“I cannot deny that I will forever be a bull, more specifically, a bull nurse.”

That’s what University of South Florida College of Nursing BS-PhD student, Crystal L. Chapman-Lambert, MS, FNP-BC, ACRN, AAHIVS, proudly told more than 730 graduates and their friends and family during the student address at the USF Commencement Ceremony on Saturday evening, May 4.

“I feel humbled and honored to speak on behalf of USF Nursing students and those graduates who are proudly walking Saturday,” she said.

USF College of Nursing graduating BS-PhD student, Crystal Chapman-Lambert, was chosen to deliver the student address at Saturday’s USF Commencement Ceremony.

Chapman-Lambert, who completed her BS-PhD in Nursing this semester, was selected to speak at the USF Commencement Ceremony recognizing graduate students from all colleges of the university.

“I was honored and horrified because public speaking is something that I fear, but I was up for the challenge,” she said. “Thank you to everyone at the USF College of Nursing for recognizing my hard work and dedication to the advancement of nursing science.”

Chapman-Lambert’s success throughout her educational journey at the USF College of Nursing is evident. In 2007, she was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing, and was the USF Nursing McKnight Doctoral Fellow. In 2011, she received the Sigma Theta Tau International/Virginia Henderson Clinical Research Grant from Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Honor Society of Nursing to conduct research on HIV-infected women’s knowledge, perceived susceptibility and seriousness of cervical cancer.

“We are all proud of Crystal, and what she has accomplished,” said USF Nursing Distinguished Professor and Thompson Professor of Oncology Nursing Susan C. McMillan, PhD, ARNP, FAAN, who has been Chapman-Lambert’s mentor during her dissertation. “My perspective is that she is bright and articulate and will be a talented researcher and teacher. I’m proud of her, and wish her an amazing career.”

Versie Johnson-Mallard (left), PhD, ARNP, MSN, MSMS, USF assistant professor of nursing, with Chapman-Lambert at the USF Commencement Ceremony for graduate students.

More than 140 students graduated from the College of Nursing this semester, including one Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), six PhDs in Nursing, 49 Master’s of Science (MS), and 90 Bachelor’s of Science (BS).

For more photos from USF Commencement May 3-5, 2013 click here.

For details about USF Commencement Ceremonies held May 3-5, 2013 click here.

For related stories on Chapman-Lambert click here.

– Story by Vjollca Hysenlika, College of Nursing Communications and Marketing Assistant