Villanova University Nursing Alumni Association

Congratulations to one of Villanova Nursing’s BSN alumni, Ann M. Szapor, RN, NEA-BC, who was recently named Chief Nursing Officer for Monmouth Medical Center. She will be responsible for the operational clinical practice, education and research delivered through nursing clinical services.

Read the full announcement:

Monmouth Medical Center Names New Chief Nursing Officer Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) has named Ann M. Szapor, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, who has nine years’ experience as a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and Vice President of Nursing with Magnet-designated facilities, to its top nursing leadership role. As CNO, Szapor, is responsible for the operational clini...

The Fitzpatrick College of Nursing has lost beloved colleague and Villanova Nursing alumna Professor Mary Ann Cantrell '89 (MSN), PhD, RN, CNE, FAAN, who passed away on Monday, July 15.

Director of the PhD program since 2017, Dr. Cantrell led it to become one of the most highly regarded and successful in the nation. Her unique research approach to pediatric cancer nursing and care examined psychosocial concepts from childhood diagnosis through survivorship in adulthood. A second area of research focused on the science of clinical simulation, specifically clinical judgment.

Visitation for Dr. Cantrell will be held Tuesday, August 6, 9-10 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Thomas of Villanova Church on campus. Read more about Dr. Cantrell’s life in her obituary: https://legcy.co/3YrVFdI

With sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Gloria McNeal, a member of the Board of Consultors since 2021 and a 1970 graduate of the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. Please keep her family in your prayers.

Dr. McNeal leaves a remarkable legacy of leadership and innovation in the field of nursing and health care, established throughout her nearly 40-year career. At National University most recently, she founded the Nurse Managed Clinic and served as Associate Vice President for Community Affairs in Health for four years and Dean of the School of Health and Human Services for six years prior to that.

Her research focused on the use of telecommunication technologies in community care, and her mobile nurse-led clinics revolutionized access to care for at-risk urban communities. A prolific writer, Dr. McNeal authored over 180 publications and served as Editor Emeritus for The ABNF Journal. Her grant-writing prowess secured extramural funding exceeding $27 million for various health care initiatives.

A visionary leader and a trailblazer in the field of nursing, Dr. McNeil will continue to inspire future generations of health care professionals.

Memorial Service: Friday, June 28, 2024, 12:30pm PST, Lancaster, Calif., or
Via Zoom https://nu.zoom.us/j/97186747124?pwd=gea3HMVBCavqag1UXrfw2gaC9aLjxh.1

Gloria McNeal Obituary: https://bit.ly/DrMcNealObit

Members of Villanova Nursing's Class of 1974 gathered at the University's Half Century event on Friday, June 7 to celebrate their Golden Anniversary in the Finneran Pavilion Fitzgerald Club. All received a commemorative 50th Reunion pin and enjoyed an evening of dinner, drinks and dancing. Thanks to Nursing alumna Terri Bernaz '74 and her husband Gerry '74 (CLAS) for the photo!

Barbara Warner McGarvey, a member of Villanova Nursing's third graduating class in 1959, joyfully returned to campus on June 8 during Reunion 2024, 65 years after her graduation. She looked through Driscoll Hall's memorabilia, toured the Simulation and Learning Resource Center, and had a photo taken with her daughter, MarySheila McDonald, Villanova's Scarpa Professor of Entrepreneurship and Law, and Nursing's Dr. Cathy Lovecchio, Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Program (white jacket). McGarvey began her career as a nurse on the medical-surgical unit of the Philadelphia VA Hospital before getting married and raising five children.

We're so glad you were able to visit with Villanova Nursing during Reunion weekend!

The Black Angels Book Discussion: April 8
All are welcome to a book discussion with Maria Smilios, author of The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis, on Monday, April 8. This true story follows the uncelebrated nurses summoned from the South to care for poor New York City residents during a time when tuberculosis was deadly and the resulting fear created a nursing shortage, from the Great Depression through World War II and beyond.

The event will be held in the Larson Kelly Auditorium, Driscoll Hall, and via Zoom. A book raffle will be held for in-person attendees.

Moderator: Sunny G. Hallowell, PhD, APRN, PPCNP-BC, Associate Professor of Nursing.

Sponsors: Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership and the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing’s Office of Inclusive Excellence and Center for Global and Public Health.

Attend in person or register to view via Zoom: https://villanova.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lrv6bU2YRVC_Q6l91PY_Tg

Join us on Thursday, April 4 in Driscoll Hall's the Larson Kelly Auditorium--or via Zoom--to view the Language of Care documentary. This poignant film highlights the work of Michelle Litchman, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, FADCES, FAAN, Associate Professor and Nurse Practitioner, University of Utah College of Nursing, with the Deaf community. An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be present.
Moderator: Christina Whitehouse, PhD, AGPCNP-BC, CDCES, FADCES, Coach Bennett Endowed Assistant Professor of Nursing.
Sponsors: M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing’s Office of Inclusive Excellence, Center for Global and Public Health, and Office of Nursing Research.
ACS approved.
Attend in person or register to view via Zoom: https://villanova.zoom.us/.../WN_VsoDlcA1TKmyJBoVj9uvJg

Join us in this interdisciplinary discussion of digital innovations in dietary monitoring-what's new and how this evolving technology can potentially impact health. Engineering and computer science professionals and students welcome! Free CPEU for RDs/RDNs/DTRs. For more info and to register: https://bit.ly/MCNERwebinar

For those in nursing education, please consider taking about 20min. to assist a doctoral student in her data collection. Details and survey link below!

Greetings from Cabrini University! I hope this message finds you well.
My name is LeRai Martin, MSN, RN. I am completing a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Leadership. I am conducting research to explore meanings of the phenomenon of racism and the effects of racism on Black nursing students for nursing educators at Predominately White Institutions (PWIs). PWIs are colleges and universities where 50% or more of the enrolled students are White.

As an individual currently employed as staff, faculty, or an administrator of a nursing program, your contribution to this study will add richness and depth to what is already known about nursing educators. Please share your unique voice and valuable experiences by completing an ONLINE QUALITATIVE SURVEY and/or participating in an INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEW via Zoom.

Please click on the following link to complete the online qualitative survey:
SURVEY Nursing Educators or paste this text into your browser: https://qualtricsxmwxz7s5wkb.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0v2ZJLJRnGwo742

The survey is also accessible via handheld device:

Please email me if you would like to SCHEDULE an INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEW at [email protected].
I would appreciate if you would share this invitation with your friends and colleagues in nursing education.

Thank you for your interest in this research.
With regard,

LeRai Carter Martin, RN, MSN

Nursing Educators' Meanings of Racism & Its Effects on Black Students Nursing faculty, staff, and administrators at Predominately White Institutions (PWIs) are invited to complete this survey about the meanings of racism and the effects of racism on Black nursing students. PWIs are colleges and universities where at least half of the student population is White. Your....

Congrats to Claire McKinley-Yoder, PhD, RN, CNE, who, with a colleague, will apply $17,700 in ANA grant funding toward continued research that seeks to create a more inclusive environment for nursing students. She is a graduate of our program and is a University of Portland (Wash.) School of Nursing & Health Innovations assistant professor.

UP School of Nursing & Health Innovations Receives Grant to Promote Diversity and Eliminate Racism in Nursing | University of Portland

With sadness we share the passing of alumna and former colleague Dr. Ruth Marie Carroll '77 BSN, 82, of Salisbury Md. on January 28, 2024.

Ruth Carroll Obituary - Holloway Funeral Home - Salisbury - 2024 View Ruth Marie Carroll's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

New Date! The Fitzpatrick College of Nursing invites you to:
𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘀
February 6, 2024 | 12- 1 pm ET

Register here: https://vuevents.villanova.edu/website/67895/

Donna S. Havens, PhD, RN, FAAN, '83 MSN, the Connelly Endowed Dean of the Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, will provide College updates. Guests will have the option to submit questions for Dean Havens during the registration process.

Margaret J. “Peggy” Griffiths '62 BSN, of Haddonfield, NJ, died on December 26, 2023, following a long illness, at the age of 83. She was part of our NROTC program, served in the US Navy, and taught locally at Jefferson and Penn.

Margaret J. “Peggy” Griffiths – Peninsula Funeral Home 2022 Margaret J. “Peggy” Griffiths passed away peacefully on December 26, 2023, following a long illness, at the age of 83. She was born on March 1, 1940, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, to her late parents, James B. Sharkey and Mary F. Sharkey (nee Cullinane).

We are saddened to share that Lori Howell '15 DNP died on Jan. 19, 2024 after a long illness. Lori was our first Ashley Rose Pitek Nurse Scholars Fellow for a nurse committed to the care of children with spina bifida. Lori was a pioneer in fetal therapy and grew CHOP's program to have deep and wide impact. May she rest in peace. Read more here https://wepublishnews.com/news/lori-j-howell-death and here https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/nursing/newsevents/archives/2015_0821.html

DNP student Lori Howell is first Ashley Rose Pitek Scholar | Villanova University Villanova University is a Catholic university founded in 1842 by the Order of Saint Augustine. At Villanova, our educational experience is rooted in a passionate, collaborative pursuit of knowledge and service to others.

We share with you the passing of Phyllis Karmels '78 MA, '85 MSN, 93, of West Deptford, NJ, on January 16, 2024. A former head nurse in L&D, she went on to become an educator.

Phyllis Karmels Obituary - McGuinness Funeral Home - Woodbury - 2024 View Phyllis Karmels's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

Nursing Alumni!

Join your fellow and Villanova's active military and veteran alumni at our annual pregame reception before a Villanova Men’s Basketball game vs. Seton Hall at the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, February 11.

Space is limited! Learn more and register by Wednesday, February 7. https://vuevents.villanova.edu/782991

We share with you information on the passing of fellow Margaret Gallen '60 BSN, age 90, on January 9. Locally, she practiced nursing at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrooke, Pa. May she rest in peace.

Margaret Gallen Obituary - Dinan Funeral Home - 2024 View Margaret Loretta Gallen's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

The Fitzpatrick College of Nursing invites you to:
Insights and Updates with Dean Donna Havens
January 17, 2024
12- 1 pm ET
A link to the virtual event will be sent to all registered participants.
Register here: https://vuevents.villanova.edu/website/65902/

Congratulations to Dr. Pamela Edwards '84 MSN on being named director and chair of the Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing at Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC!

Edwards named next director of Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing - News | Campbell University Dr. Pamela Edwards has been named the next director and chair of the Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing. Edwards… More on this post

Proud to share all the continued growth and successes over the last five years that's captured in our latest publication! Thank you to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends who support our collective College and its mission. What a team! 💙✌️https://issuu.com/villanovanursing/docs/villanova_nursing_state_of_the_college_2018-2023?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

We are grateful, once again, to Mr. and Mrs. Conway for their support of nursing and nurses! The M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing has received a fourth gift from philanthropists William E. Conway, Jr., co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, and his wife, Joanne, bringing their total investment of the College of Nursing to over $10 million. This funding from the Conways—which will support more than 500 Villanova nursing students over the next five years—makes them the largest donors in the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing's history. https://www1.villanova.edu/university/media/press-releases/2023/conway-FCN.html Villanova University

Congrats to Elke Jones Zschaebitz '88 BSN, DNP, ARPN, assistant professor at Georgetown's School of Nursing, and her colleagues who were honored at a Nov. 9 ceremony by the Georgetown University Provost with the Innovation in Teaching Award for their work for their work as part of the Virtual Interprofessional Education (VIPE) collaboration. Created at several universities including the School of Nursing, VIPE provides virtual health care students from multiple universities with an interprofessional virtual training experience.

School of Nursing Faculty Receive Provost Innovation in Teaching Award - School of Nursing The Georgetown University Provost honored three School of Nursing faculty members with the Innovation in Teaching Award for being among those “who model the success that all academics seek.”

Educators, looking for a temporary role? We are seeking nominations and applications from outstanding educators for a temporary, full-time, visiting non-tenure track faculty position for the spring and fall semesters of 2024 with preparation and expertise in a broad range of areas, such as: psychiatric mental health, pediatrics, or community/public health. Successful candidates will be expected to instruct our students in their area of nursing specialty in both the didactic and clinical setting. Read more and apply: https://jobs.villanova.edu/postings/27466

Interested in learning about some promising policies and programs that can support those with food insecurity and diabetes achieve improved health? Attend our next free webinar for health professionals and earn 1 free contact hour (RNs) or 1 free CPEU (RD/RDN/DTR).

NYC Alumni- join us on Nov. 13th for our 7th Annual Villanova Nursing Dinner at Rossini's - see more and register here: https://vuevents.villanova.edu/website/62123/details/

It's time to Nominate a Villanova Nurse for the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing Alumni Medallion!

The Fitzpatrick College of Nursing welcomes nominations for the College's Medallion, the highest award for alumni achievement. If you know a Villanova nurse who has distinguished themselves through significant contributions in their field or role, you may read more about criteria, view previous recipients, and link to the nomination form here: https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/nursing/about/medallion.html

Completed nominations must be received by November 1. Those selected for this year will receive their Medallion at the Annual Mass and Alumni Awards Ceremony on April 19, 2024.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Don't miss Nursing's Homecoming tent on Saturday, October 28 from 11am- 2p on the campus green. Alumni, update your contact information for entry into our sweepstakes, with prizes including men's and women's basketball tickets and a swag bag! See you soon! 💙✌🥳

General event info here: https://vuevents.villanova.edu/website/61403/

Congratulations to Linda (Grzyb) Roney '97 BSN, EdD, RN-BC, CPEN, CNE who was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing on October 7. She is Associate Professor, Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies at Fairfield University and proud mother of Natalie, a sophomore Villanova nursing student. Linda's research interests include pediatric trauma and nursing education. She continues her pediatric nursing practice at Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital where she cares for some of the most vulnerable patients, including victims of child abuse and infants born to mothers who are addicted to illicit drugs. She has been involved in research and policy development on the state and national levels focused on injury prevention in children. 🥳💙✌🩺🏆

Congratulations to Amanda Kirkpatrick '18 PhD, RN who was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing on October 7. She is Associate Professor at Creighton University College of Nursing in Omaha, Neb. Her research interests include simulation, interprofessional (IP) education, and palliative care (PC). Her doctoral research at here at Villanova University was in the area of interprofessional end-of-life simulation. Mandy’s experience in working collaboratively with IP teams has led to the development of several successful projects and taskforces throughout her career, including simulation teams, course development, and interprofessional research. As a Macy Faculty Scholar (2019-2021), she aimed to develop and disseminate virtual interprofessional simulation (VISion) using palliative care scenarios as an effective model for interprofessional education of distance students. She has held leadership positions in local and national nursing and IP practice organizations.