Nazareth nursing graduates receive leadership awards from Genesee Valley Nurses Association
Nazareth University nursing graduates Isabella Iannitti ’26 and Katie Parker ’26 received Nursing Student Leadership Awards from the Genesee Valley Nurses Association (GVNA) for their leadership and excellence in nursing. Both graduated in May and work as nurses for hospitals in the Upstate Medical Health System in Syracuse.
The GVNA says Iannitti and Parker demonstrated outstanding leadership and professionalism at Nazareth, maintaining membership in the student nurse organization, fostering high-quality health care, and engaging in community service.
Iannitti balanced the rigorous nursing curriculum with the responsibilities of being a collegiate athlete on the women’s tennis team. Nursing clinical assistant professor Alexis Masciangelo, M.S., R.N., who nominated both graduates, said Iannitti “demonstrated remarkable time management, discipline, and resilience — qualities essential to effective nursing leadership." Iannitti was also a 2025-2026 board member of the Nazareth University Student Nurses' Association (Breakthrough to Nursing chairperson), and engaged in various volunteer and community service initiatives. She organized and successfully administered, analyzed, and reported to faculty on a nursing department student survey. Iannitti also represented Nazareth at the National Student Nurses Association convention in Houston.
Parker was an active and committed 2025-2026 board member of the Nazareth University Student Nurses' Association (Community Engagement chairperson). Masciangelo said, “Katie made strong connections and organized blood pressure screenings with Rochester Hope, a volunteer organization that brings food, health care, and more to people in the heart of Rochester. She worked with the Nazareth community to develop community-facing materials in various languages.” Parker held a nurse externship position while maintaining high academic achievement and continuing her involvement in on-campus activities.
At Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, Iannitti works in the pediatric intensive care unit. Parker works in the Upstate University Hospital’s medical intensive care unit.
“Starting at Upstate has been an eye-opening experience and is an entirely new world that I am gradually adapting to each day, said Iannitti. “I will be working with the pediatric critical care population, caring for children with complex and specialized healthcare needs. As I begin this journey, I hope to grow my knowledge and build upon everything I learned during my time at Nazareth. Over the past few weeks, I have realized just how well Nazareth prepared me for this moment. Nazareth taught me the value of being part of a supportive community, and it is reflected in the culture at Upstate. Furthermore, the education I received through Nazareth’s nursing program has given me a strong foundation and increased my confidence as I transition into practice. I truly feel that Nazareth has set me up for success in countless ways for the start of my nursing career.”
Contact
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
Isabella Iannitti '26 (left) and Katie Parker '26 are both working at Upstate Medical Health System after graduating in May.