History of Eta Eta Chapter

New Nursing Program Creates Honor Society

The nursing program at York College of Pennsylvania was established in 1977. By 1980, the need became evident for a means by which to honor outstanding nursing students as well as local leaders in the professional nursing community. Dr. Ruth Moran, Chairman of the Department of Nursing, Carolyn Kreamer, YCP faculty and Sigma Theta Tau International member, and Pat Grimmel, senior nursing student, conceived the idea of starting a nursing honor society at YCP with the goal of forming an alliance with Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI). A steering committee comprised of YCP faculty members Joan Reider and Jacquelin Harrington, representatives from other area nursing schools, and YCP alumni and students went to work on the project. By December 10, 1981, the first induction ceremony of the York College of Pennsylvania Nursing Honor Society was held welcoming thirty-four charter members. 

Charter Membership in STTI Granted in 1984

On October 1, 1982, application for charter membership in STTI was submitted. Charter was granted on April 12, 1984, to form the Eta Eta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International at York College of Pennsylvania with 109 members.

Eta Eta Chapter Committed to Nursing Excellence

Since that time, the Eta Eta chapter has continues to hold annual induction meeting with distinguished guest speakers. It has hosted educational programs for members, scholarly programs for general attendance, research days, and presentation of student research. The Eta Eta chapter participates in interchapter programs such as the Tri-State Consortium which has sponsored many programs of distinguished lectureship. It has generated inter-organizational programs such as an all-day nursing conference in Harrisburg which it co-sponsored with other chapters of STTI and the Pennsylvania Nurses Association. Delegates regularly attend the national Biennial Conventions.

Awards Program Developed

YCP's Eta Eta Chapter has developed an awards program to recognize outstanding contributions of local nursing professional, a scholarship program for its members for graduate study, and a student loan program for fees related to induction. It has also engendered a mentoring program for new inductees.

Irene Burnside, RN, PhD, FAAN Recognized in 1991

In 1991, the Eta Eta chapter nominated Irene Mortenson Burnside, RN, PhD, FAAN, who was awarded the Elizabeth Russel Belford Award for Excellence in Creativity by STTI at the 31st biennial convention in Tampa, Florida. STTI established a Gerontological Research Award in her name and in 1993, it was granted to YCP faculty member Dr. Judi Hertz for her gerontological research. 

Dr. Judith Hertz and Dr. Linda Pugh Receive Awards

1993 was a banner year for the Eta Eta chapter. That year, Dr. Judi Hertz received the Region 6 STTI Dissertation Award; Dr. Linda Pugh received the Mead Johnson Nutritionals Perinatal Research Grant under the auspices of STTI for her research on breastfeeding women; and the Eta Eta Chapter received a certificate of appreciation from STTI in recognition of exemplary philanthropic contribution to nursing scholarship, leadership and excellence.

Committed to Excellence

Over the years, numerous Eta Eta chapter members have been involved with authoring, presenting, and publishing papers and research; addressing and holding office in professional organizations; presenting health-related programs and posters at other universities nationwide and internationally; and doing missionary work internationally. Many have received awards from STTI as well as from other professional nursing organizations. Many have received advanced degrees and furthered their careers.

Anniversary Celebration - April 2000

Eta Eta Chapter celebrated its Anniversary on April 28, 2000. The afternoon program included a panel presentation on Diabetes Information for Nurses, tour of the new McKay Nursing Education Center, and Anniversary Celebration.
 

The Eta Eta Chapter of STTI at YCP is truly an arena where students and nurse leaders alike may be inspired to develop and achieve their professional dreams.

This page was updated on January 18, 2008.