Dr. Julie Woodworth receives Distinguished Alumni Award from Community College Trustees

Provided photos: Julie Woodworth, center, is shown with Gail Tylec, SUNY Niagara trustee, and Lloyd Holmes, president of SUNY Niagara, after she was presented with the New York Community College Trustees’ Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Contribution Sept. 18 at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Ballroom.

A Lyndonville resident, Orleans County coroner and employee of Medina Memorial Hospital has been recognized with the prestigious New York Community College Trustees’ Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Contribution.

Honoree Dr. Julie Woodworth, a former nursing professor at SUNY Niagara, explained the award is presented to someone who has reached the pinnacle of one’s professional career or has achieved great success in one’s field of study.

Her write-up in the awards program stated “Her career is a testament to the life-changing impact of community college education. A SUNY Niagara Alumna, Woodworth began her academic journey by earning an associate’s degree in nursing before advancing through bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate studies to become a nationally recognized nurse educator and leader.

“Throughout more than two decades of teaching, mentorship and service, Woodworth has helped countless students achieve their educational and professional goals, while strengthening the nursing workforce and improving healthcare in the community. Her dedication to student success, lifelong learning and community engagement reflects the very best of the community college mission – creating opportunities, transforming lives and serving the public good.”

Woodworth’s nomination by Niagara Board trustee Gail Tylec was supported by the entire board. Letters of recommendation were received from the ACEN senior director, who spoke of Woodworth’s expertise provided when she was an accreditor for other nursing programs.

Another was from Professor Bridget Beilein, who talks about a recent trip to France, where Woodworth did CPR on a stranger.

Yet another was from Professor Laura Scaletta, who spoke of Woodworth’s diverse talents and contributions to her community.

“I am honored to get this prestigious award,” Woodworth said. “I have spent my career as an expert nurse, teaching the next generation of nurses, and now as the county coroner.”

She also continues to work part-time at Medina Memorial Hospital and teach at Daemen University.

In 2017, Woodworth became the first and only SUNY Niagara faculty to earn a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Award.