Lizl
Kotz
May 2026
Lizl
Kotz
Medical University of South Carolina, College of Nursing
Charleston
,
SC
United States
Her work contributed to the successful launch of this program and the welcoming of the first families into safe housing in fall 2025.
I am honored to nominate Lizl, a student, for the DAISY Award in recognition of her exceptional professionalism, leadership, and commitment to caring for vulnerable populations.
Lizl consistently demonstrates enthusiasm for nursing, learning, and service beyond the expectations of a nursing student. Approximately one year into her nursing education, she identified a significant population health issue in Charleston County: the lack of safe, appropriate housing options for homeless mothers with children. Rather than viewing this as an abstract problem, she took the initiative to learn more, engage others, and act.
She demonstrated respect, empathy, and genuine concern for others by organizing a small group of community members who shared her concern for homeless families. Through collaboration, persistence, and integrity, this effort grew into a structured partnership with a local mission to establish a transitional housing program specifically designed for women and children. Her work contributed to the successful launch of this program and the welcoming of the first families into safe housing in fall 2025.
Lizl exemplifies the attributes of caring and integrity that facilitate professional growth. She approaches challenges thoughtfully, communicates respectfully, and balances her academic responsibilities with service and advocacy. She communicates professionally and transparently, demonstrating accountability and respect for faculty and peers.
Her interpersonal skills are exceptional. She collaborates effectively with diverse groups, builds trust quickly, and motivates others through compassion rather than authority. Her actions reflect fairness, inclusivity, and an unbiased commitment to serving vulnerable populations.
Importantly, Lizl serves as a role model for professional nursing by translating population health concepts into meaningful action. She embodies the values of nursing-advocacy, collaboration, and compassion, and inspires those around her to consider how nurses can positively impact their communities.
Lizl's initiative, leadership, and heart for service reflect the very essence of the DAISY Award. She represents the future of nursing and demonstrates how one student nurse can make a lasting difference.
Lizl consistently demonstrates enthusiasm for nursing, learning, and service beyond the expectations of a nursing student. Approximately one year into her nursing education, she identified a significant population health issue in Charleston County: the lack of safe, appropriate housing options for homeless mothers with children. Rather than viewing this as an abstract problem, she took the initiative to learn more, engage others, and act.
She demonstrated respect, empathy, and genuine concern for others by organizing a small group of community members who shared her concern for homeless families. Through collaboration, persistence, and integrity, this effort grew into a structured partnership with a local mission to establish a transitional housing program specifically designed for women and children. Her work contributed to the successful launch of this program and the welcoming of the first families into safe housing in fall 2025.
Lizl exemplifies the attributes of caring and integrity that facilitate professional growth. She approaches challenges thoughtfully, communicates respectfully, and balances her academic responsibilities with service and advocacy. She communicates professionally and transparently, demonstrating accountability and respect for faculty and peers.
Her interpersonal skills are exceptional. She collaborates effectively with diverse groups, builds trust quickly, and motivates others through compassion rather than authority. Her actions reflect fairness, inclusivity, and an unbiased commitment to serving vulnerable populations.
Importantly, Lizl serves as a role model for professional nursing by translating population health concepts into meaningful action. She embodies the values of nursing-advocacy, collaboration, and compassion, and inspires those around her to consider how nurses can positively impact their communities.
Lizl's initiative, leadership, and heart for service reflect the very essence of the DAISY Award. She represents the future of nursing and demonstrates how one student nurse can make a lasting difference.