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News
4th ANNUAL MULTICULTURAL ALUMNI BRUNCH
The Office of Multicultural Affairs hosted the 4 th annual multicultural
reunion brunch on Saturday, October 21. Held during the Nursing
Reunion 2006 weekend, the brunch was for all nurse alumni interested
in becoming involved in multicultural and diversity issues for
faculty, staff and students at the SON. Diverse alumni attended
the event, which was co-hosted by Nutrena Watts Tate (BSN '96,
MS '00) who did the welcome and closing. Dean Potempa gave remarks
celebrating the value of diversity in nursing education and research.
Dr. Coleman-Burns presented on “Diversity at the University of
Michigan and School of Nursing .” Bayyinah Muhammad (Multicultural
Nursing Student Association, President) and Jade Curry (BSN 2006)
(Chi Eta Phi Sorority, President) encouraged alumni to become
involved in mentoring students. Dr. Barbara Norman, (UM MPH)
was the special guest of the brunch and the namesake of the Legacy
Fund. Lindsey A. Evans, level III nursing student and former
president of MNSA was the 2006 and 3rd recipient of the Dr. Barbara
Norman Legacy Fund (Class of 1979) scholarship. The Award was
presented by Michelle Caffey (BSN 1979) who underscored Lindsey's
post graduation dream of participating in international nursing
through addressing the HIV-AIDS epidemic in South Africa . For
more information on the Barbara Norman Legacy Fund and this year's
recipient, please read below.
2007 Barbara Norman Recipient Essay Excerpt coming soon!
Excerpt
from Lindsey Evans' Essay, the 2006 Barbara Norman Recipient:
 "Lindsey Evans and Parents (Robin and Kerry) displaying the Barbara
Norman Scholarship Check"
What defines success and excellence? Certainly success and excellence
are subjective terms. When asked to define my personal success
and excellence, I thought of a doctrine I strive to live by:
altruism. Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes, “To leave the world a bit
better… to know even one life has breathed easier because you
have lived; this is to have succeeded.” It is my hope that this
may be reflected in my personal goals and accomplishments.
When prompted to explain why I attend a prestigious university,
while pursuing a nursing career, despite the knowledge that nurses
are over-worked, underpaid, and often disrespected, I smile to
myself. Almost on a daily basis I am told “you should have been
a doctor!” I think that ultimately, nurses are misunderstood.
I could have made a choice to pursue a career as a physician
which would allow greater economic gain and societal prestige.
However, I want to become a nurse because of the importance
of the service of care. As Maya Angelou once said, “The elderly
whose pillow we plump, or whose water pitchers we refill may
or may not thank us for our gift, but the gift is upholding the
foundation of the universe.“ It is essential to believe it is
humanly impossible to exist on one's own. It is necessary to
have faith that one day when I may be in need, someone with the
same values will be present. When we give readily and accept
appreciatively, everyone is blessed.
Due to academic honors, I had the opportunity to partake in
an event which opened my eyes to the desperate need for care
in a different part of the world: The International Collegiate
Scholar's Nursing Delegation to South Africa . Throughout I learned
of the health care disparities suffered by the people through
hands on experiences in clinics, hospitals, and villages. This
trip initiated a goal of participating in the Peace Corps program
for nurses to tend to those plagued by the HI V-AIDS epidemic
in South Africa post graduation. My sorority motto, “service
for humanity” guides me now and will continue to guide me in
this future pursuit.
To care and learn about others gives life meaning. If we speak
to strangers, and listen also-if we are unafraid to step outside
of comfort zones and strive to understand and help others, then
we find what we give to the lives of others returns to our own.
Giving frees the soul of those who provide.
BARBARA NORMAN LEGACY FUND SCHOLARSHIP
Purpose
For several years the class of 1979 met for special social events
planned around the African American Alumni Council weekends.
During a particular gathering the idea of a scholarship was discussed
as a means to set a permanent reminder of the influence the University
has made on the lives of the former students and also as a way
of showing support to the University and future generations of
African American Nurses.
It is the founders' desire that the scholarship continue as
long as the University of Michigan exists as a lasting salute
to this University's testament and its efforts to welcome and
respect people of all races and cultures regardless of society's
limitations, and as a salute to the spirit of humanity and the
God given right for all people to be educated.
Eligibility
A $2500 scholarship is awarded for the academic year.
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
- Completed second year of nursing studies.
- Grade point average of 2.5 or higher based on 4.0.
- Financial need may be considered.
- Demonstrate community contributions, such as involvement
in the mentoring program, mentoring fellow students or youth,
assisting the elderly, volunteerism, active member of Multicultural
Nursing Students Association, etc.
- Preference will be given to an African-American
student.
- Students must also include a 200-300 word essay on the topic,
“What professional nursing means to me and how this scholarship
will help me achieve my goals for college, education, and career.”
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