This acknowledgement did not come lightly for either recipient. Greenwalt expressed her excitement after receiving the award.

“It was such a pleasant surprise. I saw the email come through and clicked into it quickly, assuming it was just announcing the Hall of Fame inductees; I had to go back and reread it once I realized it was addressed specifically to me,” she said. “Being recognized on a national platform like this is such an honor and so validating for the work Heather and I have put into this role.”

Bezzera spoke about the hard work and support systems along the way to her accomplishment. 

“I have had many ups and downs during my DNP, but the support I have received from my fellow GNSA members and DNP classmates carried me through,” Bezzera said. “The highlights include the intense amount of work required, which I know doesn't sound like a highlight, but being pushed this hard has refined me as a nurse, leader and human in ways I cannot express. Other highlights include my classmates telling me that I have helped them get through the difficult moments or made any kind of positive impact in their lives. I believe that my willingness to get involved, to show up for GNSA Liaison Office Hours, to ask questions and to put myself out there led to this award.”

Bezzera and Greenwalt also played a pivotal role in helping launch Quinnipiac’s internal GSNA. 

“Launching Quinnipiac's internal GNSA felt like the most natural thing we could have done,” Bezzera said. “This school deserves to have a strong online community, and I just hope that Becca and I can lay a strong enough foundation to keep it going long after we graduate.”

Associate professor of nursing and director of online graduate nursing programs, Carolyn Bradley, emphasized how important Bezzera and Greenwalt’s leadership was to the internal GSNA launch. 

“They willingly accepted the challenge of leading Quinnipiac's GNSA during its first year back within the School of Nursing,” she said. “Not only did they successfully establish and grow the organization, but they also helped create meaningful opportunities for student engagement and professional development. Their national recognition reflects both their individual growth and the lasting impact of their leadership.”

Through their School of Nursing journeys, Bradley was a light for both Bezzera and Greenwalt.

“Dr. Bradley has been fundamental in my journey as a GNSA liaison,” Bezzera explained. “She sent the email requesting applicants, she personally met with me and Becca early on to ensure we started out strong, she found a faculty member (Phil Martinez) to help us, she provided us with the previous bylaws and encouraged us to stay on track by asking for updates. She continues to support us, and I am forever grateful for how much she pours into the School of Nursing.”

“Dr. Carolyn Bradley has been so supportive and encouraging,” Greenwalt continued. “She helped us get things off the ground, connected us to who we needed to be connected to, and helped us spread the word as we worked to build a community.”

Bezzera and Greenwalt also made an outstanding duo on the road to their award and while launching Quinnipiac’s internal GNSA program. They speak highly of each other.

“We officially met in July 2026 at the GNSA conference because all of our interactions have been online prior to the conference,” Bezzera said about Greenwalt. “Even though we haven't known each other for a long time, I feel like we bonded quickly over our passion to connect with the online graduate nursing community. She is a wonderful human with a heart for justice. I felt like I was celebrating with my sister when I found out that we both received this award; it was amazing!”

“We didn't know each other at all prior to GNSA, but we have gotten along quite well,” Greenwalt said about Bezzera. We were both chosen as liaisons by Quinnipiac; Heather for the DNP program and me for the MSN program. We have worked well together from the start, communicating frequently and taking turns, leading different initiatives based on our strengths and whatever life is throwing at us at the time. It was such an honor to be recognized together.”

Bezzera said Quinnipiac feels like home even through an online program.

“Even though I live in Ohio, I feel so connected to Quinnipiac. I started my education at Quinnipiac in January 2024 when I took the plunge to get my MSN in Nursing Leadership. I was so impressed with the school that I knew I had to continue my education and pursue my DNP in Nursing Leadership,” said Bezzera. “I have had wonderful professors, incredible clinical experiences and connected with the best nurse leaders. During my DNP journey, I knew I wanted to give back to the university that had welcomed me with open arms. I got as involved as I could with GNSA and the Online Graduate Advisory Board.”

Both Bezzera and Greenwalt were grateful to Quinnipiac and the School of Nursing for helping them achieve goals and preparing them for their next chapters. 

“I have both lofty and realistic goals,” Bezzera explained. “My lofty goals are to lead a hospital one day, while my realistic goals are to continue to follow the trajectory of my current nurse leadership role, possibly rejoin the military and teach at the university level at some point. I love educating and connecting people, so I believe that I can accomplish more than I can even imagine if I keep these pillars central in my professional career.”

“I am so grateful for all of the opportunities Quinnipiac has allowed and encouraged me to pursue, as well as for the support from GNSA,” Greenwalt added. “Imposter syndrome can hit hard during career transitions, but the support I've received has kept me motivated and made it feel worth it. I hope to pass that energy on to others as I progress in my career.”