“Rebecca Graves has been a pillar of support for the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing, advancing research, education and student success,” is what attendees heard when Rebecca Graves attended the 35th Annual Nursing Banquet to accept the 2025 Honorary Alumni Award.

The Honorary Alumni award is given to someone who shows outstanding achievement in nursing or support for the nursing profession. It is through her work as an education librarian at the J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library that Rebecca Graves has had such a profound impact on nursing students in the beginnings of their nursing journey to the collaborative efforts with nursing faculty on key initiatives, including systematic reviews and grant-funded projects such as best practices for managing COVID-19 in nursing homes.

“We are excited to honor Rebecca for her amazing support of our faculty and students,” said Donna Otto MSN,  who was one of the nominators. “When I coordinated the RN to BSN option for the school back a few years ago, Rebecca was always so gracious to come and work with the students. This is how I knew of her value to our students and faculty.”

Faculty often count on Rebecca to lay the foundation necessary for students to understand and implement evidence-based practice strategies, a skill students will need to excel in their nursing careers, whether in clinical practice or as a nurse researcher. Her ability to simplify complex academic processes has empowered countless students, particularly those returning to academia for advanced degrees. Her approachable teaching style empowers students and strengthens the academic foundation of the Sinclair School of Nursing.

Learning goes both ways. Rebecca shared that it is such a joy to be a part of the “ah ha” moments and values how time spent with students and faculty gives her the opportunity to also learn about ever evolving health sciences.  “I deeply respect our nursing faculty for the work they do both teaching our students as well as the research they conduct to improve the health of Missourians and people in general.  Being able to assist them in this work and be a part of their team is an honor,” says Rebecca Graves.

Congratulations to Rebecca Graves for being awarded the Sinclair School of Nursing 2025 Honorary Alumni Award!