For Immediate Release September 9, 2005

For More Information Contact: Mary Pat Poskon, 317-274-4019 mpposkon@iupui.edu

IU School of Nursing to Honor Three Outstanding Leaders at its 13th Annual Gala to Benefit Community Service Projects

INDIANAPOLIS - The IU School of Nursing (IUSON) will host its annual fundraiser that includes a reception, dinner and awards presentation on Wednesday, September 21, 2005. The 13th Annual Nursing Gala will take place at the Indianapolis Marriott East located at 7202 East 21st Street from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Pam Elliot, member of WISH-TV's investigative reporting team ( I-Team 8), will once again serve as mistress of ceremonies.

Tickets are $65 per person or $105 per patron; student tickets are $40.00 and individuals may sponsor students. Reservations can be made by calling 317-274-1545 or e-mail erobison@iupui.edu. This year's proceeds will support programs within IUSON's Office of Community Affairs: Healthy Families Maternity Outreach & Mobilization (MOM) project, Brown County Health Support Clinic, Adolescent Substance Abuse Program, and the Institute for Action Research in Community Health (IARCH).

"I am so very pleased the school's major fundraiser for this year has earmarked funds for our community service projects that make such a significant impact on local, national and international levels," Marion E. Broome, IUSON university dean and professor said. "At the same time, this celebratory event allows us the opportunity to honor wonderful leaders who have made a tremendous difference in the field of nursing."

This year's awards will be presented to three outstanding leaders to publicly recognize their contributions and service to the discipline of nursing.

Sonna Ehrlich Merk will receive the Emily Holmquist Lifetime Achievement Award that recognizes a professional nurse whose contributions to nursing are exemplary. During her 35-year career as a compassionate registered nurse, a talented administrator, and a dedicated educator, Merk earned the respect and recognition of her peers around the state and across the nation as she quickly rose from staff nurse to a variety of leadership positions. As a leader, she saw education and life-long learning - her own and others' - as essential to providing excellent patient care. Retiring in 2000 after serving 3 years as the first Senior Vice President for Nursing and Patient Care Services and Chief Nurse Executive, Clarian Health Partners, Inc., Merk has branched out as an entrepreneur and consults with clients on projects related to nursing administration and operating room nursing.

The Victoria Champion "Boundary Spanning" Award will go to Ramon Lavandero. The award honors a healthcare professional who has excelled in building strong collaborative relationships and creating connections between nursing and other disciplines. Lavandero, d irector of Development and Strategic Alliances, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), Aliso Viejo, California, is a national leader in the nursing profession who has spent his career connecting talented individuals with dynamic institutions with the ultimate goal of advancing the practice of nursing. His boundary spanning efforts made it possible for Clarian Health Partners, Inc. to be the first health system and Duquesne University the first school of nursing to fully adopt and implement the AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care. For more than 30 years, he has held membership in many professional organizations including the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and, most recently, as president-elect of the Yale University School of Nursing Alumnae/I Association. Lavandero is also a member of the IUSON's Board of Advisors.

Betty Stilwell will be presented with the Doris H. Merritt Service to Nursing Award. This award is given to an individual who exemplifies the values of IU Nursing and has made a significant impact on the profession. As the president of the Methodist Hospital Foundation, Stilwell raised funds for the education and training of student nurses; IUSON was the beneficiary of Stillwell's facilitation of two substantial gifts from the Foundation. With over 20 years of volunteer service to the community, she has earned a reputation as an effective fundraiser for health-related causes and has been a member of the National Association for Healthcare Philanthropy as well as the National Society of Fundraising Executives' Indiana Chapter. Additionally, she has served as the president of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis, chairman of the 500 Festival, Board of Visitors of the IU Kelley School of Business, and the Women's Fund of Central Indiana Advisory Board. Stilwell is also a founding and an emeritus member of the School's Board of Advisors.

The sponsors for this year's gala include a number of individuals and companies:  T.I.S. (Tichenor Publishing & Printing), Marion County Health Department, Bedel Financial Consulting, Inc., Clarian Health Partners, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Mays Chemical Company, Mrs. A'Lelia J. Osili, Margaret Cole Richards Charitable Foundation, RN Specialties, Inc., St. Vincent Women's Hospital, Marge Tarplee, Walther Cancer Institute, Wishard Health Services, Betty Stilwell, Columbus Regional Hospital, Community Health Network, Hendricks Regional Health, Major Hospital and Sigma Theta Tau International.

To learn more about the IU School of Nursing, visit http://nursing.iupui.edu/. ###