USF College of Nursing celebrates its 40th anniversary in a two-day ‘Coming Home’ extravaganza
The University of South Florida College of Nursing celebrated its 40th anniversary in a two-day “Coming Home” extravaganza filled with festivities, Feb. 16 through Feb 17. More than 100 hundred faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends were present to celebrate the College’s four-decade milestone.
The festivities included several presentations, an award ceremony, a gala reception held at the state-of-the-art USF College of Nursing building, and ended with a day-long of tailgating and a basketball game at the USF Sun Dome.
Day 1-February 16, 2013
On Saturday, Feb. 16, the festivities began with an inspiring speech at the ceremony from Dianne Morrison-Beedy, PhD, RN, WHNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN, Senior Associate Vice President, USF Health and Dean, USF College of Nursing, titled “Moving to New Heights in Nursing: 40 Years of Success and Beyond.” Her rousing speech highlighted the USF College of Nursing’s achievements over the last four decades years, and laid out a foundation for what’s to come in the future.
USF Nursing Dean Dianne Morrison-Beedy speaking in front of more than 100 guests
“We have a world-class faculty and an incredible group of staff members,” said Dr. Morrison-Beedy as she got a little emotional. “I couldn’t be more proud of the work that we’ve done here at the USF College of Nursing and the impact that we’ve made locally, regionally, and nationally. We will continue to work hard and make a difference in the days, months, and years to come. The USF College of Nursing is always on the move, transforming healthcare and transforming lives.”
Then, Nicholas Hall, R.S., PhD, Professor and Senior Scientist at USF Nursing, who is an internationally recognized psychoneuroimmunologist that has conducted pioneering research dealing with the interrelationships between emotions and health, took the stage to discuss “I Know What to Do, So Why Don’t I Do It?”
Later, professional golfer turned nurse, Jameica Duncombe, BS, RN, talked about “Bringing Golf Etiquette to the Nursing Unit.” Duncombe, who was a top professional golfer in her native country, Bahamas, for more than seven years, shared her story about how she decided to become a nurse. She said her decision to become a nurse came after a hospital experience she had when she cared for her friend who was diagnosed with a rare tumor.
USF Nursing Alum, Jameica Duncombe, BS, RN
“Despite living my dream as a golfer, I thought I had something missing,” said Duncombe. “I wanted to feel accomplished. I wanted to feel like I can make a difference. And that was it. I came here to USF and quickly registered for classes. A couple of years later…and this professional golfer is now a nurse.”
During the Coming Home ceremony, Dr. Morrison-Beedy also honored Former Dean Gwendoline R. MacDonald, EdD, RN, who was the Dean of the USF College of Nursing from 1973 to 1987. In her honor, USF College of Nursing has named the College’s Faculty and Staff Lounge. She passed away in May 2012.
In addition, Dr. Morrioson-Beedy together with USF College of Nursing Alumni and Friends Society President and Assistant Professor, Melissa Molinari, Shelton, PhD, RN, took the stage to give several awards.
The awards given are as follows:
- Patricia Quigley, PhD, MPH, ARNP, CRRN, FAAN, ’75
USF College of Nursing 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award - Debra Shelby, DNP, ARNP, DNC
USF College of Nursing 2013 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award - Christopher Davis
USF College of Nursing Alumni & Friends Service Award
Dr. Shelton also honored the newest members of the Dean’s GEMS Society with the GEMS Induction, and presented the newest Military Challenge Coin award to alumni and guests serving in the military, ROTC cadets, and currently serving in the armed forces.
Marisa Belote , RN, MBA, Instructor and Director for Virtual Simulation Center of Excellence and Clinical Education at USF Nursing, took the guests on a tour in the College’s high tech simulations lab. At the same time, Eric Rauch, DNP, CRNA, Assistant Professor, Concentration Director for Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) and Susan McMillan, PhD, ARNP, FAAN, Distinguished Professor and Thompson Professor of Oncology Nursing at USF Nursing, provided guests with short presentations on CRNA and Oncology in the College’s auditorium.
The evening continued with a gala-style reception and a concert provided by the USF Health Choir and Orchestra conducted by USF Morsani College of Medicine Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, Frazier Stevenson MD. The elegant reception was filled with great music, lots of laughs, food and drinks.
Coming Home Reception
Dean Dianne Morrison-Beedy even invited the guests to do the official “USF College of Nursing Harlem Shake,” which can be seen below or on the official USF College of Nursing YouTube Channel.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_UUiN93CqA[/youtube]
Day 2-February 17, 2013
On February 17, USF College of Nursing faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends continued the College’s 40th anniversary celebrations at the USF Sun Dome with a Pre-Game pep rally followed be the men’s basketball game, USF vs. Louisville.
Dean Dianne Morrioson-Beedy with USF College of Behavioral & Community Sciences Dean Julianne Serovich, PhD, at the pre-game tailgate event
The tailgate party featured lots food and festivities for faculty, staff, alumni, and friends throughout the day.
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at USF College of Nursing, Edwin Hernandez, MS, said the Coming Home festivities were a great success.
“I would like to thank everyone who participated in our Coming Home 2013 festivities!” said Hernandez. “We had a great time. I am so grateful and proud of our Coming Home team. The entire USF College of Nursing family was critical to the success of the event. I am already looking forward to next year, as well as many of our alumni and friends. Stay tuned for Coming Home 2014!”
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