Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society Induction
The Upsilon Chi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society (Sigma) held its Induction on May 12, 2020. This event took place on the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. Her legacy of using evidence for practice, caring, and commitment to the most needed populations was celebrated. Over one hundred new members were inducted in to the chapter’s very first virtual ceremony. These new members included BSN, MSN, and doctoral students as well as faculty.
Highlights of the Induction Ceremony included an award presented to Marcella Rutherford, Ph.D., M.B.A, MSN, RN, Dean of the Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing, for Leadership and Vision. As the founding Dean of the Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), Rutherford oversaw the development of nursing education on six NSU campuses, including prelicensure, advanced practice nursing, and doctoral programs. Additionally, understanding the value of Sigma, she sought to have a chapter established at ACON and was a founding member of Upsilon Chi. Dean Rutherford also gave a powerful address to the inductees which highlighted the importance of nursing in difficult times, such as now. Mary Ellen Mitchell-Rosen, Ph.D., RN, faculty in the BSN Program in Fort Lauderdale/Davie, was presented with the Chapter Leadership and Engagement award for her continuous leadership in the Chapter. She too, was a founding member of Upsilon Chi and throughout its history has served as an officer. Mitchell-Rosen is the past president and current treasurer of the Chapter.
Our new inductees were the focus of the address by Shena Gazaway, Ph.D., MSN, RN, the Regional Coordinator of Sigma North America Region 7. She highlighted how membership and participation in Sigma are steppingstones to support nurses and to assist them in reaching their career goals. Students receiving special recognition for their scholarship included Yamilee Cabrol-Palma, BSN, RN, from the MSN ARPN Program in Palm Beach who received the Graduate Student award, and Chole Hollands from the Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus, who received both the Undergraduate and Community Service awards.
The president of Sigma, Richard Ricciardi‘s, Ph.D., CRNP, FAANP, FAAN call to action, to infuse joy was felt over the many miles as inductees, family, friends, faculty, and members gathered to celebrate their induction into the Upsilon Chi Chapter of Sigma.