Hartwick College Honors Nursing Alumni for Leadership and Service
Two accomplished graduates of the Brent R. Nicklas School of Nursing at Hartwick College have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Nursing Alumni Award, recognizing outstanding leadership, innovation and service within the nursing profession.
Georgette “Gigi” Smith ’85, P’18 and Tina Dalrymple ’00, P’09, P’11, will be honored during a recognition ceremony scheduled for 3 p.m. Sept. 25, in Slade Theatre during True Blue Weekend. The annual award celebrates Hartwick nursing alumni whose careers reflect the values of compassion, lifelong learning and professional excellence fostered through the College’s nursing program.
Kim Smith, associate professor and chair of the Brent R. Nicklas School of Nursing, said both recipients exemplify the lasting impact Hartwick graduates continue to make throughout the healthcare field.
“This year’s honorees represent two extraordinary careers dedicated to improving healthcare, advancing nursing education and mentoring future generations of nurses,” Smith said. “Their leadership, service and commitment to others reflect the very best of Hartwick nursing.”
Georgette “Gigi” Smith, Ph.D., RRN, PNP, FAES, is professor emerita at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), where she retired in July 2025 after serving as associate provost for education innovation and student life.
With a distinguished 40-year career as a pediatric nurse and nurse practitioner, primarily at MUSC, Smith is recognized for her impactful research in pediatric epilepsy, focusing on self- and family-management, caregiving and behavioral health. She co-developed and disseminated the internationally used Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy – Youth Version. Smith has delivered over 40 national presentations, published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and directed or co-investigated research and education grants totaling over $13 million.
In 2022, Smith founded the Charleston Consortium for Student Health and Wellbeing, collaborating with the Citadel and the College of Charleston to promote student wellness. She led the Education Innovation Cabinet and, in partnership with MUSC’s Chief Innovation Officer, co-directed the Education Innovation Advocates program, encouraging faculty to re-imagine teaching and foster a culture of innovation.
Her leadership and collaborative spirit were recognized with the 2023 MUSC President’s Impact Award for her collaborative work with students, staff, and faculty in Charleston and throughout the MUSC Regional Health Network and state. Smith received the 2024 MUSC Distinguished Faculty Service Award for providing exceptional and sustained service through contributions in teaching, research, health care and public service to the university and citizens of South Carolina. Nationally, Smith serves as a trustee at Hartwick College, is a former board member of the American Epilepsy Society (AES) and was inducted as an AES Fellow in 2016.
Reflecting on the award, Smith credited Hartwick’s nursing program with shaping both professional and personal growth. “Hartwick’s nursing program was pivotal to my success,” Smith said. “The dedicated and supportive faculty fostered both my professional growth and love of learning.”
Smith also highlighted the impact of Hartwick’s close-knit campus community and mentorship opportunities.
“Hartwick stands out as a special community. The nursing faculty fostered collegial relationships with students, inspiring me and shaping how I connect with others in my professional roles.”
Georgette “Gigi” Smith ’85, P’18
