Alumni Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2005 Newsletter

The University of Texas at Austin | School of Nursing

The School of Nursing is pleased to bring this electronic newsletter to its alumni and friends.

Volume 1, Number 2

July 25, 2005

HEADLINES

113 Students receive degrees at Spring 2005 Convocation
School of Nursing creates new PhD in alternate entry program
Nursing faculty led volunteers in tsunami relief effort
Researcher seeks to improve health of those who care for chronically ill

Top Story

SPRING 2005 CONVOCATION
The Spring Convocation was held on Friday, May 20, 2005 at the Bass Concert Hall. Of those graduating, 65 received their Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 45 received their Master of Science in Nursing, and 3 received their Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. In addition, one student received a post-master's Family Nurse Practitioner certificate. Michael Hyder Limerick (PhD), Sabrina Quintanilla Mikan (MSN), and Cherie Elizabeth Simpson (Alternate Entry MSN) were named Outstanding Graduate Students, and Maxine Orieji Ogbaa and Dagoberto Salinas, Jr. were named Outstanding Undergraduate Students. Dr. Patricia Carter, Assistant Professor, served as Marshal. The Convocation address was given by Ms. Anita Perry, MSN, First Lady of Texas.

KVUE (Austin ABC affiliate) interviewed two nursing graduates at the School's spring convocation. The news story featured the job outlook for nursing students and nursing shortages. Click here to see video in: Quicktime Movie or Windows Media Player format.

SCHOOL OF NURSING CREATES PHD IN ALTERNATE ENTRY PROGRAM
In response to shortages in nursing and nursing faculty, the School of Nursing has created a new Ph.D. option in its alternate-entry program.

NURSING FACULTY LED VOLUNTEERS IN TSUNAMI RELIEF
William T. Bester, Professor of Clinical Nursing, was recruited by Project HOPE to head the nursing volunteers on a hospital ship to assist in the tsunami-affected region along the South Asia coastlines. Ronda Schultz, MSN student and President of the Association of Nurses in Graduate School, volunteered in the effort.

William Bester was interviewed by KXAN (Austin NBC affiliate) after he returned from several weeks in Indonesia aboard the USNS Mercy. Click here to see video in: Quicktime Movie or Windows Media Player format.

Research News

RESEARCHER SEEKS TO IMPROVE HEALTH OF THOSE WHO CARE FOR CHRONICALLY ILL
Scheduling and driving to countless doctorÕs visits and chemotherapy sessions, picking up prescriptions, handling mountains of insurance forms, vigilantly watching her spouseÕs nutrition and staminaÑLanie Tankard wasnÕt expecting her 32-year-old marriage to come to this.

Faculty News

Congratulations to the following faculty who received Faculty Excellence Awards at the annual Faculty Organization meeting held on May 11, 2005, for their achievement in the areas of research, writing, and service: Dr. Regina Johnson, Assistant Professor, Dr. Lorraine Walker, Professor, Dr. Graham McDougall, Associate Professor, Dr. Diane Tyler, Associate Professor of Clinical Nursing, Dr. Carol Taxis, Assistant Professor in Clinical Nursing, and Ms. LaRita Spence, Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing.

NEW FACULTY, SUMMER 2005
Susan Franzetti , Instructor in Clinical Nursing, received her MSN from the School of Nursing in 2005. Ms. Franzetti has served as the district nurse for Del Valle Independent School District and is currently working at St. David's Medical Center and Pflugerville Independent School District. She has also been very involved with the School's Children's Wellness Center in Del Valle. Ms. Franzetti is a member of the Texas Public Health Association, the American Public Health Association, the Texas Association of School-Based Health Centers, and the Texas School Health Association.

TRANSITIONS
Dr. Kay Avant, Associate Professor, has accepted the position of Department Chair at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. In addition to her research and teaching, Dr. Avant served as Chair of the Family Health Division and on various University faculty committees. She was a Fulbright Professor of Nursing Science at the Institute for Nursing Science at the University of Oslo, and was awarded a 2003-2004 Fulbright Scholar grant at Chiang Mai University in Thailand.

Dr. Doris Coward, Associate Professor, retired after 13 years at the School of Nursing. In addition to her contribution to research and to the School, Dr. Coward was the recipient of the 1997 University of Texas at Austin Volunteer Center's Outstanding Faculty/Staff Volunteer of the Year Award, and was a nominee for the Oncology Nursing society/Schering Excellence in Nursing Research Award in 1997.

Ms. Ann Klingner, Pediatric Clinical Specialist, has been a member of our faculty since 1977. She leaves UT to work in patient and family education at the Children's Hospital of Austin.

Dr. Shirley Laffrey, Associate Professor, will retire at the end of the 2004-2005 academic year after 15 years at the School of Nursing. During her tenure here, Dr. Laffrey served as Coordinator of the Community Health (later Public Health) program and as Division Chair. She also received an Outstanding Service Award from the Association of Community Health Nursing Educators and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Austin/Travis County Health Department's Walk Texas Proram.

Dr. Kathy May, Assistant Professor since 2002, accepted a position at the University of Arizona effective Fall 2005.

Alumni News

UPDATES
Corrections: Carey Simon, BSN 1999, is at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver and reports that he is "loving nursing." Our apologies to you Carey.

Geralyn (Gerry) Watts Bush, BSN 1976, is currently living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and volunteering for the Make a Wish Foundation and a substitute School Nurse. She is married with one daughter.

Antonio Davila, BSN 1985, owns RN PLUS Medical Supplies, Inc. Antonio became a Certified Pedorthist in 2003, opened a shoe store for diabetic patients in San Antonio and serves the general public as well as Medicare patients.

Jessica Dodge, BSN 1997, works as a realtor in Austin, specializing in residential sales. Jessica writes that she is "still a nurse at heart," and applies all the skills and education she received at UT in a different setting. She goes to Nicaragua for one week each year with Central Texas Missions to work as a nurse in remote villages.

Jovina Fonbuena, BSN 1999, works as a travel nurse with Cross Country TravCorps, based in Boca Raton, Florida. Jovina is also a pediatric hematology/oncology nurse.

Amy Gunckel, BSN 2001, has been working as an RN First Assistant in the operating room at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico since graduation. Her team performs coronary artery bypass, valve repair and reconstruction, and many thoracic and vascular procedures. Amy is a member of AORN, has become CNOR certified, and is working toward becoming a certified RNFA.

Laurey Sherman, BSN 1985, has been living and working in Sao Paulo, Brazil, since 2001. She married a Brazilian, speaks fluent Portuguese, and works as a Senior Program Manager for Oracle Corporation. Laurey writes, "as an American RN, I am very critical of foreign healthcarre systems, but I can say I am very impressed with the quality of care given here in Sao Paulo."

HONORS
Mr. Michael Aldridge, BSN 1997, MSN 2004, and Mr. James Davis, BSN 1981, MSN 1989, were selected as the Texas Nurses Association's Fabulous Five in 2005. The Fabulous Five are nurses judged to have made a difference during their careers based on qualities of leadership, compassion, role-modeling, community service, and contributions to the profession.

Dr. M. Christina Esperat, PhD 1990, was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing during its 31st Annual Meeting and Conference, November 13, 2004, in Washington, DC.

Dr. Cara Simon, CPNP, BSN 1995, instructor of pediatrics and a pediatric nurse practitioner at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, has received an Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Foundation Research Fellowship, which she will use "to develop an area of pediatric oncology research."

Dr. Teddy Jones, MSN 1970, has published A Stone for Every Journey with friend and collaborator, Edwina McConnell. The biographical novel is a story of two young nursing students whose lives were changed after meeting and working with Elinor Gregg, first supervisor of nurses for the Indian Service.

Dr. Susan Wilkinson, PhD 2004, has received a grant to renovate/expand their school-based clinic. The grant, funded by the San Angelo Health Foundation, will allow for expanding their services to include adult services.

IN MEMORIAM
Amy Burdett Brown (BSN 1992), April 7, 2005

Geneva Eads Brown (BSN 1954), May 26, 2004

Morley William Christensen (BSN 1973), April 15, 2005

Ida Marie Robinson (MSN 1983), May 20, 2005

Frances Fry Ross (MSN 1978), April 4, 2005

Terry Eugene White (BSN 1971), June 20, 2005

Upcoming Events

AUSTIN-AREA ALUMNI MEET & GREET
Join us for happy hour at Scholtz Garten on Tuesday, August 16, at 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Margaret Hill, 471-9906, or email at mhill@mail.nur.utexas.edu.

BLANTON LECTURE
Dr. Peter I. Buerhaus, RN, FAAN, Valere Potter Professor of Nursing and Senior Associate Dean for Research at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, will present the Jack and Laura Lee Blanton Lecture in Nursing on September 27, 2005. Dr. Buerhaus's research program involves studies on employment and earnings of nursing personnel, implications of an aging RN workforce, nurse staffing and quality of patient care, and health professionals and public opinion on issues affecting the delivery of health care. Please check the School of Nursing website later this summer for more information.

Please feel free to forward this e-newsletter to other School alumni and friends.

Please visit the following School of Nursing Web sites for more information:

School of Nursing in the News

Alumni and Friends

Alumni Updates

Calendar of Events

About this e-mail

This electronic newsletter is published three times per year and is designed to keep faculty, staff and friends informed about The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing. To ensure we meet your needs, please share your comments and suggestions by sending an e-mail to Margaret Hill. This e-mail message was sent to you because you have provided your e-mail address to The University of Texas at Austin or to the School of Nursing. If you do not wish to receive future e-mail messages from the School of Nursing, you may unsubscribe now by sending an e-mail to Margaret Hill with the following in the subject line: unsubscribe newsletter. If you prefer to receive a text version of the newsletter send an email to Margaret Hill with the following in the subject line: subscribe alumninewstext firstname lastname If you wish to subscribe to this publication, send an email to Margaret Hill with the following in the subject line: subscribe newsletter firstname lastname.



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Volume 1, Number 2 July 25, 2005 HEADLINES 113 Students receive degrees at Spring 2005 Convocation School of Nursing creates new PhD in alternate entry program Nursing faculty led volunteers in tsunami relief effort Researcher seeks to improve health of those who care for chronically ill Top Story SPRING 2005 CONVOCATION The Spring Convocation was held on Friday, May 20, 2005 at the Bass Concert Hall. Of those graduating, 65 received their Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 45 received their Master of Science in Nursing, and 3 received their Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. In addition, one student received a post-master's Family Nurse Practitioner certificate. Michael Hyder Limerick (PhD), Sabrina Quintanilla Mikan (MSN), and Cherie Elizabeth Simpson (Alternate Entry MSN) were named Outstanding Graduate Students, and Maxine Orieji Ogbaa and Dagoberto Salinas, Jr. were named Outstanding Undergraduate Students. Dr. Patricia Carter, Assistant Professor, served as Marshal. The Convocation address was given by Ms. Anita Perry, MSN, First Lady of Texas. KVUE (Austin ABC affiliate) interviewed two nursing graduates at the School's spring convocation. The news story featured the job outlook for nursing students and nursing shortages. Click here to see video in: Quicktime Movie or Windows Media Player format. SCHOOL OF NURSING CREATES PHD IN ALTERNATE ENTRY PROGRAM In response to shortages in nursing and nursing faculty, the School of Nursing has created a new Ph.D. option in its alternate-entry program. NURSING FACULTY LED VOLUNTEERS IN TSUNAMI RELIEF William T. Bester, Professor of Clinical Nursing, was recruited by Project HOPE to head the nursing volunteers on a hospital ship to assist in the tsunami-affected region along the South Asia coastlines. Ronda Schultz, MSN student and President of the Association of Nurses in Graduate School, volunteered in the effort. William Bester was interviewed by KXAN (Austin NBC affiliate) after he returned from several weeks in Indonesia aboard the USNS Mercy. Click here to see video in: Quicktime Movie or Windows Media Player format. Research News RESEARCHER SEEKS TO IMPROVE HEALTH OF THOSE WHO CARE FOR CHRONICALLY ILL Scheduling and driving to countless doctorÕs visits and chemotherapy sessions, picking up prescriptions, handling mountains of insurance forms, vigilantly watching her spouseÕs nutrition and staminaÑLanie Tankard wasnÕt expecting her 32-year-old marriage to come to this. Faculty News Congratulations to the following faculty who received Faculty Excellence Awards at the annual Faculty Organization meeting held on May 11, 2005, for their achievement in the areas of research, writing, and service: Dr. Regina Johnson, Assistant Professor, Dr. Lorraine Walker, Professor, Dr. Graham McDougall, Associate Professor, Dr. Diane Tyler, Associate Professor of Clinical Nursing, Dr. Carol Taxis, Assistant Professor in Clinical Nursing, and Ms. LaRita Spence, Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing. NEW FACULTY, SUMMER 2005 Susan Franzetti , Instructor in Clinical Nursing, received her MSN from the School of Nursing in 2005. Ms. Franzetti has served as the district nurse for Del Valle Independent School District and is currently working at St. David's Medical Center and Pflugerville Independent School District. She has also been very involved with the School's Children's Wellness Center in Del Valle. Ms. Franzetti is a member of the Texas Public Health Association, the American Public Health Association, the Texas Association of School-Based Health Centers, and the Texas School Health Association. TRANSITIONS Dr. Kay Avant, Associate Professor, has accepted the position of Department Chair at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. In addition to her research and teaching, Dr. Avant served as Chair of the Family Health Division and on various University faculty committees. She was a Fulbright Professor of Nursing Science at the Institute for Nursing Science at the University of Oslo, and was awarded a 2003-2004 Fulbright Scholar grant at Chiang Mai University in Thailand. Dr. Doris Coward, Associate Professor, retired after 13 years at the School of Nursing. In addition to her contribution to research and to the School, Dr. Coward was the recipient of the 1997 University of Texas at Austin Volunteer Center's Outstanding Faculty/Staff Volunteer of the Year Award, and was a nominee for the Oncology Nursing society/Schering Excellence in Nursing Research Award in 1997. Ms. Ann Klingner, Pediatric Clinical Specialist, has been a member of our faculty since 1977. She leaves UT to work in patient and family education at the Children's Hospital of Austin. Dr. Shirley Laffrey, Associate Professor, will retire at the end of the 2004-2005 academic year after 15 years at the School of Nursing. During her tenure here, Dr. Laffrey served as Coordinator of the Community Health (later Public Health) program and as Division Chair. She also received an Outstanding Service Award from the Association of Community Health Nursing Educators and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Austin/Travis County Health Department's Walk Texas Proram. Dr. Kathy May, Assistant Professor since 2002, accepted a position at the University of Arizona effective Fall 2005. Alumni News UPDATES Corrections: Carey Simon, BSN 1999, is at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver and reports that he is "loving nursing." Our apologies to you Carey. Geralyn (Gerry) Watts Bush, BSN 1976, is currently living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and volunteering for the Make a Wish Foundation and a substitute School Nurse. She is married with one daughter. Antonio Davila, BSN 1985, owns RN PLUS Medical Supplies, Inc. Antonio became a Certified Pedorthist in 2003, opened a shoe store for diabetic patients in San Antonio and serves the general public as well as Medicare patients. Jessica Dodge, BSN 1997, works as a realtor in Austin, specializing in residential sales. Jessica writes that she is "still a nurse at heart," and applies all the skills and education she received at UT in a different setting. She goes to Nicaragua for one week each year with Central Texas Missions to work as a nurse in remote villages. Jovina Fonbuena, BSN 1999, works as a travel nurse with Cross Country TravCorps, based in Boca Raton, Florida. Jovina is also a pediatric hematology/oncology nurse. Amy Gunckel, BSN 2001, has been working as an RN First Assistant in the operating room at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico since graduation. Her team performs coronary artery bypass, valve repair and reconstruction, and many thoracic and vascular procedures. Amy is a member of AORN, has become CNOR certified, and is working toward becoming a certified RNFA. Laurey Sherman, BSN 1985, has been living and working in Sao Paulo, Brazil, since 2001. She married a Brazilian, speaks fluent Portuguese, and works as a Senior Program Manager for Oracle Corporation. Laurey writes, "as an American RN, I am very critical of foreign healthcarre systems, but I can say I am very impressed with the quality of care given here in Sao Paulo." HONORS Mr. Michael Aldridge, BSN 1997, MSN 2004, and Mr. James Davis, BSN 1981, MSN 1989, were selected as the Texas Nurses Association's Fabulous Five in 2005. The Fabulous Five are nurses judged to have made a difference during their careers based on qualities of leadership, compassion, role-modeling, community service, and contributions to the profession. Dr. M. Christina Esperat, PhD 1990, was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing during its 31st Annual Meeting and Conference, November 13, 2004, in Washington, DC. Dr. Cara Simon, CPNP, BSN 1995, instructor of pediatrics and a pediatric nurse practitioner at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, has received an Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Foundation Research Fellowship, which she will use "to develop an area of pediatric oncology research." Dr. Teddy Jones, MSN 1970, has published A Stone for Every Journey with friend and collaborator, Edwina McConnell. The biographical novel is a story of two young nursing students whose lives were changed after meeting and working with Elinor Gregg, first supervisor of nurses for the Indian Service. Dr. Susan Wilkinson, PhD 2004, has received a grant to renovate/expand their school-based clinic. The grant, funded by the San Angelo Health Foundation, will allow for expanding their services to include adult services. IN MEMORIAM Amy Burdett Brown (BSN 1992), April 7, 2005 Geneva Eads Brown (BSN 1954), May 26, 2004 Morley William Christensen (BSN 1973), April 15, 2005 Ida Marie Robinson (MSN 1983), May 20, 2005 Frances Fry Ross (MSN 1978), April 4, 2005 Terry Eugene White (BSN 1971), June 20, 2005 Upcoming Events AUSTIN-AREA ALUMNI MEET & GREET Join us for happy hour at Scholtz Garten on Tuesday, August 16, at 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Margaret Hill, 471-9906, or email at mhill@mail.nur.utexas.edu. BLANTON LECTURE Dr. Peter I. Buerhaus, RN, FAAN, Valere Potter Professor of Nursing and Senior Associate Dean for Research at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, will present the Jack and Laura Lee Blanton Lecture in Nursing on September 27, 2005. Dr. Buerhaus's research program involves studies on employment and earnings of nursing personnel, implications of an aging RN workforce, nurse staffing and quality of patient care, and health professionals and public opinion on issues affecting the delivery of health care. Please check the School of Nursing website later this summer for more information. Please feel free to forward this e-newsletter to other School alumni and friends. Please visit the following School of Nursing Web sites for more information: School of Nursing in the News Alumni and Friends Alumni Updates Calendar of Events About this e-mail This electronic newsletter is published three times per year and is designed to keep faculty, staff and friends informed about The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing. To ensure we meet your needs, please share your comments and suggestions by sending an e-mail to Margaret Hill. This e-mail message was sent to you because you have provided your e-mail address to The University of Texas at Austin or to the School of Nursing. If you do not wish to receive future e-mail messages from the School of Nursing, you may unsubscribe now by sending an e-mail to Margaret Hill with the following in the subject line: unsubscribe newsletter. If you prefer to receive a text version of the newsletter send an email to Margaret Hill with the following in the subject line: subscribe alumninewstext firstname lastname If you wish to subscribe to this publication, send an email to Margaret Hill with the following in the subject line: subscribe newsletter firstname lastname.
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