Nursing students from Newman University and surrounding colleges were inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing on Nov. 5. Twelve Newman University students were among the 50 students inducted at the ceremony.
The Epsilon Gamma Chapter-At-Large encompasses nursing students from Newman University, Bethel College, Southwestern College, Tabor College and Wichita State University.
“It is an organization that promotes nursing excellence and has a focus on scholarship and philanthropy,” explained Assistant Professor of Nursing Amelia Hopper. She said, “It’s a great honor and opportunity for students to be inducted.”
Assistant Professor of Nursing Nancy Lugo-Baez served as president of the chapter the previous two years. She said, “Sigma rewards so many potential benefits for its members if they choose to take advantage of them.”
Both students and nurse leaders can become members. As for students, juniors and seniors can be invited to join but there are firm requirements. It takes a high GPA, one ranked in the upper 35 percent, as well as enrollment in a baccalaureate program. Students must also show academic integrity.
Being a part of this organization has big perks. Hopper said, “They will have access to research and research grants. Nursing employers know what it is and what it means so it is great for the resume and (there are) great networking opportunities.” On top of all that, members can attend conferences and workshops that augment their knowledge in the field.
The chapter itself holds at least two member meetings each year, some of which include continuing education courses — a necessity for nurses to retain their license. The board of directors meets monthly to plan and discuss induction, member meetings and projects.
New inductee Bryce Williams is honored to be a part of the organization because of its prestigious nature; only top nursing graduates are inducted into Sigma Theta Tau.
Williams said, “I will live out the mission of Sigma Theta Tau by integrating leadership, scholarship and service into my nursing practice. By having this mentality, the care being provided to patients will be more complete and will hopefully provide a sense of guidance to my fellow colleagues.”
Another new inductee, Miranda Terry, said, “I was drawn to this organization by the many opportunities and resources it provides to further develop nursing skills and knowledge. I am most looking forward to having access to continuing nursing education hours and nursing journals.”
She is passionate about nursing and feels that it was God’s will that brought her into the career field saying, “through clinicals, schooling and work I have become even more certain that this is His will for me … I am drawn to nursing by the unpredictability of each day and the new challenges I will face.”
Terry said she looks forward to serving others in her career and also for the opportunities the Honor Society will bring her.
“It is an amazing honor to be a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. I am excited to be a part of an organization that is improving healthcare worldwide,” she said.
The honor society is an international organization with chapters on every continent. This allows students to not only network locally but globally as well.
Lugo-Baez attended international conventions in 2013 and 2015 where she met nurses from all over the world. She said, “Our triumphs and issues do not differ greatly related to the profession or the people we care for.”
The group has done philanthropic work this year such as making blankets for victims of sexual assault and working at the local food pantry. Lugo-Baez said, “Service is an important part of the mission of the organization along with scholarship and leadership.”
Newman University 2017 inductees:
- Karen Bres
- Shelby L. Holmes
- Emily R. Nahr
- Kate E. Redford
- Miranda Kay Terry
- Alexa D. Cox
- Kelli R. Johnson
- Valerie M. Osborn
- Natalie R. Riedel
- Bryce M. Williams
- Sydney Taylor Henry
- Thao Thi Le
- Thu Phan
- Mara M. Stockemer
For more information on the nursing program at Newman University, visit the program’s website or call (316) 942-4291, ext. 2134.
