Outstanding Alumni

Rhodes State College accepts nominations for its Distinguished Alumni Award throughout the year. Nominations may be submitted by anyone, and there is no limit to the number of nominations an individual may make. The Outstanding Alumnus/a award has been presented annually since 1986 to an alumnus/a who have distinguished themselves in both their profession and their community service activities. These accomplishments may emphasize professional, social, and religious or educational values. Past recipients represent a wide variety of area citizenship, leadership and professional excellence. Those interested in nominating someone, can call the Rhodes State Alumni Relations Office at (419) 995-8051 to receive a nomination packet or download application, which is due February 24.

Rhodes State Honors Distinguished Alumnus


2011 Outstanding Alumni

On June 11, Rhodes State College presented its 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award Ms. Ann Margaret Deerhake during its commencement ceremony. Ms. Deerhake received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Rhodes State College (formerly Lima Technical College) in 1991. She continued her education receiving her BSN from Ohio Northern University in 2008 and her MSN from The Ohio State University in 2009.

The Distinguished Alumni Award has been presented annually since 1986 to a graduate who has distinguished themselves in both their profession and their community service activities. These accomplishments may emphasize professional, social, and religious or educational values. Past recipients represent a wide variety of area citizenship, leadership and professional excellence.

Within the profession, Ms. Deerhake has achieved certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) and a Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) utilizing these skills to practice critical care Nursing. In addition to her Critical Care expertise, she has also worked to provide care as a visiting nurse and Long-Term Care to the Respective members of her community.

In the spirit of community service, Ms. Deerhake also serves the Youth of the community as a 4H advisor. As a nursing profession leader, she gives her time hosting annual Nurses’ day celebrations for the night-shift Critical Care Nurses at St. Rita’s Medical Center. Recognizing the need for Work-Life Balance, she is involved in planning “Healthy Work Environment Initiatives” for nurses and their family members.

As Ms. Deerhake reflects upon her career, she stated that “she started in nursing as a way to make a living; now it has become her passion.” She has worked at St. Rita’s Medical Center for 20 years serving in many different capacities, “enjoying each aspect of nursing a little more than the last,” She concluded that “as she continues on her journey to find her nursing resting spot, she is beginning to think that this journey of learning is her destiny.”

As this year’s honoree, a $500 scholarship will be awarded in Deerhake’s name to a Nursing student for the 2012-2013 academic year.