By: Julie Grieco
Posted In: Opinion
Photo credit: Chelse Melina
Saturday, October 2, 2004, was a day that will go down in history as Salve’s Nursing Department held its 1st Annual Nursing Alumni Luncheon. Dr. Sandra Solem, the new chair of the nursing department, organized the event inviting alumni, faculty, students, and family to dine in the Pell Center, on a lovely afternoon of the Fall Festival Weekend.
The alumni offered insight into the world of nursing today. As generations combined, there was an expected surge of excitement. As we took our seats, I began to realize how fortunate I was to have been invited to hear the legacies of my future. I had not expected to be in the company of such accomplished people. At my table I was seated beside a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who works in New York City. She emphasized to the other students and myself, the importance of going on to receive your Master’s degree; yet, also cautioned us, encouraging us to consider taking a few years in between in order to obtain some experience. From her perspective, she believed that nothing can give you the true bedside manner needed to be a practitioner, without first having spent time with patients. A great point, I would not have previously considered. Another woman seated beside me was a high school nurse who shared how she left Salve with a child and husband. Upon graduation, she was unsure of what she wanted to do with her degree, but because of the flexibility of her degree, she seized an opportunity to work in a school to be close to her son. For the first time, I realized the ambidextrousness of the degrees we receive, will allow us to choose from a wide array of disciplines, in locations all over the world. Seeing the success of these honorable men and women, illustrated to us students, that it is in fact possible to not only graduate, but also possible to use your education in a way that will touch millions of lives. The nurses were proud to bear the shield of mercy they earned, and collectively noted how they are recognized in any setting they place themselves in. All these stories were only precursors to the speech of honorary guest speaker, Lisa Maurano, a graduate of the class of 1970 who has organized MedStar Home Health. She shared with all in attendance her formula for success; highlighting her collaborative style of management and openness to development, as two key aspects of hearing every individual. Focused on modifying her own tactics by collaborating with every voice heard, she achieved successful venues allowing her to create a superior plan by using the strength of numerous intelligent beings; some great advice for any leader. Ms. Maurano’s speech concluded the event, as the icing puts the finishing touch on a cake. The reaction of the student’s in attendance was a motivational one, as if a match had just been struck. In just a few hours, we were transformed from a group of exhausted college students, to a group full of inspiration, bursting with a fiery desire to make as great a difference as the group of alumni that sat beside us. After the ceremony concluded, we were fortunate enough to be included in one of the photos of the event. As I took my seat beside Sister Madeline F. San Souci, the chair of Salve Regina University’s department of nursing for the original class of 1952, I felt, quite simply, surreal. After all, without this woman, I would not be able follow my dreams, and I most certainly would not be here at this beautiful University I call my home. I feel the consensus of the day’s events was one of celebration. It was a commemoration shared by generations; the young, eager to model those before us, the elderly, beamed with pride of their flourishing pupils, and the middle aged shared their success with their peers. Great company, a delectable meal, and heartfelt words were the highlight of my Fall Festival weekend. I only hope there will be more events like this to come!
