UHS nurse is BU alumni award recipient

David Klimachefsky of UHS is the recipient of the 2023 Decker Connections Alumni Award. David, who serves as transition-to-practice coordinator in the Nursing Division at UHS, is a 2012 graduate of Binghamton University.

David was honored at a “Homecoming Brunch” held on Oct. 14 as part of Binghamton University’s Homecoming 2023 celebration. The event took place at the University’s Health Sciences Building in Johnson City, home to Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences since 2020.

“What a privilege it is to be a part of this nationally recognized institution,” David said on accepting the award. “You make loyalty easy."

Said Mario Ortiz, dean of Decker College: “Whether you graduated from the School of Nursing, Decker School of Nursing or Decker College, you are part of a wonderful legacy of caring for others, educating the next generation of healthcare professionals and advancing research.”

David received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University in 2012. He had previously obtained a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Regent College.

In his post at UHS, he oversees a training program for more than 100 graduate nurses. His many accolades include a UHS Laureate nomination, the Decker Foundation Award for Clinical Excellence and the Sara Ainspan Memorial Nursing Award.

Previously, he was an adjunct faculty member and clinical instructor at Decker College (2014 to 2019), where he had a positive impact on many students.

Most recently, he collaborated with Decker’s undergraduate nursing program to offer a paid summer internship for nursing students entering their senior year.

More than 100 alumni, students, faculty, staff, friends and family members attended the first-ever alumni homecoming brunch of Decker College.

In addition to the award conferred on David, three other awards were presented: Sheldon Fields received the Dean’s Alumni Impact Award; Michael Kaneshiro Chou the Accomplished Alumni Award; and Adenike Okeowo the Emerging Leader Alumni Award.

The event also recognized donors and beneficiaries of the Decker College Nursing Assessment Kit Sponsorship program. This initiative provides nursing students with assessment kits that are required for clinical and practice experiences.