Josiah Borden, a student in Penn Nursing’s DNP Nurse Anesthesia program, has been named a “Mazda Hero.” The Mazda Motor Corporation is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding in 1920 by naming 50 “Mazda Heroes,” selfless individuals who have done heroic things for their communities, and is awarding each of them a 100th Anniversary Special Edition vehicle.

At the beginning of the pandemic, when there was uncertainty about the virus and its deadly impact, Mr. Borden took jobs in two different intensive care units located two hours apart, often working back-to-back shifts, while also continuing his studies at Penn. During this time, he contracted COVID-19 twice himself, and yet, after recovering each time, continued to dedicate himself to the cause. Moved by his story, Mazda selected Mr. Borden for this award and, to mark the occasion, sent a film crew along to capture the moment when his selection as one of the heroes would be revealed to him along with his new special edition vehicle.

“As a student who always seeks out opportunities to challenge himself, to make himself better, and to do whatever he can to add to the profession of nursing, Josiah is an incredible role model. Of course, as humble as he is, he does not see it that way,” said Dawn Bent, Practice Assistant Professor and Administrator of the DNP Nurse Anesthesia program. “When students first arrive and begin the anesthesia program, we make sure they know that they represent themselves and their families first, and a close second is the University of Pennsylvania and the School of Nursing. He has proven to be an ambassador for the School, and I could not be more proud of him.”