AWARDS
Mary Ann Garrigan Award for Excellence as a Contemporary Nursing Leader
The Award honors an active member of the chapter who exemplifies excellence as a contemporary leader in nursing.
Mary Ann Garrigan (1914-2000) was a long-time professor and administrator at Boston University School of Nursing and the founding curator of the History of Nursing Archives at Boston University.
Dr. Maureen Murphy was nominated by Dr. Julie Grady.
Dr. Murphy has been a cornerstone of nursing education at Curry College for over 21 years, exemplifying leadership in her past role as Chairperson of the Division of Nursing and through her unwavering commitment to faculty and students alike. Known for her metaphorical role as the "rudder" of the ship. Her approach fosters a nurturing environment where she serves not only as a mentor and inspirer but also encourages authenticity among her peers and students. Dr. Murphy’s work extends across various educational programs, where she leverages her extensive experience in nursing and midwifery to enrich her pedagogical practices and to create a supportive, community-oriented classroom atmosphere. Esteemed for her quiet confidence and open-hearted mentorship, she has cultivated an environment of trust, making her a revered leader and mentor within the nursing faculty.
Theresa LaPlante Award
The Award honors an active member of the chapter for excellence in education or clinical administration.
This award is named for Theresa LaPlante, who served as Associate Dean for Administrative Affairs at Boston University (BU) for many years. After leaving BU, LaPlante was on the faculty of the University of Utah College of Nursing. The award was established in 1987 in her honor to recognize excellence among nurse administrators.
Dr. Patricia Rissmiller was nominated by Helen Bellenoit, MSN, R.N.
As tenured faculty member and former Chair of the Graduate Nurse Program at Simmons University, Dr. Rissmiller has significantly shaped the curriculum and mentored numerous educators and leaders within the field. Her extensive contributions to nursing scholarship, research, and education, including her role as the Sigma Theta Tau Chairperson of the Research Awards Committee, are remarkable. Her numerous publications, presentations, and advisory board memberships further attest to her profound impact on nursing education. Dr. Rissmiller’s dedication not only inspires her colleagues but also prioritizes student success, making her an outstanding role model and deserving candidate for this prestigious award.
GRANTS
Research Grants Awarded
Dr. Joy Garmaise-Yee and Dr. Gerta Mallei were selected to receive $2815 research grant to support their study titled, “Increasing the Sense of Belonging for BIPOC Students in Undergraduate Nursing Programs: An Action Research Project.”
Madison Brown (undergraduate Curry College nursing student) was selected to receive $185 research grant to support their study titled, “Mindful Self-Care Practices of Undergraduate Helping Professions Students”.”
SCHOLARSHIP
Marie Farrell Undergraduate $1000 Scholarship
Awarded to Kristin Shalvey (rising senior)- Curry College
Annually, the Marie Farrell Undergraduate Scholarship is presented to a newly inducted pre-licensure student who is not graduating before December of the year in which the student was inducted. Endowment for this scholarship was established in the Last Will and Testament of Dr. Marie Farrell. Dr. Marie Farrell was a professor at Boston University School of Nursing from 1947 to 1963 and served as Dean from 1957 to 1963. Dr. Farrell was a charter member of both Theta and Theta at-Large chapters. Even into her 90s, Dr. Farrell actively participated and supported Theta at-Large by attending inductions and chapter events.
AGS Committee members includes Dr. Coleen Toronto, Chairperson, Dr. Patricia Rissmiller, Dr. Maureen Hillier, Dr. Joy Garmais-Yee and Gail Grammatica, MS, RN, CNE.