UNC Charlotte School of Nursing Honors Trailblazing Leaders at 12th Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards

October 29, 2026
Categories: General News, Spotlights
A person stands in front of a green backdrop with the Charlotte Alumni Association logo, holding a transparent award and a bouquet of flowers.

Bringing together alumni, faculty, healthcare leaders, and students, the UNC Charlotte School of Nursing hosted its 12th Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards on Thursday, October 22nd, at the Harris Alumni Center.

The evening marked a significant milestone for the program. Originally established in 2011 as part of the School of Nursing Alumni Council (SONAC) Conference, the awards transitioned into a dedicated, standalone celebration—giving the college’s highest alumni accolades a focused platform to recognize extraordinary lifetime contributions to healthcare.

The ceremony highlighted two remarkable alumnae whose careers exemplify leadership, service, and pioneering spirit in nursing.

  • School of Nursing Distinguished Alumni Award: Diana Delery James ’81 With a 45-year career dedicated to pediatric care, Diana Delery James was presented with the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award by her son, Andrew James. After earning her BSN at UNC Charlotte, James spent over three decades directing the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) at Levine Children’s Hospital. Today, she serves as Chief Nursing Officer at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. Her honors include the 2024 Charlotte Business Journal Lifetime HealthCare Hero Award, the 2023 DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2018 Atrium Health Pinnacle Award.
  • Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Certificate: Eileen Klimkowski ’79 Recognized with a special Lifetime Achievement Certificate, Navy nurse veteran Eileen Klimkowski earned her degree via the GI Bill before founding EmeraldCare in 1979. Under her leadership, the home health agency grew to employ nearly 150 healthcare professionals across four North Carolina counties. Klimkowski pioneered in-home health services in N.C.—becoming the state’s first agency to offer in-home blood work—while championing healthcare policy improvements and establishing scholarship funds for future nursing students.
  • Click here to read the full honoree spotlight page, featuring an exclusive Q&A with Diana Delery James ’81 and a special tribute to Eileen Klimkowski ’79.

The formal program commenced following an opening reception with warm remarks from Judith Cornelius, Interim Director of the School of Nursing, who shared updates on the growth and future vision of the School of Nursing. Attendees—including community partners, health system executives, current nursing students, and honoree families—gathered to reflect on the lasting impact of UNC Charlotte nurses across the region.

“This celebration recognizes not only remarkable careers, but also the lasting legacy of compassion, leadership, service, and innovation that our alumni bring to their patients, communities, and the future of the nursing profession,” noted the event organizers.

Scroll down to explore photo highlights from the evening reception, honoree award presentations, and guest celebrations at the Harris Alumni Center.

Dr. Judith Cornelius, Interim Director of the School of Nursing, stands at a podium speaking at an event hosted by the University of North Carolina Charlotte Alumni Association.
School of Nursing Interim Director Judith Cornelius gives opening remarks.
A person in a suit receives an award from another individual at a Charlotte Alumni Association event.
Alumna Diana Delery James ’81 presented with the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award by her son, Andrew James.
Two individuals stand together, one holding a framed certificate, in a room with wooden paneling and a plaque wall.
School of Nursing faculty member Melinda Pierce (left) honors alumna Eileen Klimkowski ’79 with the Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Award.
A family of five poses with a trophy and flowers in front of a green backdrop featuring the Charlotte Alumni Association logo.
School of Nursing Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Diana Delery James ’81 (Second from right) and family.
Three individuals pose together at a Charlotte Alumni Association event, with one holding a framed certificate and another holding a bouquet of flowers.
Lifetime Achievement in Nursing certificate recipient Eileen Klimkowski ’79 (center) and family.
Seven individuals pose together in front of a green backdrop featuring the Charlotte Alumni Association logo, making hand gestures.
School of Nursing Interim Director Judith Cornelius (center) with faculty members (from left) Charlene Whitaker-Brown, Melinda Pierce, Rebekah Overcash, Julie Gibbons, Laura Magennis, Teresa Cronell and Katherine Shue-McGuffin.