TODAY news - May 9, 2002 - School of Nursing news

Thursday, May 9, 2002 TODAY

School of Nursing news

School of Nursing celebrates 97 years with annual alumni homecoming

Representatives of the class of 1952 (from left) Katherine (Haffner) Davis, Dolores (Allen) Parks, Waltrene (Anderson) Snyder, Dorene (Poppe) Christensen, and Joan (Loveless) Harding present their class gift to Helen King, PhD, RN (second from right), dean, LLUSN.

The School of Nursing celebrated its 97th year with an alumni weekend held April 5 through 7 on the Loma Linda campus.

The weekend began with the alumni institute seminar presented by the School of Nursing Alumni Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Gamma Alpha Chapter titled “Christian Nursing in a Time of Crisis.”

The seminar, held at the Campus Chapel, University Church of Seventh-day Adventists, Loma Linda, was designed this year to help individuals gain information that will help in responding to physical and psychological problems resulting from disaster or crisis situations.

This year’s seminar featured the Mary Monteith Lecture, “Christian Nursing in a Time of Crisis” by Elizabeth Johnston Taylor, PhD, RN, associate professor of nursing, School of Nursing.

“It was personally satisfying for me to consider how my belief in Jesus influenced my approach to nursing. Of course, tragedy, trauma, and crisis are inherently times when we humans become especially aware of our religious beliefs and need religious coping strategies. This was the first lecture for which I was asked to discuss the Christian nurse perspective,” adds Dr. Taylor.

r. Taylor’s book, Spiritual Care: Nursing Theory, Research, and Practice was published in 2001. Her interest in spiritual care and nursing was formalized during her doctoral program at Penn State University, and a post-doctoral fellowship at University of California at Los Angeles, provided additional opportunity for research.

The seminar was a result of a successful partnership with the Gamma Alpha chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. Alumni and students alike learned fascinating information about the efficacy and precautions of complementary therapies,” says Ellen Mockus D’Errico, MS, RN, assistant professor, and president, School of Nursing Alumni Association.

Frances Brown, RN; Allen Francis, RN; and Steve Richter, RN, presented “Responding to a Disaster: What it’s Like, What to Expect, and What to Do.”

Ms. Brown, Mr. Francis, and Mr. Richter are all members of the San Bernardino County DMAT CA–2 team. The team travelled to New York City to help care for firefighters, police officers, and victims of September 11, 2001.

Marjorie Whitney, a graduate of the class of 1932, shares some memories during the homecoming vespers on Sabbath afternoon.

Following the DMAT team’s presentation, Ingrid Blomquist, MD, associate professor of medicine, School of Medicine, presented “A Practical Approach to Concerns about Bioterrorism. What to be Prepared for and What to Teach a Worried Public.”

Michael Kirby, PhD, associate professor, School of Medicine, then presented “The Psychobiology of Stress, from Acute to Chronic.”

Dr. Kirby is a neurobiologist who teaches neuroscience in the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry.

On Saturday, April 6, the first church service at the University Church of Seventh-day Adventists was held in celebration of the golden anniversary class, the class of 1952.

The second church service was devoted to the silver anniversary class, the class of 1977.

“Our Sabbath School and two church services had a great representation from our alumni. Song service, prayer, scripture reading, and special music were proudly presented by School of Nursing alumni,” adds Ms. D’Errico.

Almost 100 School of Nursing alumni attended Sabbath afternoon’s potluck luncheon at the Campus Cafeteria. The potluck provided a time for the alumni to socialize with each other in an informal setting.

The honoree vespers program was held Sabbath afternoon in the Campus Chapel of University Church.

During the vespers program, each honored class was invited to the front of the room for a picture and to share with the rest of the classes some of their memories from over the years.

“At the vespers program on Sabbath, classes paid honor and tribute to faculty who have made a difference in their lives and careers,” says Ms. D’Errico. “Annabelle Mills Hills, a long-time retired instructor at the School of Nursing, was remembered by several classes for her dedication, kindness, and patience.”

Following the vespers program, each honor class had their picture taken by a professional photographer, and then a short reception was held in the foyer of Wong Kerlee International Conference Center prior to the alumni banquet.

“The opportunity to talk with alumni during homecoming weekend reminded me again what a wonderful, supportive group of people they are. But of course you would expect that because they are nurses!” says Helen E. King, PhD, RN, dean, School of Nursing.

The alumni banquet, titled “2002: Passing the Torch,” began with a welcome, devotional, and invocation from Ms. D’Errico.

Banquet attendees were treated to a lavish dinner featuring an Italian cuisine.

Dr. King presented an update of the School of Nursing, including current faculty research, outreach in foreign countries, and student enrollment.

Six alumni working in countries outside the United States (total of seven countries were represented) received funds from the Alumni Association. More than $8,600 was sent to support a variety of projects ranging from funds for equipment, family camps, computer programs, support of a child nutrition program, and financial support for students participating in a Students for International Mission Service trip to Ecuador.

After Dr. King’s update, two Meritorious Scholarship Awards were presented. The undergraduate award was given to Caroline M. Clark. The graduate award was given to FuQin Liu.

The House of Thrift (HOT) volunteer report was given next. The School of Nursing offered its thanks to House of Thrift volunteers and employees for their continued support of the program.

Special recognition was given to HOT volunteers Lloyd and Helen Mickelson, who recently celebrated their one-year anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Mickelson became interested in volunteering for HOT when they came in to donate items last year.

During the past fiscal year, the Association received $12,900 from HOT profits. In addition, clothes, bedding, food, and other items (including a church organ) exceeding $660,078 were donated to the Banning, Hemet, and Romanian Seventh-day Adventist Churches, missions in Mexico and Honduras, and Jehovah’s Witness. The value of the donations were based on fair market value of estimation placed on barrels, boxes, and truckloads.

Alumni of the Year awards were presented by Katty Joy Fenton French, PhD, RN, associate professor, School of Nursing, and Eva Goodlett Miller, MS, RN, associate professor, School of Nursing, to Jonnel W. Pomeroy, RN, CPNP, and Mae Dickman Holland, RN.

Ms. D’Errico, current School of Nursing Alumni Association president, was awarded with a gift as thanks for her leadership in the alumni association during the past two years. Dee Hart, DrPH, RN, assistant professor of nursing, was introduced as the incoming alumni association president.

The class gifts for 2002 were then presented by representatives from each class.

The class of 1962 provided more than $6,400 for international nursing projects.

The class of 1972 gave more than $1,600 for a Dean’s Worthy Student Scholarship to be given in memory of Kathleen Gaskell Schmunk, an alumna of 1972.

The class of 1977 provided $2,500 for the incoming class of 2005–2006 for their community health-care kits.

“We are pleased to have so many dedicated, supportive alumni of our current programs in the School of Nursing, responds Diana Fisher, MA, director of development, School of Nursing. “They are all a blessing. It was our privilege to have them back on the Loma Linda campus.”

One new program that has been started recently is the Centennial Fellowships Program. The program was developed to build a one million dollar endowment fund that will support educational and scholarship programs within the school.

Gifts at levels of $20,000 or more will entitle the donor to Centennial Fellow status.

The class of 1952, the 50th anniversary class surprised Dr. King with a check for $40,000 toward the Centennial Endowment Fund.

Dolores Allen Parks, alumna of the class of 1952, delivered the presentation speech on behalf of her class.

“As proud alumni, the class of 1952 takes great pleasure in presenting our 50th anniversary gift of $40,000,” declared Ms. Parks.

“This endowment fund represents the class of 1952’s commitment to the School of Nursing Centennial Fellow Program, and we are partners in celebrating the past 100 years, as well as being a part of the future of all students.”

Unfortunately, before Ms. Parks could finish her check presentation speech, the fire alarm sounded, and all banquet attendees had to be cleared out from Wong Kerlee International Conference Center.

A steam leak in the other side of the building had set off the alarm, which had to be taken care of by the Loma Linda Fire Department.

The remaining banquet attendees gathered on the lawn outside Coleman Pavilion while the class of 1952 presented the check to Dr. King.

From left, Patricia Block Loye, class of 1952; Arlene Engevik McVoy, class of 1951; and Flogean McGuire Hardt, class of 1952, pose for a picture prior to the annual homecoming banquet.

Dr. King acknowledged the gifts and provided her thanks on behalf of the School.

The School of Nursing was established in the fall of 1905, graduating its first class in 1907. Two years ago, the School graduated its 6,000th student. In 2005, the School will celebrate its 100th anniversary.

“They tell me that they worked very hard to make that gift to the School of Nursing possible,” says Dr. King. “This class was the first class to graduate with a baccalaureate degree and have always felt special. They have kept a class newsletter going all these years. They continue to be a close and supportive group who want a bright future for their alma mater.”

As a result of the generosity of the class of 1952, Lian Funada, alumna of the class of 1997 also became a Centennial Fellow.

“I was so inspired by their loyalty and generosity that I decided to become a fellow. I really appreciate those who have paved the way before me. I want to do that for those who will follow me,” adds Ms. Funada.

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School of Nursing names alumni of the year and other awards at banquet

Alumni of the Year award recipient Mae Dickman Holland, RN (right), a member of the class of 1952, poses for a picture with class of 1962 alumna Julia McConnell Pearce, RN.

During the School of Nursing alumni banquet, “2002: Passing the Torch,” the Alumni of the Year and other awards were presented. The banquet was held April 6, in Wong Kerlee International Conference Center.

The awards were presented by Katty Joy Fenton French, PhD, RN, associate professor, School of Nursing, and Eva Goodlett Miller, MS, RN, associate professor, School of Nursing.

Alumna of the Year
Presented with the School of Nursing Alumna of the Year award was Jonnel W. Pomeroy, RN, CPNP.

Ms. Pomeroy, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, graduated from Loma Linda University School of Nursing in 1977. She began her professional career as an intensive care nurse while completing the pediatric nurse practitioner program. Upon completion of the course work, she was employed by the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health. During a 12-year period she gained extensive experience in community pediatric clinics. Being bilingual, she was most beneficial to her Spanish-speaking clientele. Of particular interest to Ms. Pomeroy was a child health clinic at a continuation school for pregnant minors in Rialto.

In 1988, she accepted a position in a private pediatric practice in Redlands. Since 1994, she has been employed with the Loma Linda University Medical Center pediatric teaching office, where she is a clinical instructor for the Loma Linda University School of Medicine and is the student director for the pediatric clerkship in this setting. Through this position she provides both direct and indirect patient care as she teaches medical students and non-licensed pediatric residents. She brings her nursing expertise to the development of policies, quality assurance measures, and design of clinic forms. In addition, she is involved in collaborative relationships with physicians and community agencies, as well as clinic overall functions and flow of services.

In 1997 and 1998, she helped develop and restart the pediatric nurse practitioner program at Loma Linda University School of Nursing. She also is committed to mission outreach and has gone to Mexico annually for the past five years to provide medical care and Christian love to those in such great poverty and need.

Class of 1977 alumna Jonnel W. Pomeroy, RN, CPNP (right), receives her Alumni of the Year award from Eva Goodlett Miller, MS, RN (left), associate professor, School of Nursing; and June Jepson Hibbard.

Currently, Ms. Pomeroy is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurses and Practitioners and is involved in the local Loma Linda Chapter.

Ms. Pomeroy’s plaque reads: “Loma Linda University School of Nursing Alumni Association honors Jonnel W. Pomeroy, RN, CPNP, BS, for superior clinical skills and clinical knowledge as a pediatric nurse practitioner in public health and pediatric practices and teaching and mentoring co-workers, nurse colleagues, medical students, and residents. Alumna of the Year Award, April 6, 2002.”

Alumna of the Year
Also presented with the Alumna of the Year award was Mae Dickman Holland, RN.

Ms. Holland graduated from Loma Linda University School of Nursing in 1952. She was a member of the first class to earn baccalaureate degrees in nursing in the then College of Medical Evangelists.

Ms. Holland started her nursing career as what she referred to as a “general duty nurse” in Chula Vista.

She then moved to Los Angeles and worked as a school nurse in Los Angeles City Schools, experiencing the riots of the 1960s.

During that time she also married attorney Robert Holland. During the 1960s, she had three children: Wendy Jo, Brian, and Lisa. Wendy is a registered nurse (a 1987 graduate of the School of Nursing). Brian graduated from Pacific Union College and is also a registered nurse. Lisa is a practicing attorney.

As her children were growing, Ms. Holland served in many leadership roles in church and community. When Robert was called to work in the business office at Pacific Union College, Ms. Holland began work as a nursing instructor. She taught fundamentals of nursing with emphasis on development of basic nursing skills to many nursing students who are practicing nurses today.

Some of these former students remember her with fondness and refer to her as a great person and role model.

Katty Joy Fenton French, PhD, RN (left), associate professor, School of Nursing, reads the Meritorious Scholarship Award plaque to nursing graduate student FuQin Liu.

“She was always helpful, patient, and open-minded. She loved to laugh with us and share her experiences,” says one such student.

Ms. Holland retired in December, 2000, having completed more than 18 years of launching fledgling nursing students.

Ms. Holland’s plaque reads: “Loma Linda University School of Nursing Alumni Association honors Mae Dickman Holland, BS, RN, for extraordinary commitment to professional nursing in school health, community service, and nursing education. Her students and colleagues remember her as a compassionate, encouraging teacher for ‘fledgling nurses.’ Alumna of the Year Award, April 6, 2002.”

Merit scholarships
For many years, a goal of the alumni association has been to recognize excellence in students and alumni through awards. Alumni of the Year awards have been presented to deserving alumni since 1967, but the alumni board was concerned that the organization’s goal was not being fully met, as students achieving excellence were not being recognized.

A committee was formed, and the description, criteria, eligibility, nature of the award, and procedures for application were created in 1995. The first merit scholarships were given in 1996. The School of Nursing Alumni Association merit scholarship is conferred annually to one undergraduate student and one graduate student who best demonstrates excellence in their respective programs. The award criteria are based on the purposes of Sigma Theta Tau International, the honor society of nursing.

Undergraduate nominees for the award must have completed 20 units in residence of their respective programs, have achieved a grade point average of 3.7 or higher, be committed to completing their respective programs, and be able to meet the award criteria. This criterion is intended to identify students who demonstrate excellence in their academic professional preparation.

The two merit scholarship awards were presented during the alumni banquet to graduate student FuQin Liu, and undergraduate student Caroline M. Clark.

Ms. Liu received her basic nursing education from Hangzhou Nursing School in Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China in 1996. After two years in nursing practice at the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital in Hangzhou, she was admitted to the Adventist University of the Philippines, where she completed her BS degree in nursing in October, 2000.

Committed to academic excellence, she has been on the dean’s list each quarter and is published in The National Dean’s List for the years 2000 to 2001, and 2001 to 2002. She has successfully passed the NCLEX (the nursing examination) and currently holds a position at the Loma Linda University Medical Center Rehabilitation Institute.

Dr. French presents nursing undergraduate student Caroline M. Clark with the Meritorious Scholarship Award.

A quiet but natural leader, she has been a client advocate in clinical settings and a mentor to classmates in subjects such as physiology. She has also served as a hostess to visiting nurses from the People’s Republic of China during their short stays in the United States as they learn western nursing techniques. Her passion for the profession and health-care quality are demonstrated in her critical thinking in the classroom and her thoughtful application of the concepts she is learning into Chinese health care.

Excited about her career and professional development, she indicates a desire for a doctoral degree in nursing.

Ms. Liu’s plaque reads: “Loma Linda University School of Nursing Alumni Association honors FuQin Liu, BS, for superior academic achievement during her graduate education and commitment to her professional goals and those she serves with the Meritorious Scholarship Award, April 6, 2002.”

Ms. Clark is currently a senior at Loma Linda University School of Nursing. Several experiences contributed to her decision to become a nurse. One was a time spent in Africa in a missionary setting. She wanted to, in her words, “help people know the Lord.” But she noticed that so many of other people’s needs were physical and health related. Later, a loved one was treated for a knee injury, and she saw the specific ways nurses could “make a difference.” She decided that nursing was for her.

One of her teachers described her as “a model student by virtue of her attention to detail, professional manner, use of resources to reach her goals, and her clear commitment to nursing.” Another teacher reports on how well Ms. Clark applies the nursing theory she has learned to solve problems in the clinical setting. She is described as a “prudent nurse.” She has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her University experience. She refuses to see nursing as “just a job” and recounts patient care experiences that create trust between clients and herself as caregiver.

Ms. Clark has demonstrated leadership ability in her work on student committees. In this capacity, she worked with faculty and other students in choosing a new student uniform design for the school.

Her fellow students note her intelligence and knowledge and express appreciation for her ability to share in ways that help others understand difficult concepts.

In summarizing her nursing school experience and looking forward to her career, she says, “most of all I hope that through these pursuits I will become a blessing to others.”

Ms. Clark’s plaque reads: “Loma Linda University School of Nursing Alumni Association honors Caroline M. Clark, for superior academic achievement during her undergraduate education and commitment to her professional goals and those she serves with the Meritorious Scholarship Award, April 6, 2002.”

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