STTI Honor Society of Nursing, Tau Kappa Chapter, Welcomes the College

Front row from left to right: Robin Bartlett, chartering officer, STTI, Tau Kappa chapter inductees, Jennifer Pettis ‘12, Mary K. Sweeney, Lisa Moruzzi, Geraldine Vickers and Rosemary Casale. Back row from left to right: SUNY Empire State College President Merodie Hancock with Tau Kappa inductees David Theobald ‘13, Gregory B. Pieper, Deborah Elliott and Excelsior College President John Ebersole gather for a celebratory photo at the Tau Kappa chapter amendment ceremony. The induction of new chapter members was part of the charter amendment for the Tau Kappa Chapter to include Empire State College.

The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing welcomed SUNY Empire State College as a new member of its Tau Kappa chapter at a formal chapter charter amendment ceremony, held earlier this month at 113 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, one of the college’s more than 35 locations across the state.

Laurie Nagelsmith, associate dean of the college’s School of Nursing, and Tau Kappa chapter president, presided at the event.

“Induction into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing recognizes nursing excellence and is a tremendous honor for Empire State College’s School of Nursing,” said Nagelsmith. “Membership allows nurses to connect with their colleagues around the globe in order to advance world health and to celebrate excellence in scholarship, leadership and service.”

Nagelsmith recently joined the college from Excelsior College’s School of Nursing, where she was associate dean.

Excelsior College President John Ebersole with SUNY Empire State College President Merodie Hancock, left, Laurie Nagelsmith, president Tau Kappa chapter, STTI, and associate dean of Empire State College join Robin Bartlett, chartering officer of STTI at the Tau Kappa chapter charter amendment ceremony. The ceremony and celebration recognized the 10th anniversary of the chapter and the charter amendment for the Tau Kappa chapter of STTI. Photo/Empire State College.

Tau Kappa, an at-large chapter, was established at the recommendation of Excelsior College, the chapter’s first and only member until its charter was amended to include Empire State College. The event recognized the chapter’s charter amendment, and celebrated its 10th anniversary and the induction of new individual members from the Excelsior College and Empire State College communities into the honor society.

“We are so pleased that our students, graduates and faculty now have the opportunity to be recognized for their academic achievements through induction into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing,” said Bridget Nettleton, dean of Empire State College’s School of Nursing.

Alumni Jennifer Pettis ’12 and David Theobald ’13, who currently are enrolled in Empire State College’s M.S. in nursing program, and Mary K. Sweeney, a member of Empire State College's adjunct faculty, were among the newly inducted.

“We are thrilled to recognize and welcome these nurse leaders into the Tau Kappa chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing,” said Nagelsmith.

About Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

STTI’s mission is to advance world health and celebrate nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership and service.

Founded in 1922, STTI has 490 chapters in 85 countries and supports the learning, knowledge and professional development of nurses who are making a difference in global health.

Membership is by invitation to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and to nurse leaders exhibiting exceptional achievements in nursing.