Paying it Forward” - School of Nursing - West Virginia University

“Students
Paying it Forward”
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NURSING MAGAZINE

WVU
NURSING
Volume V
Summer 2010
32
8
6
24
3 Dean’s Message
6 Scholarship Named After Late Nurse Holds Special Meaning for PhD Grad
8 Graduate Using Scholarship to Serve Uninsured Patients
12 Scholarship gives student opportunity to practice rural health nursing
14 Giving Back - Scholarship recipient gives back to School through Student
Nurses Association
15 Students raise over $2,000 toward cancer research
16 Scholarships Give Graduates More Time
18 Helping Community - Student uses Cotton Scholarship to provide a teen
health program for rual high school in West Virginia
20 Paying it Forward
22 Who Told You to be a Nurse
23 Scholarship Recipients 2009-2010
24 Convocation
contents
28 Faculty Publications & Presentations
32 2009 Alumna of the Year
34 Alumni Weekend 2009
38 Alumni Weekend 2010

Georgia L. Narsavage, PhD, CRNP, FAAN
Dean Dean’s Dean s M MMessage
M essage
West est est Vir ir irginia irginia
ginia Univ Univ Universit Univ ersit ersity ersit y S SScho
S Scho
cho chool cho ol
of of of Nursing Nursing envisions envisions optimal
optimal
health, health, enhanced enhanced quality quality of of life,
life,
and and excellent excellent health health care care for
for
the the p ppeople
p eople of of West est est Vir ir irginia ir ginia and
and
the the global global cc
communit
cc
ommunit
ommunit
ommunity.
ommunit
TThis entire year we are celebrating 50 years of WVU School of
Nursing's achievements in teaching, service / practice, and research.
As the state's major research institution and its only land-grant
university, West Virginia University is charged with understanding
and meeting the distinctive needs of the people of the state. Our
School of Nursing's 50 years represent a unique and sustained
history of contributions to improving the health and quality of life
for citizens of West Virginia and the nation. At its inception the
founding Dean, Dorothy M. Major, and six faculty developed a liberal
arts/ nursing science curriculum in a revolutionary pattern that was
to become known nationally as "The West Virginia Plan." The class
of '64 had 19 new nurses and 2 RNs. In 2009, we graduated 132
new nurses and 73 RNs who earned the BSN degree - look at some of
their photos in this issue and see the faces of our future.
The 2nd Dean, Lorita Jenab, expanded the MSN and RN-BSN
programs to students throughout the state, delivering courses on site
at Charleston-Beckley, Montgomery, Potomac State, Parkersburg,
Glenville, and Shepherdstown. In a program begun by Dr. Judith
Kandzari, nursing students in rural health last year provided13,950
hours of service; a nursing student's community service project was
one of the best in the state for the 3rd year. After Judy's much too
early passing, her husband and many others chose to honor her
through a scholarship in her memory as well as a lecture series on
rural health - look inside for a picture of one of the recent recipients
of her scholarship and the story on the impact it is having on the
student recipient and rural health care in West Virginia.
Dean E. Jane Martin led the School of Nursing from 1992 to
2007, introducing a faculty clinical track, the first faculty practice
plan, and the first nursing doctoral programs in WV. In her tenure,
the school moved to a newly renovated 6th floor of the HSC. In 2000
for the first time the MSN program was identified as one of "the best
schools" by US News and World Report. That recognition is in place
today. Dean Martin has supported a scholarship that honors and
remembers her dear nursing friend, Anna Mary Miller; we have
included a story about one of the recent recipients of that scholarship
and the difference her nursing research is making in improving
quality of life for people in West Virginia.
3

4
Our achievements have been accomplished
through the efforts of dedicated and visionary faculty
and over 5000 graduates - with more than 2800 still
practicing here in West Virginia. Alumni with BSN,
MSN, DNP or PhD degrees practice in all 50 states
and throughout the world, promoting the health and
quality of life of the people they serve. Over half of
all faculty teaching in West Virginia schools of
nursing are graduates of WVU. The first 50 years
have been an unqualified success. As we set our
direction for the next 50 years, West Virginia
University School of Nursing envisions optimal
health, enhanced quality of life, and excellent health
care for the people of West Virginia and the global
community. Our charge now is to make this vision
come alive. This can only happen through you - our
colleagues, alumni, faculty, University and Health
Sciences System faculty and administrators, and our
benefactors. Over the next 50 years our school will
grow and change. The current issue is dedicated to
those next generation student scholars and the
difference they - and you - are making every day.
We'll spend more time on the 50th Anniversary in our
next issue in October. I hope you have all put a big
star on your calendars to participate in the final event
of the 50th - Alumni Weekend Oct 22-23 - when we
will be giving awards to 50 "Golden Graduates".
Special thanks to our committee, led so ably by
Suzanne Gross and Deborah Harr. Committee
members include: Kim Fetty, Kathryn Freeman-Jones,
Janette Gidley, Libby Hupp, Evelyn Klocke, Jen
Mallow, Jane Martin, Susan McCrone, Christy
Meredith, Misti Michael, Lori Mugnano, Cyndi
Persily, Judi Polak, Marge Samsel, Greta Smith, Pat
Smyth, Amy Sparks, Fredonia Stenger, Norma
Tennant, Susan Trantham, Brenda Turner, Judy
Turner and Stuart Wells. Also, we could not have
done it without the organizational skills from our
administrative support staff here in Morgantown,
Misti Michael, Cindy Dalton, Brenda Deane, Betty
Jurick, Brandy Toothman, and Robyn Warbel. We and
your classmates are all counting on you to return and
PARTY!
I know you know that West Virginia University is
the home of many proud traditions -- innovative
teaching, our crowd pleasing and internationally
acclaimed Mountaineer athletic teams, our pioneering
research, and a culture of service to and for the people
of West Virginia. I hope you have had an
opportunity to "meet" - even virtually - our new
WVU HSC Chancellor - Dr. Christopher Colenda - a
dynamic leader who took the helm in January. The
new Dean of Medicine - Dr. Art Ross - will join us
from Chicago in August- I expect things will get even
more active in strategic planning next year as we will
have a full contingent of senior administrators in
place at last.
As a School of Nursing within a public university,
we exist for the public good. Higher education,
perhaps better than any other institution -- could -and
should -- generate the lion's share of ideas and
knowledge needed to ensure nursing's progress, power
and pre-eminence. This year more federal and other
external grants were submitted by the SON - and
funded - than ever before. Heidi Putman-Casdorph
and Susan Pinto completed their research project
educating school nurses about asthma management -
funded by the National Association of School Nursing.
Third years of continuation (HRSA) grant awards
were made to Nan Leslie with her chair Susan
McCrone and co-PI Cyndi Persily for development of
the GNP, WHNP, and BSN to DNP programs; as well
as to our hospital partner, Mary Fanning (my Co-PI)
who worked with Gail VanVoorhis, Joy Maramba,
Patty Hermosilla, Dan De Feo, Barb Summers, and
critical care hospital staff to develop a competencybased
orientation to ICUs. This year April Shay and
Judi Polak will join the HRSA team as the orientation

program branches out to the PICU and NICU. The
WiseWoman CDC/ WVDPH grant (with Loretta
Reckart, Robin Seabury and Barbara Miller) has also
been refunded. Cyndi Persily has received continued
funding for the WV Nursing Leadership Institute
team development program from the RWJ Partners in
Nursing's Future initiative in partnership with the
Benedum foundation, as well as continuation funding
as Deputy Director of the WV Rural Health Research
Center - one of only four in the country to be funded.
Joy Buck was informed that her NIH NINR R15
grant has been funded : Building Capacity for Rural
Integrated Palliative Care, and we were informed in
June 2010 that the Telemonitoring study to build selfmanagement
skills for patients with lung cancer was
funded by the NIH National Cancer Institute with
Kathy Chen and myself as Co-PIs. Laurie Theeke
became our first RWJ nurse faculty scholar with
research funding to study loneliness in elders. A grant
to provide traineeships has again been awarded to
Mary Jane Smith, and the RWJ Foundation has made
an unprecedented 3rd award for the New Careers in
Nursing program to Betty Shelton for a total of
$150,000. We continue to identify students eligible for
the National Faculty Loan Program to give $30,000
to graduate students. Our largest grant ever was
awarded by the Helene Fuld Health Trust to support
disadvantaged undergraduate students - $600,000
over 3 years divided between cash and endowments -
and both the Valley Health System (VA) and West
Virginia University Hospitals have set up
endowments to support our faculty and students. We
hope you will agree that we are using well the
resources you are sharing with us.
Today's nurses face demands for information and
innovation that we could not have imagined 50 years
ago, nor could Dean Majors and those first classes
have imagined the scope and complexity of issues that
would mark society today. Nevertheless the "West
Virginia Plan" prepared nurses for the future - for
TODAY! The challenge of meeting health care needs
in the next century mandates that we continue to
support access to the intellectual resources found on
university campuses like ours, to prepare welleducated
nurses and enlightened leaders -- leaders like
Diana Mason, the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate
from WVU this year (along with Dr. Peter Macgrath
and former President Bill Clinton!). Student success is
and will remain WVU SON's top priority. But our
abiding commitment to teaching does not preclude our
strong commitment to practice and to incubating
ideas and encouraging innovation - to conducting
research that holds great promise for spawning new
ways of CARING that can lead to improved life
quality. The results speak for themselves. My watch
comprises part of the first decade of the new centurymy
focus as Dean is to increase access and equal
opportunity, teaching excellence, professional
development, scholarship, a commitment to student
success and meaningful community engagement -- the
kind that reflects and helps students connect their
textbook learning to the real world of patients. Let us
hear from you - your ideas stimulate us to new
horizons - we still need your wisdom… Lets Go
MOUNTAINEERS!
5

6
Scholarship Memoralizing Nursing Friendship
Holds Special Meaning
Dr. Suzy Mascaro-Walter is pictured with her husband Bill and son Marco at the School of
Nursing's 2010 Commencement ceremony. Dr Walter was awarded the Anna Mary Miller
Memorial scholarship which provided her with funding to access a research database for her
doctoral dissertation.
For Suzy Mascaro-Walter, writing a
doctoral dissertation sometimes
seemed like an indomitable task.
However, when she received the 2008-
2009 Anna Mary Miller Memorial
Scholarship from the WVU School of
Nursing, she was more motivated than
ever to complete her research and earn
her doctorate.
"That night I received the
scholarship, I knew I absolutely had to
finish my dissertation," said Dr. Walter,
who also won the 2010 Outstanding PhD
graduate award. "The School of Nursing
gave me the scholarship because they
trusted me to finish my research and I did
not want to let them down."
The Anna Mary Miller Memorial
Scholarship was established in 2006 in
honor of the late Anna Mary Miller, a
for PhD
Graduate
nurse and personal friend of Jane Martin,
former Dean of the WVU School of
Nursing. Miller, who passed away in
February of 2006, had been actively
involved with the nursing program by
chairing the WVU School of Nursing
Visiting Committee, and previously served
as the co-chair for ten years.
"Anna Mary Miller was always
particularly impressed with the doctoral
students," said Dr. Martin. "She would
always tell them they were her heroes."
Miller's scholarship is annually
awarded to students enrolled in the
School of Nursing Doctor of Philosophy
program to assist PhD students with
various research expenses. Dr. Walter was
working on a research study to examine
the predictors of headaches in
adolescents. This scholarship allowed her
to gain access to the National
Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health
database, which reports data on various
adolescent lifestyle issues.
"Getting the scholarship took a lot of

"Anna Mary Miller was always particularly
impressed with the doctoral students,"
said Dr. Martin. "She would always tell
them they were her heroes."
the burden off me to obtain funding for my research," said Dr.
Walter. "Getting access to that database could have taken a long
time without the necessary funds and that would have delayed my
research. With the scholarship, I was able to start my analysis
much sooner."
Dr. Walter's research on adolescent headaches helped her to
establish her own headache clinic in Pediatric Neurology at West
Virginia University Hospitals. She has worked ten years in the
WVU Department of Pediatrics, after spending five years in the
WVU Department of Neurosurgery. Her ultimate goal, however, is
to teach in the WVU School of Nursing.
"I've always appreciated everyone who taught me and took an
interest in me when I was a student. Teaching a future generation
of nurses would give me a chance to give back."
Dr. Walter credits the School of Nursing's faculty for much of
her success in her career.
"All my instructors at the School of Nursing always
encouraged me to pursue my research interests. They had such a
positive influence on me and I always valued their input."
Above all, Dr. Walter is honored to have received a scholarship
named in memory of someone who was so supportive of the
graduate students and the WVU School of Nursing.
"Anna Mary Miller always supported the doctoral students by
personally attending all of our events and award ceremonies. She
never failed to tell us how proud she was of all of us. I am so
honored that her scholarship was awarded to me."
2010 2010 School School of of of Nursing Nursing Commencement Commencement Commencement Address Address
Address
Suz Suzy Suz Suzy
y M MMasc
M asc ascar asc ar aro-Walt ar alt alt alter alt er er, er , PhD PhD, PhD , RN, RN, RN, FNP FNP-BC FNP -BC
Outstanding Outstanding DNP DNP Student
Student
As a PhD graduate, I can tell you at least one aspect of
my life has come full circle. When I graduated with
my master's , I sat there just like you. I still remember
the doctorally prepared graduate that spoke at my graduation.
Her message to us was to use our accomplishments and move
forward to become doctors of philosophy, doctors of medicine
and even lawyers. I listened and thought, "Oh no, I am done,' I
didn't think I had the intelligence nor did I think I had the time.
But now I have the distinct opportunity to tell you that you do
have the intelligence and you do have the time.
I went out and practiced as a nurse practitioner for about
a year and decided I wanted to teach and maybe do a little
research. I called the Dean of Nursing and before I knew it, I
was sitting in a class with other nurses pursuing a PhD in
Nursing. Among us were educators, nurse practitioners and
nurse managers.
Throughout graduate school many of us dealt with life
changes - significant illnesses of loved ones, the loss of loved
ones, pregnancies and adoptions. One of us was
diagnosed with and successfully overcame cancer. In
spite of, or maybe because of these challenges, we
graduated.
This program is about growing scholars and that is what
we are. The PhD students from my class researched and made
contributions to the areas of parish nursing, patient education,
adolescent health, geriatrics and maternal child health.
Through publications and presentations, we are sharing our
findings and contributing to each of our fields.
It wasn't until I had successfully completed my doctorate
that I recalled that graduate student's speech. Each and every
one of you has the foundation to pursue an advanced degree.
The key is facing the challenges that life puts before you and
to have the stamina to move forward.
Graduate school has been a challenging and rigorous
experience but the rewards have been great. I am hopeful
that each and every one of you comes to realize your
potential and that you have the same encouragement as I did
from my Dean, instructors, friends and co-workers. You have
graduated. Now work and continue to build that foundation
with experience and then continue your education. Become
doctors of philosophy, doctors of medicine or even lawyers. If
you don't think you can, I have at least five colleagues, with
their PhDs, who will tell you differently.
Congratulations on your accomplishments and good luck!
7

8
Graduate Graduate Using Using Scholarship Scholarship to
to
Ser er erve er e Uninsur Uninsured Uninsur ed P PPatien
P tien tients tien ts
in in Rur Rural Rur al
West est Vir ir irginia ir ginia
For Martha Summers, earning a scholarship from the
WVU School of Nursing meant more than just financial
assistance to complete her doctoral project. It meant
being able to promote healthy lifestyles to patients in a free
clinic in West Virginia.
The 2010 Outstanding DNP graduate received a School of
Nursing scholarship as well as a grant from the American
Academy of Nurse Practitioners to help offset the cost of her
research project. Dr. Summers was working on a health
promotion project to encourage uninsured rural West

Virginians to engage in more physical
activity.
"The scholarship helped me provide
items like pedometers, water bottles, lip
balm and sunscreen to the patients in the
free clinic setting," said Dr. Summers. "I
was also able to buy posters for the
examination and waiting rooms. I would
not have been able to provide any of
Photo: School of Nursing graduates Dr. Martha Summers
and Genevieve Larimer (left), examine a patient at the
Health Right clinic in Morgantown, WV. The School of
Nursing scholarship awarded to Dr. Summers allowed her to
purchase several items for uninsured patients in the free
clinic setting.
those materials to my patients without the
funding I received."
Genevieve Larimer, a 2010 graduate of
the Master of Science in Nursing program
and the 2009-2010 recipient of the
Margaret Faye Perry scholarship, had the
opportunity to work with Dr. Summers
during her rotation at the Health Right
clinic in Morgantown, WV.
"Dr. Summers was my clinical
preceptor so I got to shadow her at
Health Right when she went to see her
patients," said Larimer. "It was always
such a great learning experience and it
really made me love working with rural,
underserved populations. I am glad the
School of Nursing gives us the
opportunity to work with faculty nurse
practitioners."
The award Dr. Summers received was
particularly meaningful to her since she
was among the first cohort to graduate
from the newly developed Doctor of
Nursing Practice (DNP) program at WVU.
"Being named the Outstanding DNP
graduate was an honor and privilege to
me because it is the first and only clinical
doctorate program in the state," said Dr.
Summers. "The DNP program offered my
cohort an exciting opportunity to become
more skilled providers of patient care."
Dr. Summers credits the School of
Nursing's faculty for much of her success
in the DNP program.
"My DNP colleagues and I felt like
we were pioneering a new degree which is
both exciting and stressful. But the
faculty members always served as our
guides and mentors. They provided us
with the tools we needed as we
progressed through the program."
Dr. Summers currently teaches courses in
both the master's and doctoral programs
at the School of Nursing.
"The DNP degree provided my
cohort with the understanding to enhance
the bridge between science and practice
and become better clinicians and
educators," said Dr. Summers. I am
excited to impart that knowledge to a
future generation of nurses so they can
better serve their patients in the delivery
of advanced care."
“Being named the Outstanding DNP graduate
was an honor and privilege to me bacause it is
the first and only clinical doctorate program in
the state,” said Martha Summers.
9

10
2010 2010 Commencement Commencement Addresses
Addresses
Mar ar artha ar tha E EE.
E . Summers
Summers, Summers , DNP DNP, DNP , RN, RN, FNP FNP-BC FNP -BC
Outstanding Outstanding DNP DNP Student
Student
I
am honored and privileged to be among the members of
the first Doctor of Nursing Practice cohort to graduate
from WVU. As the class that participated in the first offering
of the DNP, we have shared in the fine tuning of our
knowledge and the honing of our skills to better serve our
patients in the delivery of advanced nursing care.
Our cohort came to feel in many ways that we were pioneers
as there was no trail laid out before us. We were pioneering a
new degree and a new role. This was exciting and yet fearful
and stressful because of the uncertainty of the journey ahead.
With the faculty serving as our guides and mentors, and
providing us with the tools needed for the journey, we forged
ahead and cleared the path as we progressed through the
program.
We came to know each member of the cohort and
developed a support system. We not only shared in the
education but in each other's lives, celebrating
accomplishments, births and other milestones, and sadly
sharing in the loss of beloved family members. We chose not
to focus on differences, but found commonalities, sharing in
similar struggles, trying to figure out how to keep it all
together and manageable. Life doesn't stop because one
decides to further their education. We still had the
responsibilities of work, family, friends, and day to day living.
We all found that sacrifices were necessary, but took comfort
in knowing that the sacrifices were temporary. We developed
mantras such as: "We can do this," "Keep on swimming," and
"Onward and Upward." Pioneers of the past relied on each
other for survival and the sentiment that we could not have
accomplished this without each other was echoed repeatedly.
And so we are modern day pioneers who hopefully have
cleared a path for those that follow. I admire and support all of
my colleagues and those future students brave enough to
meet the challenges of doctoral education. I am grateful for
the development of the DNP degree, as it offered an exciting
opportunity to become a more skilled provider of patient care,
and to enhance the bridge between science and practice.
I would like to read the following quote from Mortimer
Adler about the pioneering of ideas:
We often think of ourselves as living in a world which no
longer has any unexplored frontiers. We speak of pioneering
as a thing of the past. But in doing so we forget that the
greatest adventure of all still challenges us--the adventure of
the human mind. People may be hemmed in geographically,
but every generation stands on the frontiers of the mind. In
the world of ideas, there is always pioneering to be done, and
it can be done by anyone who will use the equipment with
which they are endowed. The great ideas belong to everyone.
*This is our challenge to continue to pioneer ideas that
will foster improved care to our patients, their families, and
communities. Thank you.
Gene ene enevie ene vie vieve vie e F FF.
F . L LLarimer
L Larimer
arimer
Outstanding Outstanding MSN MSN Student
Student
Thank you, it's an honor to be able to speak to you today
on behalf of such a wonderful group of people. I had a
difficult time coming up with what I would talk about. I
wanted it to be a reflection of all our experiences, so I asked
for some input from my classmates. It just wasn't coming
together until we met to present our capstone projects. We
were together for several hours that day and did a lot of
talking and I noticed two themes that kept coming up in the
conversations.
The first is fear. We are about to graduate and be solely
responsible for promoting the health of our patients. That is a
terrifying prospect! Even though we have been working in
patient care for many years and have all been responsible for
patients before, there seems to be an overwhelming sense of

fear that after graduation we will all be on our own, isolated
and alone with no one to rely on.
The second theme I noticed in the conversation was that
of friendship. We talked about how grateful we are for each
other. We talked about how lucky we have been in our
cohort to have really bonded as a group and made some
wonderful, lasting friendships through this program. We have
been able to support each other through difficult times and
rely on each other for help and advice.
So take a moment and consider the two themes. Our
main concern seems to be that we will be alone and isolated
in practice, but in reality we will never be completely on our
own. Not only do we have the rest of the healthcare team in
our practices to rely on for support and advice, but we also
have this wonderful network of friends and colleagues we
have developed in our time together in school.
I tried to find a great quote by a famous nurse about
working together or collaborative practice, and could not find
any. What I did find were many quotes like this one by
Eleanor Robson Belmont who said, "If you want a thing done
- go, if not - send. I belong to that group of people who move
the piano by themselves." I think this is telling because nurses
tend to be the sort of people who try to do everything on their
own, but we know from research that the best patient
outcomes result from collaborative practice, and it's
comforting to know that we do not have to do everything
completely independently. We should not be thinking this
way because working together provides the best care. So I
have to borrow a quote from management guru Ken
Blanchard who reminds us that "None of us is as
smart as all of us." So keep in touch with your
classmates, colleagues, and mentors and let's
continue to rely on each other for help, support,
advice, and also friendship!
In closing there are many people we would
like to thank. First, thank you to all our mentors,
preceptors, and teachers, some of whom are here with us this
evening. Many of these wonderful people were working on
their own studies in the PhD and DNP programs and had
many other obligations, but they still found time to help us,
teach us, work with and guide us, and we are so grateful to
them.
In addition we would like to thank our families and friends
who have been there for us all through a difficult and often
stressful program. They have supported us in so many ways,
cooking dinner for us when we were in class, being a shoulder
to cry on when we were overwhelmed, taking up the extra
slack around the house when we were short on time, helping
out with chores, child care, and more. And all the while
understanding when we were too busy to spend the time
together that we normally do. You have supported us
emotionally, mentally, sometimes financially and we really
could not have made it through without you. Thank you!
And finally take a look around at all your classmates who have
helped you through this program and give each other a round
of applause because we are graduating! Congratulations
everyone!
“I am glad the School of Nursing gives us the
opportunity to work with faculty nurse
practitioners,” said Genevieve Larimer.
11

12
When you are a rural health nurse,
you have to go above and beyond
what you're required to do.
Scholarship gives
student opportunity
to practice
rural health
nursing
For WVU senior Sarah Boso, receiving a School
of Nursing scholarship meant more than just
being able to pay for school. It was also the
opportunity to follow in the footsteps of a WVU
faculty member and rural health advocate.
Boso, who will earn her bachelor's degree in
nursing in August 2010, received the Judith C.
Kandzari Rural Health scholarship. The award was
established in memory of the late Dr. Judith C.
Hightower Kandzari, a WVU School of Nursing
faculty member and a community health nurse. Dr.
Kandzari, who passed away in 1996, was known
throughout West Virginia as an avid supporter of
educating healthcare students in rural settings. She
became an expert in community health and distance
education and served as the WVU School of
Nursing's first Director of Distance Education.

"I was so honored to be selected by her family for the
scholarship," said Boso, who also received the 2010
Outstanding Senior BSN graduate award. "Judith Kandzari
was so passionate about family and community health. It
made me want to learn as much as I can about rural health
nursing."
Boso is currently completing her rural health rotation
at Amedisys, a national provider of home healthcare and
hospice services. The scholarship provided Boso with
funding to travel to rural parts of Marion, Preston and
Monongalia counties, as well as money to purchase
posters and other informational materials for her senior
capstone project.
According to Boso, her work at Amedisys helped her
discover that rural health nursing is more than just caring
for a patient's physical well-being.
"When you are a rural health nurse, you have to go
above and beyond what you're required to do," said Boso.
"It teaches you to look at each patient as a whole, not just
the physical symptoms. You have to consider the social
and environmental facets as well."
After graduation, Boso would like to work in critical
care nursing but is determined to continue learning more
about rural healthcare.
"I believe in educating yourself as much as you can
for as long as you can. I plan to be a life-long learner," said
Boso.
Photo: Sarah Boso is pictured during her rural health rotation
at Amedisys Home Health Services. The Judith C. Kandzari
scholarship recipient plans to learn as much as she can about
community health nursing.
2010 2010 Commencement Commencement Commencement Address
Address
Sarah Sarah A. A. Boso
Boso
Outstanding Outstanding BSN BSN Student
Student
Good evening. I am both honored and flattered to have been asked to
speak at our graduation. I congratulate all of you for making it through
this rigorous and challenging nursing program.
As I approached this momentous day, I wondered about what I
could say that would leave a lasting impression. I thought about the
things that have made a difference for me as I took each course,
stressed over each exam, and cared for each of my patients. For me, I
found that my attitude was what really made the difference, for I know
that I can only do as much or go as far as I believe I can. As I look back
and analyze my most memorable moments in nursing school, it was
my mindset that made for a positive or negative experience.
I believe that our career in nursing will be whatever each one of us
makes it. Personally, I have found that "learning" will be life long and
that this world, the people in it, and my experiences, will continue to
be my classroom. I have learned that my values, judgments, motives,
ethics and beliefs make me who I am, and make the nurse I will
become.
But more important than all these attributes is developing the
capacity and commitment to care about another - to extend yourself
beyond your needs to help someone else become better. This is our
job as nurses, and in doing this, I know each one of you will succeed in
countless ways. However I also know that we will all make mistakes,
but it is our attitudes that decide what we gain, or lose from those
errors.
You reflect who you are and what you are, by your thoughts,
behaviors and attitudes. I am still learning that my attitude determines
whether I will be mediocre or excellent, anxious or calm, intolerant or
accepting. It is the mindset that I have each day that decides what I can
accomplish and give back to my patients and their families.
Since the choice is mine, I choose an attitude of determination,
one that looks into each situation and finds the good, even when it's
difficult to see. And I choose to be a nurse that enriches her patients'
lives whether it is emotionally, spiritually, mentally or physically.
To my classmates of 2010, I invite you to join me in my pursuit. It
will be a challenge each and every day to display compassion and
kindness in every situation and to be that shining light that will dispel
darkness in a world of hurt, for one patient at a time.
The choice is ours. Each one of us can make a difference if we take
charge of our attitudes. Today, I dare you to commit to making that
difference!
Thank you.
13

14
Giving Back
Scholarship Scholarship recipient
recipient
gives gives back back to to School
School
through through Student
Student
Nurses Nurses Association
Association
Emily Wade, a senior nursing student from
Morgantown, WV, promotes the WVU Student
Nurses Association to incoming freshmen during
New Student Orientation.
“I decided I was going to give
back to the School for believing
in me."
Those were Emily Wade's sentiments when she was awarded
the 2010-2011 Erin Marie Keener scholarship by the WVU
School of Nursing. Wade, a senior nursing student from
Morgantown, WV, was so grateful for the scholarship that she
immediately vowed to express her appreciation to the School in some
way.
"Receiving a scholarship gives you incredible peace of mind
because you don't have to struggle to find ways to pay for school," said
Wade, who also received the Geraldine Core Willis scholarship in 2009
and 2010. "To know that someone is investing their finances in you
makes you want to work that much harder."
Wade decided she was going to give back to the School of Nursing
by running for president of the WVU Student Nurses Association.
"I wanted to get more involved with the School through
volunteerism and I decided the best way was to take on a leadership
role," said Wade.
Although Wade's term as president of WVU Student Nurses
Association won't officially begin until the fall, she has already started
placing several activities and events on her agenda.
"I'd like to plan some fundraisers so our members will be able to go
on the National Student Nurses Association trip to Salt Lake City,
Utah," said Wade. "I am trying to incorporate different social nights so
the nursing students can get to know each other and have time off
where they can relax and not worry about school."
While serving as the 2010-2011 president of WVU Student
Nurses Association, Wade will work toward completing her bachelor's
degree in nursing in May 2011. She is also thinking about her longterm
career goals in the nursing field.
"Critical care nursing has always interested me so I'd like to work
in an intensive care unit or an emergency department after I graduate."
Wade is also considering applying to the Family Nurse
Practitioner (FNP) program at the WVU School of Nursing in the
future.
"I can't imagine a better place to go to graduate school," said Wade.

When WVU School of Nursing students Danielle and
Sierra Repass lost their grandmother to lung cancer
in 2009, the harsh reality of the disease made a lasting
impression on both their lives.
"Our grandmother played a significant role in raising the
two of us, especially when we were younger," said Danielle
Repass. "Her death affected us deeply and made us aware of
how real cancer is."
Danielle and her twin sister Sierra decided to honor their
grandmother's memory by participating in the American
Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Monongalia County Walk at
Mylan Park in Morgantown, WV. The senior nursing students
from East Dailey, WV, embarked on a promotional campaign to
recruit members from the School of Nursing to participate in
the event.
"We sent e-mails to everyone we could think of at the
School of Nursing and we posted signs everywhere. We
Judith Kandzari Rural Health Scholars
Raise Over $2,000
toward toward cancer cancer research
research
ended up getting over 30 members to participate in the walk!"
said Danielle Repass.
"We went from place to place to get people involved. It
was a really good feeling to realize that we had more
participants than we thought we would," added Sierra Repass.
Prior to the walk which was held on June 4 and 5, the
sisters had decided on a fundraising goal of $500. When the
event concluded, they were excited to learn that their efforts
had earned over $2,000 toward cancer research.
"We never imagined we'd raise that much," said Danielle
Repass. "We had set up a tie-dye T-shirt making booth to raise
some money and we got $250 from that alone! We were so
amazed at the success of the event."
In addition to their work with Relay for Life, both Danielle
and Sierra Repass are actively involved in the WVU Student
Nurses Association and were recently awarded the 2010 -
2011 Judith C. Kandzari Rural Health scholarship. They plan on
putting their scholarship money toward travel expenses for
their rural health rotations in Martinsburg, WV.
According to both Danielle and Sierra Repass, the WVU
School of Nursing has helped them develop a passion for
caring about people.
"Nursing has given us new perspective on life," said
Danielle Repass. "It has taught us to be more grateful for what
we have."
"The WVU School of Nursing is where I'm meant to be,"
added Sierra Repass.
Phot Photo: Phot o: D DDanielle
D nielle a aand
a nd SS
Sierr S ierr ierra ierr a RR
Repass R Repass
epass (right) (right) of of of EE
East EE
ast D DDaile
D ile iley, ile , WV WV, WV
represented represented the the School School of of Nursing Nursing at at the the Relay Relay for for for Life Life of of Monongalia
Monongalia
Monongalia
Count ount ounty ount y W WWalk
W alk in in June June. June June . Their Their fundr fundraising fundr ising effor efforts effor ts ea ea earne ea rne rned rne d more more tha than tha
$2,000 $2,000 toward toward cancer cancer research.
research.
15

16
Brett Samuel Jones Memorial
Scholarship Give Graduates
More Time
for School
and Professional
Development
Traci Tannehill began her undergraduate career at the
WVU School of Nursing as a non-traditional student.
She had to support herself financially and wasn't sure if
she would be able to balance attending classes while working a
full-time job.
Thanks to the WVU School of Nursing's scholarship
program, Tannehill didn't have to worry. The Brett Samuel
Jones Memorial scholarship that Tannehill received allowed
her to focus solely on her school work.
"The scholarship gave me the opportunity to attend
school full-time during the fall and spring semesters and only
work through the summers," said Tannehill, who earned her
bachelor's degree in nursing in 2008. "I was able to put the
extra time to focus on school and earn good grades."
The spare time also gave Tannehill the opportunity to
develop her professional experiences. During her
undergraduate career, Tannehill was on the School of Nursing
Dean's Selection Committee, remained actively involved in the
Student Nursing Association and did a nurse externship at
WVU Hospitals.
The WVU School of Nursing scholarship program gave non-traditional
students like Traci Tannehill extra time for school and professional
development. Tannehill served on the School of Nursing Dean's Selection
Committee and was actively involved in the Student Nurses Association.

Scholarship and Mary H. Arbuckle
School of Nursing scholarships gave Jessica Pforr more time to focus on her course work. Pforr is pictured at her capstone
presentation where she conducted an educational session on Hepatitis C and HIV to inmates at the U.S. Penitentiary at
Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, WV.
Jessica Pforr, a December 2009 graduate and recipient of
the Mary H. Arbuckle scholarship, echoes Tannehill's
sentiments.
"During my senior year in the bachelor's program, I didn't
have time for a full-time job because I was busy with my
leadership rotation in the emergency department at WVU
Hospitals," said Pforr. "The scholarship I received from the
School of Nursing lessened my financial burden and allowed
me more time to focus on my coursework and my nurse
externship at the hospital."
The experience Tannehill and Pforr gained through
externships and leadership rotations eventually led to full-time
jobs for both graduates in the medical-surgical intensive care
unit at WVU Hospitals.
"There is no way I would have been able to start right into
the intensive care unit of a Level One Trauma Center following
graduation had I not had the extra time to spend studying,"
said Tannehill.
According to both Tannehill and Pforr, a great deal of their
success can be attributed to the instructors and coursework at
the School of Nursing.
"I loved my time at the School of Nursing. My instructors
had such positive influences on me and made me want to
become a nurse educator," said Tannehill.
"The information I learned in my critical care class really
helped me when I got to the intensive care unit. There are still
important tidbits I remember from that course that I try to use
in my dealings with patients," added Pforr.
17

18
Helping elping C CCommunit
C ommunit
ommunity
ommunit
Student Student uses uses Charles Charles Cotton Cotton Scholarship Scholarship to to provide
provide
a a t tteen
t een health health pr progr pr gr gram gr am f ffor
f or r rrur
r ur ural ur al high high scho school scho ol in in West est
Vir ir irginia ir ginia
Photo: First recipient of the Charles L. Cotton Memorial
Scholarship Teresa Ritchie (center) with Charles' wife Barb Slaven
(left) and his sister Sandra Cotton (right)

Teresa Ritchie has had a passion for nursing since her
senior year in high school when she joined a "Candy
Striper" group and volunteered every week at the
small local hospital in rural Calhoun County, West Virginia.
The hospital auxiliary organization paid her tuition and she
earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Parkersburg
Community College. After graduation, Teresa worked on many
different units of the hospital and when the hospital was
targeted for closure, she joined the "Dream Team" to help find
a way to reopen Calhoun Hospital. During the three months
the hospital was closed, people died in the community because
the nearest hospital was over an hour away and there was only
one ambulance. The hospital reopened as the Minnie
Hamilton Health system, which has continued to grow and
prosper. Because the hospital was rural and isolated, it was
difficult to keep practitioners for more than a year or two.
Having seen this occur repeatedly, Teresa decided to return to
school at WVU first to complete her BSN, and then her MSN.
In 2007, Teresa began the DNP program. As her
commitment has always been to caring for the residents of her
beloved Calhoun County, she chose a capstone project that
would meet the needs of this community. Her capstone focused
on adolescent obesity, which is a world-wide epidemic.
Through the excellent mentorship of a former WVU graduate
and Dean of the School of Nursing at Arizona State
University, Dr. Bernadette Melynk, Teresa chose to replicate
Dr. Melynk's project COPE (Creating Opportunities for
Personal Empowerment) Healthy Lifestyles TEEN
(Thinking, Emotions, Exercise and Nutrition) program with a
rural, ninth grade, health class. She was able to obtain some
funding for the project from a grant through the Minnie
Hamilton Health Center from the Sisters of St. Joseph
Charitable Trust.
In addition, she was able to create booklets for the
students and distribute pedometers through her 2009 Charles
Cotton Scholarship for DNP students. She is currently in the
data analysis phase of the project but from the feedback from
her students and their parents, Teresa can see what an
important impact this project has made on the people in her
community. She said that people would stop her in the grocery
store and note that their children were bringing home ideas
about nutrition for the family.
Teresa notes, "We don't have many jobs, shopping centers,
fitness centers, swimming pools, or even a WalMart. But, what
matters most to the people in this little rural county is the
closeness among friends and family that bonds this community
together." Teresa has devoted her career in nursing to
personally caring for these people and has now increased the
scope of her practice to a community level.
Teresa has been selected to present the COPE Healthy
Lifestyle Teen project at the National DNP Conference this
fall and has joined the faculty of the WVU SON in Charleston
as a part time faculty member.
19

SON SON scholarship scholarship recipient recipient and
and
cancer cancer survivor survivor gives gives back
back
thr through thr ough leadership
leadership, leadership , ser servic ser vic vice vic
Kevin Steurer, his father Scott and his younger brother Danny
display their Mountaineer pride at a baseball game at Yankee
Stadium in New York City.
20
Paying it Forward
Kevin Steurer was only five years old when he was
diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL),
a cancer of the white blood cells and the most
common leukemia in children. Although he would spend the
next three years of his childhood in and out of hospitals, he
had already made a life-changing decision - he was going to
become a nurse.
"I've always wanted to go into pediatric nursing so I could
give back what I received when I was sick," said Steurer, a
senior nursing student from East Brunswick, NJ.

Kevin works as a resident assistant at WVU's Lincoln Hall
where he helps freshmen and sophomores with their nursing
school applications and interviews.
Steurer, who has now been in remission for 12 years,
believes his experience as a patient will allow him to better
connect with parents of children with leukemia.
"I've served on various panel discussions to talk to
families who are dealing with this illness," said Steurer. "When
I tell parents about what I went through and where I am now,
they feel more relaxed because they see that there can be a
positive outcome."
Despite the setbacks brought on by his illness, Steurer
has never lost sight of his ambitions and his determination to
help others. In addition to being a full-time student, he also
works as a resident assistant at WVU's Lincoln Hall dormitory.
"I wanted to be a resident assistant so I could help
students understand college life better," said Steurer. "It helps
them to have that special insight from someone who has been
in their shoes."
At Lincoln Hall, Steurer regularly hosts study groups to
help pre-nursing students with their introductory courses. He
also assists them with their nursing school applications and
even conducts one-on-one mock interviews with them.
"I've always wanted to
go into pediatric
nursing so I could give
back what I received
when I was sick," said
Steurer.
"They are so grateful for the experience," said Steurer.
"They always tell me that when they go to their nursing school
interviews, they feel so comfortable because they've practiced
them before."
According to Steurer, being a resident assistant has
prepared him for the rigors of a career in nursing.
"Being a resident assistant keeps me grounded because
you have to balance work and school. Although it was hard in
the beginning, it has definitely helped me manage my time
better. I think those time-management skills helped me with my
clinical rotations which involved a lot of organization and
prioritization."
Steurer, who recently received the 2010-2011 Helene Fuld
Health Trust Scholarship from the School of Nursing, plans to
continue his higher education and become a nurse practitioner.
"I am seriously considering going to graduate school at
WVU after I get my feet wet for a year or two," said Steurer. "I
am so grateful to the School of Nursing for my scholarship and
for allowing me to keep achieving my goals."
21

?
Who Told
You
22
To Be a Nurse
By Kim Fetty
Photo: Amanda during an interdisciplinary session with
other Health Sciences students working in Grafton, WV.
Amanda Cooper didn't want to be a nurse as a child,
a youth or even a teenager. She says she never
wanted to work in a field like nursing. "I was the
first one to run at the sight of blood and guts, ewwww! I was
?
afraid of shots and everything like that."
In May 2006, she graduated from high school in Weirton,
WV, and was trying to pick a college. Her best friend was
working at a nursing facility and encouraged her to put in an
application. It didn't take long for Cooper to realize that she
loved helping people enough to get past her childhood
squeamishness.
Her parents were happy about their daughter's interest in
nursing. Her dad told her she would always be able to find a
good-paying job anywhere she wanted. Well, that, and he
knew his daughter would be a good nurse. Cooper's brother,
Zach, was already a student at WVU, and a football player;
being close to her brother offered a sense of security for the
nervous freshman.
When WVU School of Nursing offered her the June N.
Satterfield Scholarship, she said yes and went to Morgantown
in the fall of 2006 along with her best friend. She raves about
the nursing faculty. "I don't know what I would have done
without them! I could talk to them anytime I wanted--they are
such amazing resources for the students."
Cooper did a rotation at Grafton City Hospital through
the Rural Health Education Partnership. On one of the first
sunny days of 2010, she met with Dr. James Malone and other
WVU health sciences students in Grafton to discuss a recent
field trip to a nursing home. Dr. Malone emphasizes the
importance of knowing the whole patient in order to fully
understand his or her medical condition.
Cooper believes the most important skill in her profession
is communication. No other skill matters if a nurse can't
understand her patient's problems. Clearly an extrovert, her
face is full of sunshine and smiles. It is easy to imagine that
she could get to the heart of whatever ails any of her future
patients, from toddlers to octogenarians.
As she thinks back over the past four years or so, she
seems to find it hard to believe that she will soon be a nurse.
"But, my dad encouraged me to be a nurse, and he was right.
Now he always reminds me that he was the one who told me
to go to nursing school," Cooper said with a laugh.
Cooper is interviewing for jobs, and plans to work in
Morgantown.

PhD PhD - - Anna Anna Mary Mary Miller Miller Miller Memorial Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship
Scholarship
Jean M. Seifarth
DNP DNP - - Charles Charles L. L. Cotton Cotton Memorial Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship
Scholarship
James Nolte
MSN MSN - - M MMar
M ar argar ar gar garet gar et F FFae
F ae P PPerr
P err erry err y S SScholarship
S cholarship
Genevieve Larimer
RN RN to to BSN BSN - - Betty Betty Marea Marea Smith Smith Nursing Nursing Scholarship
Scholarship
Marena Hunting
Erin Erin Erin Marie Marie Keener Keener Scholarship
Scholarship
Brooke Starcher
Helen Helen Cline Cline Burrell Burrell Scholarship Scholarship for for Excellence
Excellence
in in in Microbiology
Microbiology
Samantha Izat
Geraldine Geraldine Geraldine Core Core Willis Willis Scholarship
Scholarship
Scholarship
Kayla Casto Emily Wade
Jeffery Sill Angel White
WVU WVU WVU School School of of Nursing Nursing Opportunity Opportunity Scholarship
Scholarship
Shane Brost
West est Vir ir irginia ir ginia CC
Cen CC
en enter en er f ffor
f or Nursing Nursing SS
Scholarship
SS
cholarship
cholarship
Jennifer Burky Megan Patterson
Rob Rober Rob er ert er t Wood d Johnson Johnson Johnson F FFounda
F ounda oundation
ounda tion
New New Careers Careers in in Nursing
Nursing
Robert Campbell Benjamin Huggins
Jessica Davison Shana Barr
Sarah Henson
Valle alle alley alle y H HHealth
H Health
ealth S SSyst
S st stem st em S SScholarship
S Scholarship
cholarship
Carlyn Kidwell Macy Miller
Jessica Miller Rebekah Strite
Mary Mary H. H. Arbuckle Arbuckle Scholarship
Scholarship
Jessica Pforr
Frank Frank L. L. Frankenberger Frankenberger Scholarship
Scholarship
Rachel Fulton Thomas Knight
Melissa Grant Melissa Pearson
Seth Hoblitzell Angela Salesky
Nathan Kitzmiler Kristina Thornberg
Phyllis Phyllis Christine Christine Gango Gango Cody Cody Cody Nursing Nursing Scholarship
Scholarship
Jordan Crosen
Scholarship Scholarship Recipients Recipients 2009-2010
2009-2010
2009-2010
Suzanne Suzanne Weller eller G GGross
G oss oss B BBook
B ok S SScholarship
S cholarship
Emily Valanty
Hazel Hazel A. A. A. Johnson Johnson Nursing Nursing Scholarship
Scholarship
Scholarship
Tracey Benner Julia Moore
Morgan Jones
Brett Brett Brett Samuel Samuel Jones Jones Memorial Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship
Jessica Knox Sara L. Miller
Jenny Jenny Jones Jones Memorial Memorial Nursing Nursing Scholarship
Scholarship
Dannielle Metz
Thelma Thelma Bernadine Bernadine Kinney Kinney Nursing Nursing Scholarship
Scholarship
Adrienne Duckworth
McKinney-Shaw McKinney-Shaw Nursing Nursing Scholarship
Scholarship
Valerie Ulbrich
Barbara Barbara Ann Ann Ann Neal Neal Nursing Nursing Nursing Scholarship
Scholarship
Scholarship
Lauren Trozzi
June June N. N. Satterfield Satterfield Satterfield Scholarship
Scholarship
Scholarship
Mary Arose Victoria Hartley
Savannah Connelly Jaclyn Jacobs
Mallory Engel Brittany Rodgers
Amy Farr Sarah Thompson
Angela Fitzwater Casi Willis
Edna Edna Nestor Nestor Condry Condry Nursing Nursing Scholarship
Scholarship
Jennifer Armentrout Donte' Newsom
Jennifer Mayhew
Ida da W. . Smith Smith M MMemorial
MM
emorial Nursing Nursing S SScholarship
S cholarship
Sierra Repass Kelsie Travaglino
Beulah eulah Teff eff efft eff t Webb ebb ebb Nursing Nursing Nursing SS
Scholarship
SS
cholarship
Kayla Black Leah McCullough
West est Vir ir irginia ir ginia Nurses Nurses Nurses A AAsso
A sso ssocia sso cia ciation cia tion S SScholarship
S cholarship
Zubaida Gyankomah Beverly Rusk
Alyson Mesisca Jennifer Wigle
Danielle Repass
Imogene Imogene Peer Peer Foster Foster Nursing Nursing Scholarship
Scholarship
Scholarship
Jessica Shockey Hannah Widder
Morgan-Robertson Morgan-Robertson Scholarship
Scholarship
Kelsie Travaglino
23

24
(L-R) Sara Ouzounian, Amanda Dzielski, David Gibeaut, Richard (RJ) Burtnett, Brittany Clingan, Michael (Shane) Cruse, Abigail Kinney,
John Lucas, Sarah Johnson, Margot Coogan, Marissa Hilton
May May 2009
2009
Convocation
(L-R) Back Row: Saira Nazli, Julia Myers, John Lucas, Elizabeth McCarty, Beth Nass, Elaine Orso,
Front Row: Kayla Osborne, Sara Ouzounian

The West Virginia University School of Nursing
celebrated the 140th Commencement of the
University with a ceremony on Saturday, May 16,
2009. Including those who completed degree requirements
in August and December 2008, there were 172 Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN), 30 Master of Science in Nursing
(MSN), one Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and three
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees awarded. The School
of Nursing commencement was held at the WVU Student
Recreation Center.
Dean Georgia L. Narsavage welcomed graduates,
family, and friends. Greetings were offered by West
Virginia University Interim Provost and former School of
Nursing Dean E. Jane Martin, PhD, RN, FAAN.
Laura S. Rhodes, MSN, RN, President of the National
Council of State Boards of Nursing and Executive Director,
West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered
Professional Nurses, WVU SON graduate, delivered the
commencement address, followed by the conferring of
degrees by Dr. Martin. PhD graduates were "hooded" by
their dissertation committee chairperson. BSN graduates
were awarded their nursing pins, which were a gift to each
BSN graduate from the School of Nursing. Denise Liston,
(L-R) Barbara Bragg, Faculty member Joy Maramba, Elaine Orso
President of the School of Nursing Alumni Association, gave
the Alumni Charge to the Class. Susan Bonney Coyle,
Outstanding PhD Student, Emily Rebekah Barnes, Outstanding
DNP Student, Angela Gail Hupp, Outstanding MSN Student
and Michelle Lynn Ryan, president of the WVU Student
Nurses' Association, gave Farewells to the Class.
The convocation concluded with the singing of the Alma
Mater.
Abigail Kinney & Shane Cruse
25

(L-R) Curtis Ash, Brandy Baileys, Shane Brost, Jennifer Burky, Martha Daniels, Lahoma Donald,
(L-R) Megan PhD Donatelli, graduates Jessica Kristy Georgeville, Chunta & Debra Melissa Facello. Grant
Convocation
West Virginia University School of Nursing
recognized 37 receiving the Bachelor of Science
in Nursing (BSN) degrees; four receiving the
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and two receiving the Doctor
of Philosophy (PhD) degree at the Honoring Graduates
ceremony on Sunday, December 13, 2009, in the Okey
Patterson Auditorium. In addition, 66 August 2009 BSN
graduates were recognized. A buffet brunch for graduates,
26 (L-R) PhD graduates Jamey S. Fasure and Suzy Mascaro Walter
December December 2009
2009
family, friends, and faculty was held in the Health Center
Cafeteria immediately following the program.
Christopher C. Colenda, MD, MPH, Chancellor for Health
Sciences, congratulated students on behalf of Health Sciences
Administration. Denise Liston, RN, BSN, MHSA, President of
the School of Nursing Alumni Association, welcomed all
graduates to the Alumni Association. Dean Georgia L.
Narsavage, PhD, CRNP, FAAN, expressed her pride and

appreciation of the graduates, noting that they have worked
hard and are all well prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
Anne E. Belcher, PhD, RN, CNE, FAAN, Associate
Professor and Director, Office for Teaching Excellence at Johns
Hopkins University School of Nursing, gave the convocation
address. Mary Jane Smith, PhD, RN, Associate Dean for
Graduate Academic Affairs, presented the PhD and DNP
(L-R) JaYoung Kim, Thomas (Andrew) Knight, Jessica Knox, Zachary Kochy, Kristine
Mangini, Skylene Montgomery
graduates. Elisabeth N. Shelton, PhD, RN, CNE, Associate
Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs presented the BSN
graduates. Each BSN graduate received the School of Nursing
pin from Dean Georgia L. Narsavage. Five of the BSN
graduates were inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International
honor society.
(L-R) Jennifer Justus, Adrienne Smith, Vanessa Smith, Stephanie Snyder, Abigail Swiger,
Whitney Westerman
27

28
Faculty Publications & Presentations - Summer 2010
PUBLICATIONS
Andrews, T., & Nathaniel, A. K. (2009). Awareness of
dying revisited. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 24(3),
189-193.
Buck, J. (2009, October). I am willing to take the risk:
Politics and the translation of the hospice ideal. Journal of
Clinical Nursing, 18(19), 2700-2709.
Carpenter, R. (2010, January, February). Using story
theory to create an innovative honors level nursing
course. Nursing Education Perspectives, 31(1), 28-32.
Chertok, I. R., Raz, I., Shoham, I., Haddad, H., &
Wiznitzer, A. (2009, April). Effects of early breastfeeding
on neonatal glucose levels of term infants born to women
with gestational diabetes. Journal of Human Nutrition
and Dietetics, 22(2), 166-169.
Chertok, I. R. & Hoover, M. (2009). Breastfeeding
legislation in states with relatively low breastfeeding rates
compared to breastfeeding legislation of other states.
Journal of Nursing Law, 13(2), 45-53.
Coyle, S. B. (2009). Health-related quality of life in
mothers: A review of the research. Health Care for Women
International, 30(6), 484-506.
DuRant, M.E., Leslie, N., Critch, E. (2009, August-
September). Managing polycystic ovary syndrome; A
cognitive behavioral strategy. Nursing for Women's
Health, 13(4), 294-300.
Friend, D., & Chertok, I. (2009, July). Evaluation of an
educational intervention to promote breast pump use
among women with infants in a special care nursery in
Kenya. Public Health Nursing, 26(4), 339-345.
Graber, J. & Polak, J. (2009). Eye disorders of the newborn
and retinopathy of prematurity. In T. Gomella (Ed.),
Neonatology: Management, procedures, on-call problems,
diseases, and drugs (pp. 454-462). New York: McGraw-
Hill.
Hassanein, S. E., Narsavage, G. L., (2009). The dose effect
of pulmonary rehabilitation on physical activity,
perceived exertion, and quality of life. Journal of
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, 29(4),
255-60.
Kennedy, S., Stephens, S., Tephabock, K., Brown, P.K.,
Davis, P., Keresztury, J., Narsavage, G. L. [Corr. Author].
(2009). Scientific Article CE: From high tech to high touch:
Integrating community voices. WV Medical Journal, 105,
74-77.
Larrabee, J. H., Wu, Y., Persily, C., Simoni, P., Birkhimer,
T., Mott, C., Gladden, S. (2010). Influence of stress
resiliency on RN job satisfaction and intent to stay.
Western Journal of Nursing Research, 32(1), 81-102.
http://wjn.sagepub.com/pap.dtl
Narsavage, G. L., Badzek, L. (2009). Nursing shortage
leads to innovation and a bright future. View & Visions,
34-35. http://www.bowlesrice.com/publications/
publications/vv/vv_fall09_LR.pdf
Nathaniel, A.K. (2009). Commentary. In J. Spandorfer, C.
Pohl, T. Nasca, & S. L. Rattner, (Eds.), Professionalism in
medicine: The case-based guide for medical students, 294-
296. NY: Cambridge University Press.
Putman-Casdorph, H., Drenning, C., Richards, S., &
Messenger, K. (2009). Advance directives: evaluation of
nurses' knowledge, attitude, confidence, and experience.
Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 24(3), 250-256.
Riggs, J. S. (2009). The influence of home care nursing
visit pattern on heart failure patient outcomes
[dissertation]. Cleveland: Case Western Reserve
University. Available at Ohio Link ETD http://
rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1244663522
Sand-Jecklin, K. & Emerson, H. (2010). The impact of a
live therapeutic music intervention on patients'
experience of pain, anxiety, and muscle tension. Holistic
Nursing Practice, 24(1), 7-15.

Sand-Jecklin, K. (2009). Assessing nursing student
perceptions of the clinical learning environment:
Refinement and testing of the SECEE Inventory, Journal of
Nursing Measurement, 17(3), 232-246.
Smith, M. E., Volger, J., Zarrouf, F., Sheaves, C., & Jess, J.
(2009, September). The struggles of electroconvulsive
therapy: The decision making process and the aftermath
of treatment. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 30(9), 554-
559.
Smith, M. E., & Wehrle, A. (2009). Homicide of an inmate
male partner: The impact on the woman. Issues in Mental
Health Nursing, 31(1), 21-27.
Theeke, L. (2010). Sociodemographic and health related
risks for loneliness and outcome differences by loneliness
status in a sample of older U.S. Adults. Research in
Gerontological Nursing, 3(2), 113-125.
Theeke, L. (2009). Predictors of loneliness in U.S. adults
over age sixty-five. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 5(23),
387-396.
PRESENTATIONS
Badzek, L. (2009, May). Ethics, law, and health.
Presented at the Guam Nurses Association conference,
Hagatna, Guam.
Buck, J. (2009, March). Negotiating hospice and
palliative nursing in the United States, 1978-1998. Paper
presented at the Anges Dillon Randolph International
Nursing History Conference, Charlottesville, VA.
Buck, J. (2009, October). Hospice and palliative care:
Looking back and seeing forward. Paper presented at the
3rd Annual Regional Palliative conference, in Detroit, MI.
Chen, Y. J., & Narsavage, G. L. (2010, October).
Socioeconomic Status Influence on Rural Adults with
COPD. Abstract accepted for poster or podium
presentation at the National State of the Science in
Nursing Research Conference, Washington, D.C.
Faculty Publications & Presentations - Summer 2010
Chen, Y. J., & Narsavage, G. L. (2010, February).
Comorbidity and Related Predictors of Decreased Lung
Cancer Survival. Paper was presented at the 24th annual
Southern Nursing Research Society Conference, Austin,
TX.
Cheng, C. Y., Chen, Y. J., & Liou, S. R. (2010, July).
Postpartum depression and birth outcomes of single
mothers. Accepted for poster presentation at the Sigma
Theta Tau International 21st International Nursing
Research Congress, Orlando, FL.
Chertok, I. R. (2009, March). Effects of early breastfeeding
on physiologic outcomes of infants born to gestational
diabetic women. Poster presented at the International
Symposium of Diabetes and Pregnancy, Sorrento, Italy.
Chou, Y. H., Cheng, C. Y., & Chen, Y. J. (2010, February).
Experiences of Maternal Happiness during Postpartum.
Poster presented at the 24th annual Southern Nursing
Research Society conference, Austin, TX.
Johns, R., Barnes, V., Heath, J., Narsavage, G. L.,
Schumacher, L., Arata, N. & Quinn, M. E. (2009). A brief
relaxation response intervention lowers capillary blood
glucose in patients hospitalized with CAD. Circulation,
120: S413, Nov.3 American Heart Association Scientific
Sessions, Orlando, FL.
Larrabee, J. H. (2009, September). Using the best
evidence-How do you really get started? Paper
presentation at the Nursing Management Congress,
Chicago, IL.
McCrone, S., & Leslie, N., (2010, January). Implementing
a practice doctorate: Challenges and successes [Abstract].
Presented at the AACN Doctoral Education Conference,
Captiva Island, FL.
Minchau, E. (2009, June). Group media projects as a
teaching strategy. Poster presented at the Drexel
University Innovative Teaching Conference, Arlington,
VA.
29

30
Faculty Publications & Presentations - Summer 2010
Narsavage, G. L., & Chen, Y. J. (2010, September).
Questioning impact of lower SES in rural areas on patient
outcomes in COPD. Accepted for podium presentation for
European Respiratory Society Conference, Barcelona,
Spain.
Narsavage, G. L., Chen, Y.J., Culp, S., & Weaver T.E.
(2009). Psychometric Analysis of a Short-Form Pulmonary
Functional Status Scale (PFSS-11), American Journal of
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 179:A1037.May
17, San Diego, CA.
Narsavage, G. L., Chen, Y. J., & Culp, S. (2009).
Characteristics/biomarker risk factors in COPD/lung
cancer. (Poster Discussion) European Respiratory Journal,
34, Suppl53, 408s.Sept 14, Vienna, Austria.
Nunley, B. L. (2009, October). Care giving/Nursing/
Community Service, presented at the WVU Physicians of
Charleston Geriatric Fellows Lecture Series, Charleston,
WV.
Nunley, B. L. (2009, July). Geriatric cognitive assessment,
presented at the West Virginia University School of
Nursing, Charleston Division, Charleston, WV.
Nunley, B. L. (2009, February). Family caregivers of frail
elders: Burnout and assessment, presented at the
Geriatrics lunchtime learning, CAMC/WVU, Charleston,
WV.
Polak, J. (2009, August). DNP Program at West Virginia
University, panel member. Essential skills for the
advanced practice nurse, Charleston WV.
Polak, J. (2009, October). Generational difference in the
workplace. Presented at the Fall into Newborn Care
Conference, Morgantown, WV.
Riggs, J. S., Madigan, E. A., & Koroukian, S. ( 2010, June).
Co-occurrence of comorbidity, disability and geriatric
syndrome among home health care patients with heart
failure. Poster presentation at the AcademyHealth
Annual Research Meeting, Boston, MA.
Riggs, J. S. (2009, March). The influence of home care
nursing visit pattern on heart failure patient outcomes.
[dissertation research]. Midwest Nursing Research
Society Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN.
Riggs, J. S. (2010, February). Demographic and Clinical
Characteristics of the Home Health Care Heart Failure
Patient Population. Southern Nursing Research Society
Annual Meeting, Austin, TX.
Madigan, E. A., Scharpf, T. P., & Riggs, J. S. (2009, June).
Rehospitalization among home health care patients with
heart failure. AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting,
Chicago, IL.
Scharpf, T. P., Riggs, J. S. & Madigan, E. A. (2009, June).
Functional status decline among home health care
patients with heart failure. AcademyHealth Annual
Research Meeting, June 2009, Chicago, IL.
Riggs, J. S., Scharpf, T. P., & Madigan, E. A. (2009, June).
Variation in home health care heart failure patient service
use across the rural-urban continuum. AcademyHealth
Annual Research Meeting, Chicago, IL.
Sand-Jecklin, K. (2009, June). Impact of a therapeutic
music intervention on patients hospitalized for emergent
medical conditions. Poster presented at the American
Holistic Nursing Annual Conference, Madison, WI
Sand-Jecklin, K., Murray, B., Summers, B., & Watson, J.,
(2009, November). The significance of health literacy
issues in our patient population: Implications for practice
and education. Presented at Sigma Theta Tau Alpha Rho
brown bag luncheon, Morgantown, WV.
Shelton, E. (2009, September). Finding the right mix.
Criteria for admission. Paper presented at the NLN
Education Summit 2009, Philadelphia, PA.

Smith, M. (2009, April). Electroconvulsive therapy: The
struggles in the decision making process and the
aftermath of treatment. Paper presented at the
International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses
Psychopharmacology Institute and Annual Conference,
Greenville, SC.
Theeke, L. A. (2009, April). An interdisciplinary review
of the loneliness and the health of older adults.
Presentation at the Annual ISPN Conference, Greenville,
SC.
Theeke, L. A. (2009, February). An interdisciplinary
review of the loneliness and the health of older adults.
Presented at Interdisciplinary Research: A Road More or
Less Traveled the Annual Conference of the Southern
Nursing Research Society, Baltimore, MD.
* October October 22, 22, 22, 2010
2010
* Erickson Erickson A AAlumni
A lumni CC
Cen CC
en enter en er er, er , West est Vir ir irginia ir ginia
University
University
* Sp Sponsor Sp onsor onsored onsor ed b bby
b by
y Sigma Sigma Theta heta Tau au
Interna erna erna ernational
erna tional tional, tional , AA
Alpha AA
lpha RR
Rho R ho C CChapt
C hapt hapter hapt er and and West est
Virginia Virginia University University Hospitals, Hospitals, Hospitals, Inc.
Inc.
* To o honor honor the the 50th 50th 50th A AAnniv
A nniv nniversar
nniv ersar ersary ersar y of of the the the West est
Virginia Virginia Virginia University University School School of of Nursing
Nursing
* Keynot ynot ynot ynote ynot e Sp Speak Sp eak eaker eak er er: er : D DDr.
D . B BBernadett
B ernadett ernadette ernadette
e MM
Meln MM
eln eln elnyk eln yk
Faculty Publications & Presentations - Summer 2010
Building Building Knowledge Knowledge for for Nursing
Nursing
A A Research Research Conference
Conference
Theeke, L. A. (2009, November). Loneliness, depression,
social support and quality of life in chronically ill older
Appalachians. Presented at the National Gerentological
Society of America conference, Atlanta, GA.
Theeke, L. A. & Horstman, P. (2009, October). Getting
staff nurses to write. Presented at the National Magnet
Conference, Louisville, KY.
Theeke, L. A. (2009, April). Outcomes associated with
loneliness in older adults. Presented at Translating
Inquiry to Enhance the Continuum of Care, the 2nd
Annual Psychopharmacology Institute and the 11th
Annual Conference Sponsored by the International
Society of Psychiatric Nurses, Greenville, SC.
This conference will highlight current communitybased
and hospital-based nursing research. The focus
of the conference will be the presentation of
research that builds on current nursing knowledge
and aims to generate new knowledge.
For conference registration forms contact Laurie
Theeke, PhD, ltheeke@hsc.wvu.edu
31

Alvita lvita K KK.
K . Na Nathaniel
Na thaniel thaniel, thaniel , PhD PhD, PhD , FNP FNP FNP-BC, FNP FNP -BC, FF
FAANP F AANP
32
Alvita is an Associate professor at West Virginia
University School of Nursing where she is
Coordinator of the Family Nurse Practitioner track
of the MSN program. Alvita is a native of rural West
Virginia and has been on the faculty at the Charleston
Division since 1987. She obtained a BSN from Alderson
Broaddus College in 1972, a MSN from WVU in 1984, and a
DSN from WVU in 2003 which became a PhD from WVU in
2007. She has the distinction of being the only graduate of
WVU's DSN program.
As a student in the MSN program in the early 1980s,
Alvita undertook a change project as part of the leadership
course. For her project, she chose to develop a nurse
practitioner role in West Virginia's only free clinic, West
Virginia Health Right. Collaborating with the clinic
administrator, Alvita wrote a job description, received grant
2009
ALUMNA
OF
THE
YEAR
funding, and posted the position. There were very few nurse
practitioners in West Virginia at that time, so no one applied
for the position. Alvita completed her MSN in 1984 and
applied for the position she had created. Today, there are 10
free clinics in West Virginia-all based to some degree upon the
model developed as the result of that WVU class assignment.
While working part-time at WVU from 1987 until 2003,
Alvita concurrently held a number of other part-time nurse
practitioner positions, which helped to prepare her for her
current role. She worked for several years as a nurse
practitioner in a primary care clinic, where she learned first
hand about various programs such as Family Planning, Early
Periodic Screen Detection and Treatment, Breast and Cervical
Cancer Screening, and the sexually transmitted disease
treatment program. In 1992, she established an independent
practice in which she delivered all primary health care

services at two Juvenile Detention Centers in West Virginia.
During the decade that she maintained this part-time practice,
Alvita gained a better understanding of adolescent health
care and treatment of at-risk youths. She also learned firsthand
the challenges of billing for her services. Concurrent
with her other positions, Alvita co-founded a second free clinic
in southern West Virginia, where she worked one day a week
for nearly 15 years. On weekends, Alvita also worked at a rural
hospital fast-track, where she became the first nurse
practitioner in West Virginia to bill for hospital-based services
using her own unique billing number. Alvita maintained at
least three of these part-time positions simultaneously while
teaching part time at WVU.
During the 1990s, while juggling all of her part-time
positions, Alvita worked with her colleagues to craft legislation
to recognize advanced practice nurses in West Virginia,
Dean Georgia Narsavage (right) congratulates Alumna of the Year Alvita Nathaniel.
allowing them to prescribe medications, and bill for their
services. During the intervening years, she has continued to be
active in the policy arena-advocating for advanced practice
nurses.
In 1998 Alvita collaborated with Peggy Burkhardt to coauthor
the nursing textbook, Ethics & Issues in Contemporary
Nursing. The book is currently in its third edition and
continues to be popular in the US and internationally. While
writing this book, Alvita became very interested in moral
distress. This interest led to her dissertation research on moral
reckoning, which she has published in a number of books and
journal articles.
33

(L-R) Matthew Gordon and Tara Settineri, Class of 1997, holding their son Ethan,
with Dean Narsavage.
34
On October 23, 2009, the WVU School of Nursing
Alumni Association held its annual Alumni Banquet
and class reunions at the Erickson Alumni Center,
Morgantown. Alumni, faculty and friends attended a reception
hosted by School of Nursing Dean Georgia Narsavage.
Officers of the WVU School of Nursing Student Nurses
Association were guests of the Association at the reception
and banquet. This was Homecoming weekend at WVU.
The banquet concluded with Association member Judi
Polak, Class of 1979, presenting the 2009 Alumna of the year
Award to Alvita K. Nathaniel. This was followed by the
announcement of the selection of Honorary Alumna Dr.
Cynthia A. Persily, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, in the
Southern Region at the West Virginia University School of
Nursing. She is also Professor and Department Chairperson for
the Charleston Division of the School of Nursing. In addition
to her administrative duties overseeing the academic offerings
on four campuses across Southern West Virginia, Dr. Persily
teaches in both the Master's degree and Doctoral degree
programs at WVU School of Nursing. Dr. Persily also serves as
the Executive Director of the West Virginia Nursing Leadership
Institute, a partnership between the WVU School of Nursing-
(L-R) Suszann Haught, Class of 1994, and Dean Narsavage.
Alumni Weekend 2009
Charleston Division and the CAMC Health Education Institute
to provide a 12-month leadership development program for
emerging nurse leaders in West Virginia. Dr. Persily serves as
Interim Chair of the West Virginia Board of Examiners for
Registered Professional Nurses, and was an appointed member
of the legislatively mandated West Virginia Commission to
Study the Nursing Shortage. In 2003, Persily was appointed by
the Governor of West Virginia to the Health Care Advisory
Council, a group of leaders in West Virginia charged with
making recommendations for the health care system of the
future. Dr. Persily has practiced as an advanced practice nurse
in a rural health center in West Virginia, where she began the
only prenatal care program in the community 12 years ago. She
is an active researcher in the area of maternal child health,
including research related to community-based interventions
to improve pregnancy outcomes, as well as studies of nursing
workforce issues. Past and current leadership roles include
membership on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Obstetric,
Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing and the Journal of Nursing
Education, Chair of the National Advisory Board for the
National Nursing Workforce Clearinghouse and Chair of the
WV Center for Nursing Board of Directors. Awards include a

(L-R) Krista Komondor, Class of 1995, and Dean Narsavage.
Penn/Macy Fellowship by the University of Pennsylvania
(2000), the William J. Maier Health Education Award (2001), the
highest award conferred at the West Virginia University Health
Sciences Center-Charleston, and the West Virginia University
School of Nursing Leadership Award (2002). Dr. Persily was
honored to be named a Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse
Fellow in 2001, one of 20 nurses nationwide to take part in the 3
year leadership development program. In November 2005, Dr.
Persily was inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of
Nursing, the organization charged with providing visionary
leadership to the nursing profession and to the public in
shaping health care policy and practice. She holds a BSN from
East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania, and a MSN and
PhD in Nursing and Health and Social Policy from the
University of Pennsylvania.
(L-R) Malene Smith Davis, Mary Friel Fanning and
Sandra “Sam” Cotton, Class of 1984.
Alumni Association Board member Judi Polak (left), class of 1979,
presented the 2009 Honorary Alumna Award to Dr. Cynthia Persily
(right).
35

32 26
Planned Giving
How Do I . . .
. . . include a gift in my will or revocable trust?
* Simply have your attorney include a gift provision
with the wording, “to the West Virginia University
Foundation, Inc., for the benefit of The School of
Nursing.”
* If you choose to specify an endowment gift, also
include the purpose and endowment name.
* If your will (or revocable trust) has been prepared, a
codicil (or amendment) can be added.
* Your estate will receive a tax deduction for your
support.
. . . create a gift that makes payment to me?
* “A charitable IRA” - retirement income for one or
more persons can also provide a gift for WVU.
* Stocks, corporate bonds, mutual funds, cash and
possibly real estate can be donated.
* A partial income tax deduction results from this gift.
. . . designate my retirement account funds as an
after-death gift?
* To accomplish this, contact the plan administrator and
request a beneficiary designation form.
* List the “West Virginia University Foundation, Inc.”
as the beneficiary of some or all of the accounts.
R
Legacy Planner - an easy step-by-step analysis of your
charitable goals and choices
Sample language for a gift in a will
Gift arrangements for retirement income
Other ways to carry out your dreams to support WVU
www.wvuf.org
. . . donate a life insurance policy?
* An agent of the company can supply a “change of
owner/beneficiary” form for your use.
* Changing the ownership to “West Virginia University
Foundation, Inc.” will provide a current income tax
deduction for you.
* If additional premiums must be paid on the donated
policy, they will be deductible.
* Changing only the policy’s beneficiary will provide a
future tax deduction for your estate.
ENDOWMENT FUNDS
* Many appreciate how valuable their education has
been in their lives and feel that finding a personal way
to support WVU would be a satisfying thing to do.
Actually, it may be easier than you think.
* Making a gift that can last forever - an endowment
fund - during your lifetime (using cash, stocks, bonds,
mutual funds or real estate) is a good option. Plus it’s
one that can help you lower your income taxes too!
* As a gift that is meant to last forever, an endowment
fund generates annual income for the purpose you
choose. The gift funds themselves are not spent, but
the income helps to accomplish your dream forever.
An endowment fund may be named for anyone you
would like to honor.
For more information contact:
Christine F. Meredith
Director of Development
304-293-3980 or 877-766-4438
cmeredith@hsc.wvu.edu

MAKE MAKE A A DIFFERENCE
DIFFERENCE
in in the the Lives Lives Lives that that Follow
Follow
Leave a legacy to the School of Nursing
so that others who follow you in your
chosen profession have the opportunity
for an excellent education at WVU. It
takes a lifetime to build your assets and
establish ideals. When you make a
planned gift to benefit the School of
Nursing through a bequest in your will,
an income producing gift, retirement
assets, life insurance or real estate, you
let others know how much you value your
education and life’s work helping others.
Your generosity is essential to the future
of the WVU School of Nursing and its
success.
FOR FOR MORE MORE INFORM INFORMATION
INFORM TION TION
Christine F. Meredith
Director of Development
PO Box 9008
Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center
Morgantown, WV 26506-9008
(304) 293-3980
Toll Free: 1-877-766-4438
cmeredith@hsc.wvu.edu
We e w wwan
w an ant an t t tto
t o hear
hear
fr from fr om y yyou
y ou
WVU School of Nursing would like to hear
from you regarding your professional news for
possible publication in upcoming issues of
WVU Nursing.
Send Send your your news news to:
to:
WVU School of Nursing
Judy Turner
P. O. Box 9640
Morgantown, WV 26506-9640
E-mail: jturner@hsc.wvu.edu
(304) 293-1593
Toll Free: 1-866-988-6877
33

38
Alumni lumni Week eek eekend/H
eek end/H end/Homec
end/H omec omecoming
omec oming
October October 22 22 & & 23, 23, 2010
2010
The WVU School of Nursing continues to celebrate its
50th Anniversary at the Annual Alumni Banquet and
class reunions that will be held on Friday, October 22,
2010 at Erickson Alumni Center. This is Homecoming at WVU
and the Mountaineers will be playing Syracuse on Saturday,
October 23.
Events planned for all graduates.
Classes celebrating reunions that year are: 1965, 1970, 1975,
1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, and 2005
Please help us make you class reunion successful and well attended. If you have a
little extra time and are willing to work with the alumni coordinator to assist in
contacting classmates about these reunions, contact Judy Turner by e-mail
jturner@hsc.wvu.edu or call toll free 1-866-988-6877.
Save
the Date
We will have a limited number of tickets for the football game
and will be attending the pregame event at Erickson Alumni
Center.
Mark your calendars now. Registration materials will be mailed
to you late summer. We look forward to seeing you. Plan to
join us this Homecoming to see old friends and classmates as
we celebrate the School of Nursing's 50th Anniversary.

WVU Nursing is published by the School of Nursing at
West Virginia University.
Dean
Dean
Georgia L. Narsavage, PhD, CRNP, FAAN
Editor
Editor
Judy Turner
Co-Editors
Co-Editors
Nicole Fernandes
Angela Summers
Editorial Editorial Board Board
Board
Laurie Badzek
Sandra Cotton
Betty Jurick
Evelyn Klocke
Susan McCrone
Alvita Nathaniel
Cynthia Persily
Elisabeth Shelton
Mary Jane Smith
Mary Kaye Staggers
School of Nursing
Design
Design
BJ’s Layout & Design
Photography
Photography
Photography
Health Sciences Biomedical
Communications
West est Vir ir irginia ir ginia Univ Universit
Univ Univ ersit ersity ersit
School School of of of Nursing
Nursing
PO Box 9600
Morgantown, WV 26506-9640
Toll Free: (866) 988-6877
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action Institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis
of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual
orientation, color, or national origin in the administration of any of
its educational programs or activities, or with respect to admission
or employment.
The Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center is on a tobacco-free
campus.
The WVU School of Nursing is celebrating
its 50th Birthday in 2010. Please visit our
web site to see how you can be part of this
special milestone.
Cover
Cover
Cover: Abigail Kenney and Shane Cruse display the happiness
of becoming a WVU School of Nursing graduate.
Visit isit isit us us on on the the Web eb a aat:
a t:
www.hsc.wvu.edu/son

School of Nursing
PO Box 9600
Morgantown, WV 26506-9600
Non-Profit Organ.
U.S. Postage
P A I D
Morgantown, WV
Permit No. 230