President’s Message, Fall 2006

Bill and Melanie Gates…Warren Buffet…Bon...Brad and Angelina…it seems that this has become the Year of Philanthropy and global stewardship. Philanthropy is not just about giving away money, it is about a wish or desire to benefit humanity. One of the newscasts talked about a hope that the actions of these very public figures would change how the nation looked at philanthropy. It is the hope of my Presidency that these actions will change how you look at your role in this prestigious organization.  When you became a member of STTI, Gamma chapter, you joined a membership that included the most educated nurses in the world. I believe that with this membership privilege, comes responsibility.

I recently watched a news special where Bono spoke of   “stewardship of affluence and influence” and I was immediately struck by that concept. While nursing may not be known as a profession of “affluence”, polls repeatedly find that nurses are one of the most trusted professionals by the general public. I feel that this trust brings with it the obligation of “stewardship of influence”. The easiest way to influence is to become involved. What does this mean? For long standing Gamma members, re-engage; for new members, make that purple chord you wore so proudly last April mean something.

Carol Picard, President of STTI identified the following areas of focus for her strategic plan: knowledge, leadership, service, communities, and sustainability.  Gamma chapter will be focusing on leadership and service initiatives this year. With the rich history of scholarship and leadership that this organization has I ask you to commit to one thing this year. Choose just one way to participate in some of the following chapter activities.

On September 21st the annual fall business meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Conference and Convention Center in Coralville, Iowa. The business meeting is scheduled from 5-5:45 p.m. followed by a presentation by Barbara J. Hannon entitled “Multigenerational Workforce Issues in Nursing.” An opportunity for networking and hors d’oeuvres will follow from 6:45-8p.m. On October 22 at 2 p.m., Gamma will once again have a team participating in America’s Walk for Diabetes in lower City Park in Iowa City. Walkers and pledges are both welcome, so please contact either Beth Houlahan at beth-houlahan @uiowa.edu or Anita Stineman at anita-stineman@uiowa.edu. The annual Founders Day celebration will occur in late October or early November. This year Gamma will be expanding the celebration to include practicing nurses at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, so please contact Mary Berg at mary-berg@uiowa.edu , April Roe at april.roe@mercyic.org or Beth Houlahan at beth-houlahan@uiowa.edu if you are interested in helping with this event.

Gamma chapter members can also be involved by writing an article for the Gamma Newsletter, nominating members for a research, scholarship or community awards, recruiting new or inactive members, or mentoring a new member. As you can see, there are a wide variety of opportunities for leadership and service. Please contact me at jill-valde@uiowa.edu with any additional suggestions or ideas. I would love to hear from you!

In closing, I would like to share a quote by Charles S. Lauer: “Leaders don't force people to follow—they invite them on a journey.” Consider yourself invited. Please join me in Gamma’s journey

Jill Gaffney Valde , President
Gamma Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International