Pennsylvania College of Technology presented the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students to student John P. Murphy, of Williamsport.
Murphy, who is pursuing an associate degree in nursing, was one of seven student nominees for the Fall 2025 semester. He received nominations from the family of a patient for whom he provided care and a staff member at UPMC Williamsport, where he completed his clinical education experience.
John P. Murphy
“Although John is still a nursing student, his deep passion and natural compassion for nursing are truly remarkable,” one of his nominators wrote.
She went on to describe her “Uncle Pete” as blind, but incredibly independent, working full time, cooking, cleaning and serving his community.
“John took the time to truly see Uncle Pete as a person, not just a patient,” the nominator continued. “He made him feel comfortable, respected and valued during his hospital stay. John listened to his stories, learned from his experiences and often expressed how much he admired Uncle Pete’s strength and independence. His kindness, empathy and dedication to his patients will make him an exceptional nurse and a true asset to the nursing profession.”
His second nominator is the unit director for 6 West at UPMC Williamsport. She recalled Murphy’s final day of clinical at the facility.
“As he was leaving to meet with his fellow students and instructor, John was the only student who stopped to shake my hand and express his gratitude for the opportunity to learn on 6 West,” she wrote.
When Murphy overheard that the nominator’s tire was flat on her vehicle and that her husband and son were out of town, he installed the spare tire and reminded her of its reduced speed limit.
“John exemplified UPMC’s core values that day – particularly Caring & Listening and Responsibility & Integrity,” she said. “He went above and beyond his role as a nursing student to ensure my safety. My husband was equally grateful to learn that such kindness still exists.”
The DAISY Awards are a project of The DAISY Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by members of his family. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired the creation of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses to recognize and thank nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
The foundation expanded the awards program to academic institutions in order to recognize the faculty who inspire compassionate care in their students and the students who demonstrate it during their education.
Penn College presents one faculty award and two student awards each year during pre-commencement “pinning” ceremonies for graduating nursing students, held in spring and fall.
Award winners can be nominated by peers, colleagues, patients, families or alumni. Winners are selected by a committee in Penn College’s nursing program.
To learn more about Penn College’s nursing degrees, call 570-327-4525.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email Admissions or call toll-free 800-367-9222.