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      Sigma Home Page / Awards / International Awards for Nursing Excellence / Membership and Chapter Activity Awards
       

      International Awards for Nursing Excellence

      Chapter Activity and Membership

      Chapter Communications and Publicity Award

      2019 Award Recipient

      2019 Comms Recipient- Phi Pi

      Phi Pi Chapter


      Chamberlain College of Nursing
      Phoenix, AZ USA


      The Phi Pi Chapter of Chamberlain College of Nursing developed a multifaceted communication strategy as part of the chapter’s strategic plan, including the implementation of a solid, technology-based communications platform spanning across multiple virtual communication channels. This innovative platform allowed for members to connect virtually for chapter communication and events increasing engagement among chapter members, regardless of their geographic location. Analytical evaluation of the communication plan has enabled the chapter to measure their successes, grow their membership, and improve communications to all members.

      2017 Recipient

      Comms- Upsilon

      Upsilon Chapter #018

      New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing
      New York, USA

      Upsilon Chapter at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing was founded in 1961 as Sigma's 18th Chapter. During its 56 years, Upsilon has remained a vibrant and integral part of the NYU and New York City nursing community. With a robust communication plan that includes email (Upsilon, NYU Meyers), social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn), websites (The Circle, NYU Meyers), multimedia (NYU Meyers monitors, Dean's Desk), and a new newsletter (Upsilon News!), Upsilon has increased attendance at events and overall member engagement with the chapter.

      2015 Recipient

      Rho Delta Chapter #410

      Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery Pakistan

      Rho Delta Chapter has a comprehensive body of work for chapter communication and publicity this biennium. The chapter has used every form of multi-media — email, newsletters, membership brochure, Facebook, Twitter, websites, flyers, display tables, and event announcements. They have had a consistent presence in their community showcasing their chapter through displays at their affiliate hospital, a community NGO, and an orphanage for International Nurses Day, World Children’s Day and partnered events.

      Chapter Excellence Award
      Ethel Palmer Clarke Founders Award

      2019 Award Recipient

      Beta Xi Chapter #060


      University of Delaware, School of Nursing
      Delaware, USA


      Beta Xi Chapter is committed to all their members, welcoming new thoughts and ideas as they foster nursing research, global ideals, and the enhancement of the nursing profession. Student interns are actively involved in creative projects that benefit chapter members while developing their own leadership skills. Chapter leaders contact lapsed members on an individual basis, engaging not only the current member, but also reminding the lapsed member that THEY are important to the organization. Beta Xi provides multiple opportunities to engage its members in volunteer opportunities in the community and collaborates with health care systems, the alumni association and university, and other chapters. The chapter also conducts a summer camp for high school students interested in a health sciences career. The experience provides a deep exploration into health science majors and careers in an on-campus, college experience.

      2017 Recipient

      Founders- Ethel Palmer Clark2

      Rho Chi at-Large Chapter #428

      HAN University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Nursing Studies; Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Healthcare Studies; Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Academie Gezondheidszorg; University of Applied Sciences Utrecht; Utrecht University, Department of Nursing Science
      Netherlands

      Rho Chi at-Large is committed to engaging, educating and mentoring its members. The chapter has embraced technology to promote membership recruitment, re-engagement, retention, and community engagement. Rho Chi is determined to connect with members, even using Skype to include everyone. Their strategic plan reflects thought and foresight into chapter and member goals. Rho Chi at-Large Chapter is an exemplary Sigma leader!

      2015 Recipient

      Pi Gamma Chapter #385

      Mercer University Georgia Baptist College of Nursing Georgia, USA

      On 18 May 1998, the Nursing Honor Society of Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University was officially chartered as the Pi Gamma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. The chapter celebrated 17 years of active service in May 2015. The chapter currently has 201 active members. Pi Gamma Chapter accepted its 8th Chapter Key Award during the 43rd Biennial International Convention held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, in November 2015. While we struggle with the same issues as many chapters (member retention and participation), we strive to provide a meaningful experience for our members. Our members live out the Sigma mission daily, to advance world health and celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. Our dedication, perseverance, and hard work have led to this award.

      Melanie C. Dreher Award for Outstanding Chapter Support

      2019 Award Recipient

      2019 Dean Recip- Harper

      Doreen Harper PhD, RN, FAAN


      Dean and Fay B. Ireland Endowed Chair in Nursing Dean and Professor
      UAB School of Nursing
      Birmingham, AL United States


      Dean Harper has sustained an exceptional level of contributions over many years through active participation in and support of Nu Chapter activities. She assigned support staff to assist the chapter with creating its newsletter, information packets for induction, and sending letters to members — continuously improving the visibility for the chapter and advocating for its leadership. As Nu Chapter has grown, Dean Harper also connected the chapter with UAB’s Office of Student Success to collaboratively host biannual induction ceremonies. Allowing the Office of Student Success to assist with planning the event has resulted in increased program visibility, and induction attendance has increased 150 percent. Dean Harper uses a portion of the dean’s fund to provide funding for PhD students and faculty to attend Sigma events to promote individual scholarship and network with fellow researchers and Sigma members from around the globe. Dean Harper’s visionary leadership has improved Nu Chapter by helping grow its membership and increasing its visibility. Dean Harper is perhaps Nu Chapter’s strongest advocate and she has strategically influenced the chapter to reach for higher achievements year after year.

      2017 Recipient

      Dreher- Kirschling

      Jane Marie Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN

      Dean and Professor
      University of Maryland School of Nursing
      Maryland, USA

      It is truly an honor to receive this award. I have been very fortunate to work with exceptional nurse leaders in multiple Schools of Nursing and their passion for advancing the mission of Sigma is contagious.

      Since 2013, Jane Marie Kirschling has served as dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing and director of interprofessional education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She previously held faculty positions at the University of Kentucky, University of Southern Maine, University of Rochester, and Oregon Health Science University. A member of Pi Chapter, Kirschling chaired the Sigma Foundation Board (2003-2005), co-chaired the International Advisory Council of Chief Nursing Officers and Deans (2007-2009), and is a Virginia Henderson Fellow and Billye Brown Fellow. From 2012-2014, she served as President of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Board. Kirschling is an alumna of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Executive Fellows Program. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Viterbo College and her Master of Science in Nursing and PhD degrees from the Indiana University School of Nursing.

      2015 Recipient

      Patrick R. Coonan, RN, EdD, NEA-BC, FACHE

      Dean and Professor Adelphi University, College of Nursing and Public HealthNew York, USAAlpha Omega Chapter #046

      Dr. Patrick Coonan is the inaugural Dean at the College of Nursing and Public Health at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York, and has an extensive and comprehensive history in nursing leadership and education. He has held senior administrative positions at educational institutions and major medical centers in the New York metropolitan area and in addition to academic administration, has been the chief nurse executive of an academic medical center, a multi facility health system and a teaching community hospital. His previous academic experience includes administrative and teaching positions at Columbia, Rutgers, Long Island and Pace universities, where he developed technology enhanced learning and community based clinics, as well as teaching management, informatics, critical care, and emergency nursing. He has written and presented on numerous management and leadership topics, technology implementation, educational partnerships, program development, measurement and evaluation of education, and healthcare system operations.

      Dorothy Ford Buschmann Outstanding New Member Award

      2019 Award Recipient

      Rebecca Ehrig BSN, RN


      Registered Nurse
      CHI Health- CUMC Bergan Mercy
      Omaha, NE USA


      Rebecca joined Sigma in October 2017 and is a member of Omicron Epsilon where she serves on the chapter board as a director. She is an exceptional nurse who has excelled in each subcomponent of the New Member Pillar Award. During her nursing education, Rebecca established strong relationships with her peers, serving as a positive role model and mentor to other nursing students. She worked in the college Success Center as a tutor for all nursing and science courses: later developing and leading the Supplemental Instruction program at Clarkson College. According to Omicron Epsilon president Nancy McMahon, Rebecca’s involvement and leadership in Omicron Epsilon has inspired other students to accept their invitations to join Sigma. We wish Rebecca the best as she continues her professional growth and development in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Creighton University in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Track.

      2017 Recipient

      Pillar- Schwab

      Tracy Schwab, MSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC

      Nurse Practitioner
      Kent State University College of Nursing
      Ohio, USA

      I am so honored and humbled to receive this award.  My involvement in the Delta Xi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International has truly enhanced my practice as a nurse leader through scholarship, philanthropy and networking.  I truly believe the best way to affect change is to lead by example.

      After graduating magna cum laude from Case Western Reserve University with her BSN in 2008, Tracy began her career at the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus in Cardiothoracic ICU, specializing in heart/lung transplant and cardiac assist devices.  Additionally, she has held several part-time positions to enhance her experience in nursing, including adjunct clinical faculty for Cuyahoga Community College.  This spring Tracy received her MSN, with a specialization as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, at Kent State University College of Nursing.  Prior to graduating, Tracy accepted a position at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center as a Heart Failure ICU NP.  She is very active in her chapter, Delta Xi.  Following her 2016-2017 term as Student Leadership Intern, Tracy will transition into the Webmaster/Publicity chair position. Tracy is passionate and committed to the promotion of global health and wellness and believes, “the best way to affect change is to lead by example”.

      2015 Recipient

      Jerico G. Alicante, MAN(c), BSN, RN, CNN

      Training Specialist for Research and Development Health Care Corporation of America - Health ConnectionsPhilippinesAlpha Eta Chapter #029Tau Nu Chapter #443

      Jerico Gamiao Alicante, MAN(c), BSN, RN, CNN, is a training specialist for Research and Development at Health Care Corporation of America – Health Connections based in McKinley Hill, Taguig City, Philippines. He was a critical care nurse intern at the University of Perpetual Help Dalta Medical Center and became instructor of medical-surgical nursing at Our Lady of Fatima University. He is board-certified in nephrology nursing and has served as a member of board of directors for Renal Nurses Association of the Philippines. He is an active member of Sigma's Alpha Eta and Tau Nu chapters. In May 2015, Jerico was elected to the Alpha Eta Chapter board of directors’ Leadership Succession Committee for the 2015 to 2017 term. Mr. Alicante, a Virginia Henderson Fellow and a Billye Brown Fellow, is being considered for the upcoming Who's Who in the World® 2016.

      Return to International Awards for Nursing Excellence »

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