The School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science celebrated its milestone 50th anniversary during a virtual gala on November 13. The school honored its past while rallying support for future generations of health professionals.
The night also raised crucial funds to assist TCNJ students who continue to face unforeseen financial hardships to continue their education as a direct result of the pandemic and to enhance the school’s academic programs. More than $56,000 has been raised so far, with a total goal of $75,000 by the end of the year.
Speaking via Zoom, Carole Kenner, dean of the School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science, reflected on the changes of the school since its inception, including the combination of the three disciplines.
“It became clear that to promote positive health outcomes, we must be part of an interdisciplinary health team,” Kenner said. “We must address mental, as well as physical health, recognize exercise as medicine, move into the community as well as in the hospital, address public health issues, and provide leadership in health education. This interdisciplinary work personifies our school. Together we are stronger.”
Kenner also highlighted the critical role healthcare workers have played on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The intersection of public health and nursing has come to the public’s attention during this pandemic,” Kenner said. “None of us could have predicted how nursing and health professionals would come to the forefront of global dialog during this pandemic. For those of us in healthcare, we have seen firsthand the impact it has had on lives. I am proud that our school is able to be part of the healthcare solution.”
Please consider donating to the event’s causes by clicking here.
— David Pavlak
The gala featured a variety of awards handed out by each department to healthcare professionals, academics, alumni, faculty, and staff. Congratulations to all those who were recognized during the ceremony.
Nursing
Distinguished Service
Marcia Blicharz, associate professor, TCNJ
Sharon Byrne, associate professor and chair, TCNJ
Donna Gage, healthcare executive and principal, BMC Associates
Distinguished Leadership
Monica McLemore ’93, associate professor, University of California San Francisco, affiliated scientist, Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, and member of the Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health
Eileen Sporing ’80, chief nursing officer emerita, Boston Children’s Hospital
Favorite Faculty Experience
Rosemary Capelli ’73, assistant professor, TCNJ
Staff Excellence
Kristine Bitowf, program assistant, TCNJ
Norma Brown, coordinator of simulation and clinical learning resource center, TCNJ
Public Health
Alumni Service
Tristan Gibson ’18
Candidate, master of public policy, Rutgers University
Alumni Early Achiever
Natalie Tietjen ’18, manager of federal policy, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Alumni Leadership
Kiara Mayhand ’18, assistant to the vice president and treasurer, TCNJ
Alumni Career Achievement
Thomas Hipper ’07, assistant professor, Drexel University
Excellence in Academic and Professional Advising
Brenda Seals, associate professor and chair of the department of public health, TCNJ
Excellence in Teaching
Natasha Patterson, assistant professor, TCNJ
Excellence in Student Engagement
Carolina Borges, associate professor, TCNJ
Staff Excellence
Livia Lazarro, internship coordinator, TCNJ
Mei Zhao, program assistant, TCNJ
Health and Exercise Science
Outstanding Legacy – Teaching
Elizabeth Del Vecchio ’83, athletic director, Cresskill High School (New Jersey)
Outstanding Legacy – Science
Dr. Justin DeAndrea ’14
Distinguished Service
Anne Farrell, professor and department chair, health and exercise science, TCNJ
Favorite Faculty Excellence
Avery Faigenbaum, professor, TCNJ
Staff Excellence
Noah Beller ’10, internship coordinator, TCNJ
Carol Wells, operations and program coordinator, TCNJ