflects a commitment to serving the tiniest patients and families. Izzy was selected for an externship during summer 2024 in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and was recently offered a full-time registered nurse position at INOVA’s NICU- five months before graduation! She served on the planning and coordination team for Berkeley Medical Center’s 10-year NICU anniversary and has also volunteered for summer youth camps.
As Dr. Zerull noted, in meeting Izzy “you are captured by her bright smile and fire in her belly. She is an outstanding female leader committed to humble and selfless service.” Isabelle will be a huge asset to our community as both a medical professional and a philanthropic steward.
Past Recipients
- Lillian Robbins, 2024
- Hanna Carlson, 2023
- Alyssa Nazarok, 2022
- Danielle Stephenson, 2021