Twenty Five and counting!!

Delta Sigma has enjoyed an interesting history over the last 25 years. While it is impossible to chronicle all the events and achievements, a brief review is timely.

In the mid-1970’s, the vision for a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau was a glimmer in the minds of a few visionaries at Alfred University, College of Nursing in Alfred, New York. At that time there were discussions regarding a joint effort with Alfred University and Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York. Following much discussion, each College decided to go their own way. The Alfred University College of Nursing established a local honor society. The local chapter had to be fully functional for two years, a requirement of the national organization. At the completion of the two years, an application for National recognition was made and a site visit by the National Board of Directors. After the necessary vote of the Board for approval the chapter inducted into the National Organization in 1980.

In 1990, Alfred University transferred the ownership of the College of Nursing program to St. John Fisher College. An application and petition was granted by the Sigma Theta Tau International to move the membership with the nursing program. This was a significant accomplishment and has provided for the organization to continue uninterrupted. The opportunity to recognize scholarship and leadership among the nursing students is significant.

Since that time, the organization has grown and sponsored many activities in support of nursing scholarship and research. It has been an integral part of the nursing program with yearly induction ceremonies. The chapter has partnered with the department for the Wilmot Lectures, including facilitating Jean Watson as a speaker. There has been a long list of speaker events sponsored by the organization. Among some of the speakers were Jacqueline Fawcett, Anne Marriner Tomey, Jerome Lysaught – of the Laysaught Report, Leah Curtin and Lucy Kelly, former Sigma Theta Tau President. The programs include: a full study day on the topic of family court hosted by Judy Bonadio and a workshop on the homeless hosted by Donna Dedee, FRY news anchor. Topics also included “Culture and Health Care in Cuba” by Marilyn Belli and Bonnie Devinney’s presentation on African–American research, to mention a few.

Several research days featured panels of reports on specific research topics. As well as cosponsoring the Annual Leadership and Research Conference with GVNA and the other local Sigma chapters. The chapter sponsored faculty research and student participation at that event.

Newsletters have always been a vibrant part of the Delta Sigma Chapter with feature article and biographies as well as the calendars of the events for the year. Other notable events were yearly picnics for the May graduates and fundraisers such as the cookbook, “In Honor of Good Taste,” published in 1984 by members.

Lastly, it is an honor for students to be inducted into the organization championed by nurse leaders such as Virginia Henderson.

Qualified undergraduate and graduate students are invited for membership in Delta Sigma Chapter of The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International. Sigma provides leadership and scholarship in practice, education and research to enhance the health of all people. Delta Sigma Chapter supports the learning and professional development of its members