I would like to start this week's letter by wishing you all a happy National Nurses Week.
Dear Alumni,
As National Nurses Week celebrations are in full swing I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation to all of you.
Whether you are working directly with patients or striving to improve health care in other ways, your efforts are making a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and communities. Thank you for all that you do, and for continuing to be a shining example of excellence in nursing.
We have a full slate of events planned for this week, beginning with our Conversation with the Dean event at noon tomorrow, where we are honored to welcome Eileen Sullivan-Marx '80N (MS), dean of the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, to discuss lessons learned from COVID-19, policy, and leadership implications. I hope you will be able to join us.
In addition, Miner Library is showcasing rare materials to "Celebrate the History of Nursing." As we reflect on our profession and school's history, I would like to recognize the groundbreaking work of the nurses who came before us. To that end, I would like to share the opening words from founding dean Dr. Loretta Ford's inaugural address more than 50 years ago:
"Today is a day of joy and a day for reminiscing. For those of us sharing this moment, for many others before us, and now away from us, it is a celebration of years of diligent labor and the realization of noble dreams. I salute all of you and pay tribute to you with great humility and deep appreciation for your efforts. You have given us the strength of tradition, the wealth of experience, the knowledge of the ages and a spirit of timeless fellowship. That kind of heritage breeds future generations of curious, sensitive, intelligent, and enthusiastic professional nurses who continue to search deeply for answers to the time-honored questions about the nature of man, particularly in health and illness. Your high expectations and optimism for the future move us ever forward."
A "Tea for Lee" was held on May 7 at the University of Tampa to celebrate Dr. Loretta Ford. Pictured in the photo on the right is Lydia Rotondo, DNP, RN, CNS, FANP, associate dean for education & student affairs (left), and Alumna Marcia Johansson, '98N, '99 (MS), DNP (right).
This "spirit of timeless fellowship" that Dr. Ford spoke of continues today. Recent milestones such as our recent top 25 graduate program ranking and successful CCNE re-accreditation visit remind me of this community's incredible talent, dedication, and passion. In challenging times for our health care system and profession, the UR Nursing community has shown resilience, courage, and compassion.
With Commencement Weekend coming up this week, the future of nursing is bright. I look forward to celebrating our future nurses and health care leaders throughout this week and in the future.
Sincerely,
Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN (she/her)
Dean, University of Rochester School of Nursing
Professor of Nursing
Vice President, URMC
