Patricia Quigley, Ph.D., RN
As Jeanette Matrone has passed the Chapter President’s gavel to me, I am writing my first “President’s Message.” I am honored to do so. Thank you to Jeanette for her leadership for the past 2 years as Chapter President. We will miss her guidance and leadership, but will seek her counsel as needed and are aware that she willingly shares her expertise.
The many programs and activities reported in this newsletter reveal the dynamic nature of the Chapter. The officers have worked diligently to provide the leadership required for a healthy and productive Chapter. In order for the Chapter to continue to thrive, officers and members need to contribute their collective wisdom, scholarship, research, management skills, and energy. Collaboration between academic and practice settings will foster the opportunity for scholarship and evidence-based practice to enhance positive health outcomes for the people of Rhode Island and eventually the global community.
To continue leadership development within the chapter, we are sending Karen Hetzel, Faculty Counselor for RIC and Nicole Smith, of the Leadership Succession Committee, to the 2008 Leadership Academy at Sigma Theta Tau International. They will meet other Chapter Leaders and return with ideas to enhance our chapter’s development.
Three important initiatives will continue during the upcoming year:
- Incorporation of Salve Regina University (SRU) into the Delta Upsilon (DU) Chapter at-Large. Patricia Stout, past-Faculty Counselor for the URI CON, spearheaded this initiative, which has required much attention to detail and documentation. Thank you to Patricia for her commitment to this effort. A document including the required information for review by the membership is posted on the DU website under the "News" section. A vote to incorporate SRU into the DU chapter will be taken at the September 24, 2008 fall business meeting. Please review this information prior to the meeting and be prepared to vote on this important initiative. Thank you for your anticipated participation in this process.
- Expansion of the historical collection at the Heritage Room at URI CON. Sandra Zion and Betsy Nield have submitted a proposal to the Champlin Foundation for funding to support this initiative. Thank you to Sandra and Betsy and their committee for a diligent effort to preserve the history of the Chapter and of nursing in Rhode Island.
- Implementation of electronic communication with the membership. This has been an ongoing exploratory effort but this initiative may come to fruition this year. Thank you to Mary Louise Palm for her efforts on this project.
These initiatives, programs in fall and spring, induction, research proposal submissions, and other activities that arise should be sufficient to maintain the vitality of our Chapter during this next year.
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors, I welcome your participation in our Chapter’s activities, attendance at the programs, and any suggestions you may have. We know the phrase well, “An honor to join. A benefit to belong.” Let us work together to make our Chapter the best! See you in September.
Patricia Quigley
President
Delta Upsilon /Chapter-at-Large
