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

"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
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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!
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