Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing was founded in 1922. The founders chose its name for the Greek words storgé, tharsos and timé, meaning love, courage and honor.
Sigma Theta Tau President Beth Baldwin Tigges presided over the chartering ceremony, establishing the Omega Theta Chapter at the college. It is the 558th Sigma Theta Tau chapter established. To become a chapter, the college followed a six-phase process that began with founding the Penn College Bachelor of Science Nursing Honor Society in 2017.Tigges also inducted chapter officers Monica A. Flexer, president, who received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the college in 2016 and is an adjunct instructor of nursing/practical nursing, and Valerie Myers, outgoing treasurer, assistant dean of nursing.
Other officers installed were Vice President Donnamarie Lovestrand, instructor of nursing; Secretary Dawn E. Murafka, instructor of nursing; Treasurer Margaret M. Faust, associate professor of nursing; and counselors Jessica L. Bower, simulation laboratory coordinator for nursing education, and Samantha M. Weaver, learning laboratory coordinator for nursing education.
In addition to Flexer and Myers, 25 new members, who include current students and alumni, were inducted to the society, pledging to fulfill the society’s “commitment to nursing excellence, knowledge, service and leadership” throughout their careers.
To be eligible for membership as an undergraduate, students must have completed half of their nursing curriculum, achieve academic excellence in the form of a 3.0 or higher GPA, rank in the top 35 percent of their graduating class, and meet the expectation of academic integrity.
To be eligible for membership as a nurse leader, a candidate must be legally recognized to practice nursing in their country, have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree, or the equivalent, and demonstrate achievement in nursing.
New inductees are:
Students
Kaitlyn L. Andersen, of Mastic, N.Y.; Rachel L. Carlson, of Blossburg; Meagan S. Dailey, of Dushore; Daria Datsenko, of Lewisburg; Erica L. Gause, of Bloomsburg; Hope V. Guthoff, of State College; Genevieve F. Guzman, of Pottsville; Olivia Hauger, of Lewisburg; Jean A. Laird, of Jersey Shore; Ashley N. Miller, of Lewisburg; Danielle E. Moore, of Osceola Mills; Danielle K. Rothra, of Williamsport; Joshua N. Tubbs, of Williamsport; Mylasia A. Watkins, of Howard; and Nicole G. Werts, of Cross Fork.
Alumni
Richard J. Cabral, ’14; Morgan E. Foust, ’17; Angela R. Lee, ’17; John M. Matthews, ’18; Andrew L. Mattocks, ’17 (with additional Penn College degrees in applied health studies, ’11, and paramedic technology, ’06); Dana S. Sealander, ’17; Rene Ramirez, ’17; Duncan Rodriguez, ’17; Kristin A. Weaver, ’17; and DeAnna M. Yerger, ’17 (with additional Penn College degrees in computer aided drafting, ’04, and architectural technology, ’99).
Penn College offers several associate and bachelor’s degree options in the nursing field and is developing curriculum for a master’s degree in nursing with program options in family nurse practitioner and nursing education. To learn more, call 570-327-4519.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
– Photos by Jennifer A. Cline, writer/magazine editor
Officers applaud as the Omega Theta chapter of Sigma Theta Tau is officially chartered. From left are Beth Baldwin Tigges, president of Sigma Theta Tau International, and chapter officers Dawn E. Murafka, secretary; Donnamarie Lovestrand, vice president; and Monica A. Flexer, president.
Newly inducted member and officer Valerie Myers, assistant dean of nursing, addresses the audience.
Flexer, installed as president and inducted as a new member, crosses the stage to sign her name in the membership roll.
New member Duncan Rodriguez, ’17, accepts congratulations from Tigges; Sandra L. Richmond, dean of nursing and health sciences; and Myers.
Richard Cabral, ’14, signs the roster.
Lovestrand pins a ribbon onto Danielle K. Rothra, of Williamsport.
Rachel L. Carlson, of Blossburg, accepts her honor cord from Tushanna M. Habalar, instructor of nursing.
Meagan S. Dailey, of Dushore, signs in.