Rutgers Nursing Magazine - Summer 2020

O Over the past academic year, the Rutgers School of Nursing Alumni Association continued its work supporting alumni and students alike through fundraising and professional development, mentor- ship, and networking initiatives. A highlight of the year was the Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala, held last November. At this signature fundraising event, the associ- ation recognized nursing excellence and presented scholarship awards to School of Nursing students. “We’re extremely proud of what the association has been able to ac- complish in supporting our key constituents and advancing nurs- ing,” says Mary Anne Marra (DNP, RN, NEA-BC), the association’s president. “A highlight was our salute to retired dean Dr. Bill Holze- mer for his many contributions to our school and our profession.” A GALA AFFAIR “It’s wonderful to look back on last year’s gala, where we welcomed more than 300 guests to Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville,” Marra continues. “We applauded excellence, enjoyed great food, and danced the night away.” The following awards were presented at the event: Alumni President’s Award–William L. Holzemer (PhD, RN, FAAN). The former dean retired in August 2019 after serving 10 years at the helm of Rutgers School of Nursing. He was lauded for his contribu- tions to advancing nursing education in the U.S. and abroad, and his trailblazing leadership in addressing HIV. Outstanding Alumni Award–Judith Persichilli (MA, BSN, RN). A summa cum laude BS in Nursing graduate (’76) of Rutgers School of Nursing, Persichilli is commissioner of the New Jersey Depart- ment of Health—the first nurse to serve in that role. Rising Star Alumni Award–Kristy Agresta (BS, RN, CSN-NJ). A graduate of the BS in Nursing program (’13), Agresta is a certified school nurse with the Ridgefield Public Schools. She secured a grant for her school district to purchase an automatic external defibrillator (AED), and obtained a gift of $90,000 worth of Naloxone for schools to treat overdoses. Scholarship Awards: Nine Rutgers School of Nursing students received scholarships. The competitive awards recognized academic achievement, service to the School of Nursing, and volunteer service to the community. n Stay connected. For updates on alumni association affairs and the 2020 virtual alumni gala, visit nursing.rutgers.edu/alumni or email rsonaa@sn.rutgers.edu A L U M N I E X C E L L E N C E O Alumni Association Advances the Future of Nursing Board members: (L-R) Shanda Johnson, vice president; Judith Caruso, immediate past president; Amita Avadhani, secretary; Cheryl Pantini, events chairperson; and Mary Anne Marra, president. (Not shown: Eleni Pellazgu, chair of student and new graduate engagement.) Below: Holzemer accepts alumni association award. Student scholarship recipients: (L-R, seated) Sarah Stranc, Devanshi Gami, Amanda Krantz, and Amy Quartararo. Standing are Claire Latourette, Justinna Dixon, Lindsey Greene, and Ana Ford. (Not shown: Jeffrey Dynof.)