Niagara University Nursing Alumni Council (NUNAC): Mission

Alumni of the Nursing program have been meeting regularly to assist the dean and faculty with issues and concerns surrounding the closing of our beloved nursing school. These meetings have been filled with memories, and yes, hope for the future of Niagara's nurses.

Our work has centered on four areas: Communication, Academic Credentialing and verification for graduates, Event planning, and the alumni status of Gamma Theta chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. Our initial goal was to insure that all curriculums were accessible, and graduates' academic records maintained for transcript purposes. Along the way, we became involved in the issues of archives, keeping our new graduates involved and connected to NU, and ultimately, planning to celebrate all that we as nurses have done since our nursing school opened it's doors in 1946.

Our committee has been small, but dedicated. Members live near the University, and have been a source of support and comfort to the dean and faculty during this transition. Now, we are reaching out to all our fellow NU nurses- wherever they may be. The Alumni Office acknowledges the need for continued communication, and events to bring our graduates together. To this end, our charter Nursing Alumni Council has developed a mission statement:

The Niagara University Nursing Alumni Council recognizes the impact our graduates have on the health of our nation and the world. The council recognizes the need for all alumni to maintain strong ties with classmates. To this end, the council will provide opportunities for graduates to meet, maintain links to the University via http://www.niagara.edu/alumni

Our committees are:

Communication : Mark Harrigan '94
Academic advisor / credentialing: Mary Lorich (faculty)
Archives: Ann Venuto '64
Program/ event: Lee Morgan '87, Maria Stevenson '85
Sigma Theta Tau, Gamma Theta alumni chapter: Barbara Jesz '97

Barbara Malinowski '59 and Barbara Traver '69 have volunteered to anchor the group. Dolores Bower, dean emeritus of NU College of Nursing will serve in advisory capacity.

We hope to involve all our graduates in alumni weekend events. The alumni receptions during the fall will continue. If you are interested in assisting the NU Alumni Relations with regional efforts, please contact the University at 716-286-8787 or alumni@niagara.edu. Each edition of the Eagle will have a report of NU Nursing alumni council events, and updates on our graduates around the world. Please send articles or notes to share to Alumni Relations.