Sigma Theta Tau International: Delta Upsilon Chapter

2009 Chapter Awards
Undergraduate Scholarship
	Angela Silvestri was awarded an undergraduate student scholarship. She earned a 3.56 GPA at Salve Regina University with a double major in nursing and sociology. She is committed to service and research, participating in an internship and research study in Belize, Central America in both 2008 and 2009 where she explored self-management of individuals with diabetes. She was described by her professor as employing deep self-reflection of her care and a high level of cultural sensitivity. Angela is actively engaged in her college community, serving as secretary of the Student Nurse Organization, as a mentor to sophomore nursing students, and as a tutor to other students in the program. Her professor describes her as having "a creative mind and an exceptional work ethic
	An undergraduate scholarship was also presented to Kate Molvig, who has earned a 3.522 GPA at Rhode Island College. She was described by her professors as consistently exceeding expectations in her own quiet way. She was also described as demonstrating clinical excellence, deep empathy for clients, and outstanding critical thinking and communication skills. She is committed to service, volunteering for the MS bike-a-thon and the CVS Care Walk. She earns money for her college tuition as a caregiver for children from newborn to 12 years as well as working as a unit secretary at Women and Infants Hospital.
Graduate Scholarship- Masters
	Esperanza Gutierrez was awarded a scholarship towards her Master’s work at Rhode Island College in the Public Health/Community Leadership track. She has earned a 3.782 GPA, and is described by her professors as being a highly intelligent and naturally inquisitive individual who is tremendously committed to scholarly activity and to the promotion of maternal child health in disadvantaged populations. Esperanza has practiced part time as a maternal child health visiting nurse for Children’s Friend and Service while focusing on her master’s studies and anticipates graduating this spring. She hopes to practice in a leadership position in a program planning capacity upon graduation to decrease health disparities among minorities in the community.
Graduate Scholarship- PhD
	Marcy Thompson was given a scholarship towards her PhD work at the University of Rhode Island, where she has earned a 3.95 GPA. She earned an MS from the Harvard School of Public Health in Physiology and Occupational Health Nursing. She was described by her professor as an extremely motivated, enthusiastic and tenacious student who is building and impressive program of research on the prevalence and impact of concurrent exposure to multiple environmental chemicals with known neurological and neuro-developmental among women of childbearing age, including those who are pregnant. Marcie has completed all of her doctoral course work requirements and has passed her oral and written comprehensive PhD exams. She is now working on her dissertation.
Francine Brem Excellence Award in Pediatric Research and Practice
Francine Brem was a nurse educator who taught pediatric nursing at both Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island. She was well known in Rhode Island as an extraordinary scholar and practitioner in pediatric nursing. Her passion for pediatric nursing practice and research have been recognized since her untimely death ten years ago by an award established by her family and given in her name annually at the induction ceremony, the Francine Brem Excellence Award in Pediatric Research and Practice. A Brem award was given to one student from each college.
	Ashley Stewart of Salve Regina University. Ashley’s nominating professor described her participation in a service learning mission to Belize, Central America where she demonstrated tremendous sensitivity to patients and families. On this mission, she demonstrated professionalism and cultural sensitivity as she taught children who had spina bifida to self-catheterize and coordinated educational sessions at a local orphanage. In addition, she spearheaded a drive to bring shoes, clothing, and supplies to the children in Belize prior to the mission. Ashley describes her professional goal as to engage theories of family care along with evidenced base practices to improve the quality of life in pediatric patients and to promote good health. Her goal is an MSN in pediatric nursing.
	Emily Marek of Rhode Island College. Emily was described by her nominating professor as possessing a soft-spoken and confident demeanor that is reassuring to children and their families. She was an exemplar of excellence in pediatric nursing in the primary care, school, and acute care settings where she did her clinical rotations. She has been employed in the Emergency Department at Hasbro Children's Hospital as a Nursing Student Associate and also works in the home care setting with children with cerebral palsy. She plans her future career in pediatric nursing.
	Briana Bartone of the University of Rhode Island. Briana’s nominating professor states that she reflects the quality of initiative and pursuit of career excellence that would be expected of a Brem Award candidate. She describes Briana as exhibiting love for the care of children and sensitivity to the context of the child's life. She also describes her as demonstrating respect and a mutual partnership in achieving goals with families. Briana is currently employed as a Nursing Student Associate at Hasbro Children's Hospital and has the career goal of practice in Pediatric Oncology Nursing.
Chapter Service Award
	Dr. Karen Hetzel (left) is the 2009 recipient of the Chapter Service Award. She has worked tirelessly, enthusiastically, energetically, and creatively to support the activities of the Delta Upsilon Chapter. Dr. Karen Hetzel has taken on several leadership roles in the Chapter. She was a member of the Leadership Succession Committee, currently serves as Faculty Counselor for Rhode Island College (RIC) and co-chair of the Governance Committee. She led the revision of the Chapter Management Manual . In her role as Faculty Counselor for RIC, Karen has worked enthusiastically and energetically to promote Delta Upsilon and its values. She has held information sessions to provide the students with opportunities for learning about the honor society and asking questions about criteria for membership. Always enthusiastic and with an optimistic attitude, Karen communicated with students in many ways to encourage them to join and be a part of the society. Karen took a leadership role in assisting the new Faculty Counselors from the University of Rhode Island and Salve Regina University, so that they would learn the responsibilities required to execute the role successfully. As Karen demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the chapter, the Board of Directors (BOD) voted to send her to attend the Chapter Leader Academy in Indianapolis in September 2008. She has shared the ideas that she learned from that experience and the Chapter will continue to benefit from her learning. Last spring, she played an active role in the DU/RIC Community Service Project to promote women’s health and in the SRU Inaugural Induction Ceremony. Most recently Dr. Hetzel submitted information to a regional meeting in Vermont in memory of Ruth Waldman, who passed away last summer. In summary, Karen, in her role as Faculty Counselor, has made substantial contributions to the Delta Upsilon Chapter at-Large. As a plus, her contributions include enthusiasm, a smile, and wearing/accessorizing with many shades of purple.
You can nominate members for the Louisa White and Chapter Service Awards. See the website for the award criteria and send a letter to any Board Member.