Virginia Appalachian Tricollege Nursing Program

First awarded in 1993 to a graduating student with the highest achievement among students on all three campuses, the E. Page Umberger Academic Achievement Award was created to honor the retirement of long-time faculty member E. Page Umberger who was known for her high standards of nursing practice and her dedication to the program.

Billette McFadden Academic Achievement Award

Newly created to honor the academic achievement of LPN to RN Transition “Bridge” students, the first Billette McFadden Academic Achievement Award was presented during the Pinning Ceremony on May 10, 2000. Billette McFadden was a member of the first “Bridge” class in 1995.

Billette personified the hard-working student who continuously strives to overcome multiple personal and professional obstacles to achieve a much desired dream.

Sadly, Billette succumbed to a lengthy illness and died in 2000. Realizing a need to honor the achievements of “Bridge” students, VATNP nursing faculty created this award to honor the memory of Billette’s perseverance and hard work in achieving her life-long goal, to be a Registered Nurse.