Epsilon Omega Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International is celebrating its 25th anniversary this fall. On April 4, 1982, during Honors Week at The University of Alabama, Epsilon Omega officially became the 142nd chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, the honor society of nursing.
Sigma Theta Tau is the second largest nursing organization in the United States, established in 1922, by six nursing students at the Indiana University Training School for Nurses in Indianapolis, Indiana. Today, more than 400,000 members have been inducted worldwide. Membership is by invitation to students who have demonstrated excellence in baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs, and to nurse leaders who have demonstrated marked achievement in nursing education, practice, research, administration or publication. Chapters must be affiliated with a baccalaureate or graduate nursing program and there are over 450 chapters on college campuses throughout the United States and in 17 countries outside the U.S. Goals of Sigma Theta Tau International are to: foster excellence, scholarship and leadership in nursing to improve health care worldwide; and to promote the use of nursing research in health care delivery and make its resources available to all people and institutions interested in the latest knowledge in nursing care.
Sigma Theta Tau’s national guidelines require that a college of nursing have a functioning honor society for two years before being considered for membership in the international organization. The Capstone College of Nursing Honor Society was formed in 1979, and the honor society applied for membership into Sigma Theta Tau in spring 1981. All honor society members were invited to become charter members of Sigma Theta Tau’s Chapter at The University of Alabama that took place in spring 1982. On that special day in April when Epsilon Omega Chapter officially became the 142nd chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, there were 27 transfer charter members from the Capstone College of Nursing Honor Society and 107 new charter members. This was the beginning Epsilon Omega’s presence at The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing.
Installation of first officers of Epsilon Omega Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International on April 4, 1982 by Mrs. Virginia George, National Sigma Theta Tau Installing Officer (seated).
Epsilon Omega Chapter first officers (standing left to right): Rebecca Edwards, Faculty Counselor; Joy Morris, Vice-President; Linda Olivet, President; Joyce Mason, Faculty Counselor; Bernadine Roberts, Secretary; and Camille Butler, Treasurer. Not pictured: Mildred McLendon, President-elect; Pat Booth, Archivist; Maxine Walker, Parliamentarian; and Susan McLendon, Newsletter Editor.
From its inception, Epsilon Omega chapter has recognized the value of scholarship and excellence in nursing practice. During the 25 year history more than 840 nursing students and registered nurses in the community have been inducted into Epsilon Omega Chapter. Each year Epsilon Omega encourages members of the chapter to engage in research endeavors, and members can apply for financial assistance as needed. Final decisions regarding research awards are made by the Executive Board each year. The chapter also recognizes one outstanding undergraduate, one RN Mobility, and one graduate student each year. The award is given to students who demonstrate outstanding achievement and ability in the areas of scholarship, professional involvement and leadership.
This year Epsilon Omega Chapter will be honored at Sigma Theta Tau International’s 39th Biennial Convention held in Baltimore, MD November 3 – 7, 2007. Epsilon Omega has been selected as a recipient of the 2007 Chapter Key Award, which is an excellent reflection of the work of a vibrant chapter and excellent leadership.
Links:
- Epsilon Omega Chapter Sigma Theta Tau International
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing