Caroline M. Kusa, RN, recently received a 2011 Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Award for “Excellence in Clinical Practice I” at a special dinner presentation held at the Cityscape Events Center in downtown Kalamazoo.

Kusa has worked at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital since 1988, serving as a ward secretary, pharmacy tech and patient care tech.

In 2005, she became a registered nurse in the emergency department.

“Caroline is an inspiration to the nursing practice, caring for our patients with great skill and compassion,” said Katie Brick, chief nursing officer, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital. “We are grateful for her dedication to the profession and sincerely congratulate her on this achievement.”

The annual Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Awards Dinner recognizes nursing scholarship and award recipients.

All proceeds from the event’s sponsorships, silent auction items and dinner reservations support the Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund.

To date, $118,000 has been raised toward the overall endowment goal of $250,000.

“The fund was established in 2006 to support nursing education, research and certification,” said Tony McDonnell, executive director, Borgess Foundation.

“Every year, our nurses enhance and redefine their critical role within the medical profession. We salute this year’s winners, and wish them continued success in all of their professional and personal endeavors.”

To make a donation or learn more about the Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund, call (269) 226-8100, or visit foundation.borgess.com.