“When I graduated from FPB on May 22, 1985, I had earned more than a master of science degree from one of the most prestigious nursing programs in the nation,” 2007 Distinguished Alumna Linda Q. Everett, PhD, MSN ’85, RN, CNAA, BC, FAAN, told fellow alumni and new graduates at the Alumni Luncheon on Saturday, May 19. “I had acquired skills that would prepare me for the rigor of a nursing administrative career, a thirst for lifelong education, and a passion to contribute to the profession of nursing.”
Congratulating the 56 members of the graduating class present, Dr. Everett, president of the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) and executive vice president and chief nursing executive at Clarian Health in Indianapolis, said, “Never underestimate the power of an exceptional educational experience from an exceptional academic environment. Those of you who are students now have chosen wisely. Go forward confidently and share your wisdom with others as you contribute to the nursing profession.”
Scott R. Ziehm, ND ’87, RN, an expert in psychiatric mental health nursing who has served as an academic administrator and faculty member at the School of Nursing at the University of California San Francisco since 1990, was honored with the 2007 Award for Excellence. Ferial Abdel Aziz M. Aly, PhD, MSN ’65, RN, was honored in absentia with the 2007 Alumni Association President’s Award. Dr. Aly is a professor of community health nursing in Alexandria, Egypt, and is well known for her work with the World Health Organization.
The Alumni Luncheon is always the most well attended event at Alumni Celebration, with this year’s crowd representing more than 20 states and totaling 240 returning alumni, graduates, faculty, volunteers, and guests. Many members of the Class of 2007 attended the luncheon due to the generous support of alumni donors.
Another favorite for many alumni is the Pinning Ceremony, which took place this year on Friday evening, May 18. Following the pinning, Dean May Wykle hosted visiting alumni at an Italian dinner, at which members of the Class of 1957 were presented with their 50-year commemorative pins. Alumni were then treated to a tour of the newly installed “Art & Soul of Nursing” photo gallery on the ground floor of the School. The gallery, featuring photographs taken by Nannette Bedway, is part of an initiative, led by Dean Wykle and supported by Bill Bolton, to beautify the School.
Alumni Celebration continued on the morning of May 19 with a thought-provoking continuing education seminar,“The Clinical Ethics Committee as a Resource for Nurses,” with keynote speaker Barbara J. Daly, PhD, MSN ’72, RN, FAAN, FPB professor and University Hospitals of Cleveland clinical ethics director. “Nurses are more likely to experience ethical dilemmas than other health care professionals because nurses are there all the time,” Dr. Daly explained. Urging attendees to consider the importance of taking a stand when faced with an ethical dilemma, she said, “There is no not deciding—turning your back and saying ‘I don’t want to get involved.’ That is deciding.”
After the luncheon and presentation of alumni awards, outgoing Alumni Association Board President Gale M. Barr, MSN ’99, BSN ’79, NP-C, RN, passed the president’s gavel to Brandon L. Ford, Esq., BSN ’01, RN. Mr. Ford, legal counsel for the Lubrizol Corporation in Wickliffe, Ohio, is the second male alumnus and the first African American male to serve as president of the FPB Alumni Association Board.
Some alumni extended their visit to their alma mater by attending the School of Nursing Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 20, at which American Nurses Association President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN ’98, RN, CNOR, gave an inspiring commencement address. This year’s Alumni Celebration was another rousing success.
--Tim Tibbitts |
