DAISY Award winners in action: Madison Wirchansky (left) hones her skills on a high-fidelity manikin as Assistant Professor of Nursing Michelle DePhillips observes in UD’s Simulation Lab in McDowell Hall.

Nursing excellence recognized

Article by Amy Cherry Photos by Kathy F. Atkinson and photos courtesy of Madison Wirchansky March 02, 2026

DAISY Awards celebrate student and educator shaping the future of nursing

Madison Wirchansky felt tears well up in her eyes after learning she was nominated for the coveted DAISY Award, one of nursing’s highest honors, which recognizes extraordinary care and compassion among nurses, educators and students.

“It’s a big deal just to be nominated, especially as a student,” Wirchansky said.

It’s an even bigger deal to win the award — and now the senior nursing major at the University of Delaware can add that to her résumé.

“I was filled with joy, and seeing my mom in the crowd taking photos, the news was in our family group chat before I even sat down,” she said.

Wirchansky was one of two UD recipients of DAISY honors this year. Michelle DePhillips, assistant professor of nursing, also received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators.

Wirchansky received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students for her leadership and service. Her accomplishments include volunteering with the Brandywine Lifesavers program, which introduces middle schoolers to nursing careers, and serving as president of the Student Nurses Organization (SNO). There, she helped bolster enrollment and build camaraderie by creating “Scrub Buddies,” a mentorship program that pairs first-year students with upperclassmen to foster connection and support.

Joanne Creasy Thomas, associate instructor of nursing and SNO advisor, nominated Wirchansky.

“Maddie is set apart as a student leader and reflects the potential to become a compassionate and effective nurse who will positively impact the future of healthcare,” Thomas wrote.

Elizabeth Speakman, chief nurse administrator and senior associate dean of the School of Nursing (SON), is proud of Wirchansky.

“Madison embodies the compassion, leadership and commitment to service we strive to cultivate in every UD nurse,” Speakman said. “She represents the future of nursing.”

For Wirchansky, the recognition offered reassurance.

“I spent a lot of time wondering if I was cut out for a career as a nurse,” Wirchansky said. “This award validated that I’m on the right path.”

Inspired by family and a lifelong focus on service, Wirchansky hopes to work in pediatric oncology or the neonatal intensive care unit.

“As a nurse, you must always remember you’re caring for someone’s loved one, so you must have the drive to continually improve, learn from your mistakes, and provide compassionate care, treating every patient like family,” she said.

Madison Wirchansky (left), a senior nursing major who received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students, and Assistant Professor of Nursing Michelle DePhillips (right), the recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators, were recognized at a Delaware Nurses Association DAISY Gala.

Shaping the next generation of nurses

Michelle DePhillips’ path to nursing began after her grandfather had a stroke. She watched her grandmother care for him in the years that followed.

“She modeled compassion, and I looked up to her,” DePhillips said.

After earning a doctor of nursing practice and a master’s in public health, DePhillips discovered a passion for teaching. She returned to UD in 2022 as an assistant professor of nursing, over a decade after graduating from the program herself.

DePhillips received the DAISY Award for her profound impact on students and for integrating public health concepts into the nursing curriculum.

“It’s so important for nursing practice to look at the big picture, including the health of our patients, communities and the planet,” she said. “That’s not something you see in many programs.”

Colleagues praised her mentorship and student-centered approach in their nominations.

“Dr. DePhillips embodies the qualities of an exemplary nurse educator, role model and mentor who inspires students through her passion for the intersection of nursing, global health, and climate change,” wrote Jennifer Graber, professor and associate dean of academic affairs and practice initiatives. “She brings energy and enthusiasm to every learning environment, motivating students to see themselves as future leaders and advocates in the profession.”

“Dr. DePhillips is deeply committed to creating learning environments that are not only rigorous and evidence-based, but also supportive and engaging,” wrote Jennifer Saylor, professor and associate dean of faculty and student affairs. “Students consistently describe her as approachable, caring, and willing to go above and beyond to ensure their success.”

DePhillips credits her success to the “UD difference.”

“I loved UD’s nursing program so much, I came back to teach here,” DePhillips said. “It’s a wonderful atmosphere with inspiring colleagues and driven students. That sense of community sets us apart.”