Delta Psi

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	Delta Psi Scholarship Awarded to Two High School Seniors During the EBCE recognition ceremony in May, Mary DeLetter presented a $500 Delta Psi Undergraduate Scholarship to two high school graduating seniors. The scholarships were awarded to Emily Dunn, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and Jill Schilffarth, Bryan Station High School. Both explored a nursing career by participating in the Fayette County School Experienced-Based Career Education (EBCE) Program. Emily’s EBCE sites included the Pediatric Unit at Central Baptist Hospital and the Mother/Baby Unit and Medical ICU at UK Hospital. Emily found that she “loved working with people of all ages and being a part of helping them regain their health.” Jill’s placements included Pediatrics at Central Baptist Hospital, the Family Care Center, and UK Children’s Hospital. Jill has a head start on her nursing education, as she has already become a Certified Nursing Assistant. She expressed, “I learned how sad it is to see children sick and suffering. But, I also understand how a nurse can help relieve some or all of that hurting.” Both Emily and Jill will be taking University Studies courses in the Fall, 2005 and anticipate applying to the UK College of Nursing for Fall, 2006 admission. Both of these young women have demonstrated a true desire and commitment to nursing. Congratulations Jill and Emily! Pictured left to right: Dr. Mary DeLetter, Jill Schilffarth, Emily Dunn, and Carol Komara
	Daniel Pesut, President of Sigma Theta Tau International presents at Spring Induction Ceremony As part of the May 5th, 2005 Spring Induction Ceremonies, Daniel Pesut, President of Sigma Theta Tau International, presented the Delta Psi Chapter with a framed certificate commemorating the Chapter's 25th anniversary. Dr. Pesut praised our Chapter for its commitment and leadership toward goals of the society and congratulated us for our large number of new inductees and for the exhibits showcasing talents of area nurses. Dean Carolyn Williams has provided Delta Psi with a display case and sitting area on the 3rd floor of the College of Nursing. Beginning this Fall, the area will be used to display the certificate from Dr. Pesut as well as previous awards received from Sigma Theta Tau International. The display case will be used to highlight members and chapter events and to support the theme for this year's Biennial Convention, "Create the Future Through Renewal." Dr. Daniel Pesut, President STTI Dr. Carolyn Williams, Dean
	Member of Delta Psi Named as Living Legend Dr. Juanita Fleming In November, Juanita Fleming, a long time member of Delta Psi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, was honored by the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) as one of five individuals chosen to be “2004 Living Legends”. This “Living Legend” honor, instituted by the Board of Directors of AAN in 1995, recognizes the most stellar of active AAN Fellows. These individuals serve as reminders of nursing’s proud history, and also serve as role models for future generations of nursing leaders. This is a *most deserving* honor for Dr. Fleming who was first inducted as a Fellow in the AAN in 1974. Dr. Fleming presently serves as Provost at Kentucky State University and is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Kentucky. During her tenure at the University of Kentucky, she held several positions from Director of the Maternal/Child Nursing Division and Associate Dean/Director of Graduate Education in the College of Nursing, to Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the Medical Center, and Special Assistant to the President for Academic Affairs. A review of Dr. Fleming’s bio shows that she received her BSN degree with high honors from Hampton University, her master’s degree in Nursing Education from the University of Chicago, and her doctorate in Educational Psychology from Catholic University of America. She holds an honorary doctorate in Public Service from Berea College in Kentucky. She has also served as visiting professor at Case Western Reserve University, the University of Michigan, Howard University, and Prairie View University. She has served on many advisory and review committees and panels for federal, state, and private organizations as well as serving on the editorial boards of several nursing journals. Dr. Fleming is known for her contributions to the fields of child health/development and for cultural diversity in health care. She has generated over $5 million is external support for research and programs, and is the author of three books, more than 20 book chapters, and over 50 published articles. She is consulted extensively both nationally and internationally in the areas of research, curriculum development and maternal-child health. She has also presented over 100 papers to various professional groups. In light of her significant contributions to the nursing profession, health care, and higher education, one is not surprised that she has received awards and honors too numerous to mention throughout her professional career. Her selection as a “Living Legend” seems most appropriate. So, we tip our hats to our colleague and say, “Congratulations! What outstanding accomplishments! We are so proud of you!”
	Chapter Leader Academy 2004 - Renew Your Leadership
	Representing 15 Sigma Theta Tau International regions, over 450 individuals from nearly all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and 3 other countries, gathered in Indianapolis for Chapter Leader Academy (CLA), November 5 and 6. Attending for Delta Psi were Erla Mowbray and Patty Hughes. Chapter Leader Academy provides a specialized educational opportunity to new and seasoned chapter officers. New officers receive a general overview of key chapter leadership topics through the basics track. Individuals may select basic leadership workshops including: chapter finance, retention strategies, eligibility and induction, chapter vitality, goal-setting, and strategic planning. The seasoned or more experienced officer receives more in-depth instruction on specialized leadership topics. Those officers attended workshops on advanced fund raising, building a presence in the clinical setting, community service projects, finding and utilizing volunteers, collaboration, and involving your Dean. The sessions were intense and thought provoking. Through all of these sessions, chapters were given opportunities to share various strategies on becoming a successful and vital chapter. Fortunately there was time for some net working and individual thought exchange. Erla and Patty had the opportunity to meet with other members of Region 9 for lunch. This provided a setting to meet other members and extend an invitation from Delta Psi to Region 9 members to come to Lexington for a fireside chat. They also had the opportunity to have dinner with colleagues from Northern Kentucky University (NKU). This presented an opportunity to exchange ideas about clinical and educational nursing activities. The Pinnacle Awards presentation was held on Saturday at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza Ballroom, a beautifully restored train station. It was here that various chapters and individuals were recognized for their contribution to nursing and STTI. The highlight of CLA was touring the STTI headquarters. Delegates were greeted by STTI President, Daniel Pesut and members of the STTI board and executive staff. During the tour, individuals were able to view every aspect of STTI operations, including the museum pieces that make up the Founders Room. At the conclusion of the tour, attendees were invited to sample cuisine from many of the countries where STT chapters are located. CLA serves as an avenue to strengthen chapter leadership and enhance the overall energy of the international organization. This is an excellent forum for individual chapters to share experiences and learn from others. Submitted by Patty Hughes Scholarships and Awards Tracey Spafford Lacey Troutman Barbara Kitchen Lisa Pederson Tukea Talbert News announcement for STTI The Delta Psi Chapter is excited about announcing the recipients of several scholarships for December 2004. We received numerous applications and wish to congratulate the successful applicants for the Delta Psi research and scholarship awards. The following undergraduate students received scholarship awards: Lissa Lansdale, Sonya Lichtenstein, and Tracey Spafford. Graduate student Lacey Troutman received a scholarship award and, in addition, doctoral students Barbara Kitchen, Lisa Pederson, and Tukea Talbert received scholarship monies towards their educational expenses. Delta Psi is also pleased to announce that two research awards were made to the following investigators for funding of their research: Chizimuzo T.C. Okoli received funding for his original research entitled, “Nicotine Dependence and Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Bar and Restaurant Workers;” and Darlene Welsh received an award (pending IRB approval) for her research study entitled, “ The Impact of Occupational Stress and Self-Efficacy on Psychological and Physiological Symptoms in Medical-Surgical Hospital Nurses.” We received several thank you letters from students expressing their gratitude in receiving the scholarship monies. Delta Psi is proud of the high caliber of applicants we had during the fall round. We congratulate all applicants on their awards and wish them much success in their academic endeavors. Please look for information on the research and scholarship awards for spring 2005. In addition the scholarship and research awards, names should be submitted for the following special awards: The Beatrice Hood Award for Nursing Practice, The Marion McKenna Award for Nursing Leadership and The Carolyn A. Williams Award for Nursing Research. Applications will be available in Student Services at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing. All award applications and nominations are due by March 7, 2005 to Lynn Roser, Lexington Community College, 303E Oswald Building, Lexington, KY 40506.