9:27 a.m., May 14, 2009----Stephanie Zimmerman, a senior nursing student, won an essay contest sponsored jointly by the University of Delaware Academy of Lifelong Learning and the Alliance for Health Care Reform. The contest was an outgrowth of an Academy course, Health Care & Society, taught by Hans Franke and Branch Heller.

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Franke and Heller, both members of the Alliance for Health Care Reform, conceived of the essay contest as a means to encourage critical thought by undergraduates on the current state of health care. Students at the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical and Community College were invited to write on what U.S. health care should look like in eight years.

The submitted essays were read and judged by a panel of community leaders. “The judges thought that Stephanie was able to communicate a solid understanding of health care issues facing all Americans,” according to Heller. “She effectively conveyed the importance of personal responsibility, education, as well as the role of public policy and advocacy in improving the health of all Americans.”

Zimmerman presented her winning essay in person at the Academy to the Health Care & Society class on Tuesday, May 12. Also present was Tim Gibbs, executive director of the Delaware Academy of Medicine, who presented her with a $500 cash award on behalf of the Academy and the Alliance for Health Care Reform.

“Stephanie epitomizes the caring thoughtful professionals that we need today as health care practitioners,” said Gibbs. Zimmerman was also honored by Gibbs as the first nursing student recognized with honorary membership in the Delaware Academy of Medicine.

“We are extremely pleased that one of our students was so honored,” said Kenneth P. Miller, director of the University of Delaware School of Nursing. “Stephanie clearly embodies the caring attitude of the next generation of nurses. The fact that the Delaware Academy of Medicine recognized her with honorary membership speaks to the quality of her commitment to the future of healthcare.”

A graduate of the Charter School of Wilmington, Zimmerman is a former recipient of a four-year scholarship to the University of Delaware from the Rotary Club of Wilmington. After graduation, Zimmerman plans to pursue professional nursing opportunities in the Delaware region as a neonatal nurse practitioner.

“The nursing program at the University of Delaware has been a wonderful experience and preparation,” said Zimmerman. “I am very proud of all of my classmates' accomplishments and to be part of this University community.”