Alumni Hall of Fame

2001 Nursing Honoree:

Denise Charron-Prochownik '77

MSN - Boston College, PhD - University of Michigan

Assistant Professor of Nursing and Graduate School Public Health, University of Pittsburgh (Position at time of award)

"A baccalaureate education in nursing goes beyond preparing the profession; it provides the skills and critical thinking necessary to manage life. As a nurse, our training prepares us to help people in all stages of life, and every turn of events... from birth to death. Rhode Island College made me a nurse. Rhode Island College laid the foundation upon which I was able to build my professional career in Pediatrics. Starting as an RN on a pediatric unit, I then progressed to a Clinical Nurse Specialist for Children with diabetes and a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in primary care; to a nurse educator - teaching at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels; and to a nurse researcher. My professional work is a reflection of the values and truths that have been instilled in me by my nursing faculty at RIC and my parents. As a clinician, educator and scientist, I hope to inspire other nursing students at RIC to pursue similar goals, to move our profession forward, and hold tightly to our values and truths."

2000 Nursing Honoree:

Marybeth Mancini '76

MSN - URI

Senior Vice President, Parkland Health & Hospital Systems, Dallas, Texas (Position at time of award)

"The education that I received at Rhode Island College provided me with an excellent foundation for my future career. I was fortunate to have professors who nurtured my love of nursing and stimulated my commitment to life-long learning. As I complete my work towards a PhD in Public Urban Affairs, I often call upon the lessons I learned at RIC. Each time I do, I say "thank you" to all who helped to make my professional life possible."

1999 Nursing Honoree:

Pamela L. McCue '88

MSN, University of Rhode Island

Executive Director, Rhode Island State Nurses Association (Current Position)

"When I reflect back on my years at Rhode Island College, it is with fond memories and deep gratitude. It was RIC that showed me endless opportunities and taught me the skills to pursue them. The faculty within the department of nursing cultured, nurtured, and guided an interest I had in nursing into a love and passion for the profession and a drive to enhance health care for all. Thank you - for I am forever indebted."

1998 Nursing Honoree:

Cynthia C. Joly, '83

MS, University of Rhode Island

Nursing Professional: Clinical Instructor, Rhode Island College (Position at time of award)

"As a registered nurse returning to a formal educational program, Rhode Island College was the place "to be, for me." The faculty and environment were very supportive, and the nursing department nurtured my growth from a trained nurse to a professional nurse. The encouragement I received helped me fulfill a lifelong dream of receiving a college education. This education and Rhode Island College brought my true goal closer - a role in the education of future nurses. Rhode Island College gave me the opportunity and challenge to share with others my love of nursing."

1997 Nursing Honoree:

Diane E. Notarianni '82

Staff Nurse, Rhode Island Hospital (Position at time of award)

"Rhode Island College has given me the opportunity to discover knowledge, develop a career, and achieve my goal in nursing."

1996 Nursing Honoree:

Trudy Mulvey '87

MSN - 1991, Yale University

Psychiatric Consultation Liaison Nurse, The Miriam Hospital

Assistant Professor of Nursing, RIC (Current Position)

"While a student at RIC, I was encouraged and supported by the faculty to pursue my educational dream. I was allowed to do an independent clinical study in my senior year which helped in my choice of a program for my master's degree at Yale. I began at RIC as a part-time student and spent several years balancing family, career and study to obtain my degree. I appreciate the work and dedication of those who so selflessly helped me over the years. RIC is a wonderful school and affords an opportunity for all who attend to reach their goal."

1995 Nursing Honoree:

Valerie Lindquist Stalsbroten '75

MN, University of Washington, 1978

RN/Inservice Coordinator, Anacortes Family Medicine, Anacortes, WA. (Position at time of award)

"The nursing program at RIC prepared me well for an exciting career in health care. I am very grateful for my education at RIC. I was surrounded by thoughtful and encouraging faculty and students who gave me a vision and helped me to reach my goals."

1994 Nursing Honoree:

Yolande Patenaude Lockett '81

MSN - 1983, Indiana University; Ph.D. - 1994, UConn

Associate Professor of Nursing, RIC (Current Position)

"As a student, Rhode Island College was a place to learn and grow with fellow students. As a faculty member, Rhode Island College is now a place to grow and learn along with students."

1993 Nursing Honoree:

Dr. Mary Burke '80

MS - 1982, D.N.Sc. - 1989, Boston University

Professor of Nursing, RIC (Position at time of award)

"As a registered nurse, I came to the college with very focused professional training and experience. The degree program at RIC provided me with broad, diverse knowledge, as well as the tools and guidance to explore this information in a meaningful way. What I gained as a result has pervasively influenced my personal and professional philosophy and direction in my life."

1992 Nursing Honoree:

Marjorie J. Stenberg '74

MA - 1972 MS - 1977, URI

Nurse Epidemiologist, Veterans Administration Medical Center (Position at time of award)

"I am proud to be a member of the first class of nursing graduates at RIC. The college gave me a strong foundation in nursing practice, especially so in encouraging the linking of nursing with community needs and concerns. I feel the lives of many RIC Nursing Program graduates reflect this strong commitment to the profession and to the settings in which nursing is practiced."

Page last updated: Monday, September 25, 2006