College of Nursing honors 2015 Hall of Fame inductees
Individuals honored at the ECU College of Nursing Hall of Fame induction ceremony pictured with College of Nursing Dean Sylvia Brown, far right, are Rita Coggins, Roseanne Leahy, distinguished alumna Dianne Marshburn, Madge Dews Thompson, Michelle Skipper, Becky Whitley and Pam Reis.
The East Carolina University College of Nursing inducted nine members to its Hall of Fame during a ceremony held March 6 at the Hilton in Greenville. The event, which also recognized the college’s 2015 Distinguished Alumna, honored outstanding contributors to nursing in the areas of education, administration, research and practice.
This year’s class includes inductees from a range of impressive backgrounds, including a widely acclaimed Chicago-based speaker and author, the chief nursing officer of a major health system, two members of the college’s first graduating class, the former editor of the military’s Special Operations Forces Medical Handbook and several esteemed College of Nursing faculty members.
Not only does the Hall of Fame honor prominent nursing professionals, it also has raised approximately $85,000 for a merit-based student scholarship fund since its inception in 2011. Thanks to this program, the college will award its fifth Hall of Fame Scholarship this fall. This year’s recipient, Kelsey Leonard, a master’s student in the nurse anesthetist program, was recognized at the event.
“This Hall of Fame not only recognizes our outstanding leaders, but is another way to give back to future generations of nurses,” said Dr. Sylvia Brown, dean of the College of Nursing.
The 2015 inductees join a list of 70 Hall of Fame members representing eight states. Each new member receives a flame-shaped award that resembles the lamp illustrated on the college’s nursing pin. The lamp and its associated flame symbolize a commitment to service and a vibrant life.
This year’s Hall of Fame class:
- Barbee Bancroft
- Rita Coggins
- Jeanette Jones
- Roseanne Leahy
- Pam Reis
- Michelle Skipper
- Jacquelyn Jones Stone
- Madge Dews Thompson
- Becky Whitley
On a night set aside for celebrating influential nurse leaders, the college also recognized the recipient of its 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award. This year’s awardee is Dr. Dianne Marshburn, who has three degrees from the ECU College of Nursing. Marshburn recently retired from a 33-year career at Vidant Medical Center, where she served as director of clinical research at Vidant since 2008.
Learn more about the Hall of Fame by visiting www.nursing.ecu.edu/hof.cfm.