| |
College
of Nursing recognizes Omani degree candidates
By Ann Barrow
As 2002 came to a close, the College of Nursing held a
celebration in Corr Chapel for 24 nurses from the Sultanate of Oman. 22
students were candidates for bachelor’s degree in nursing and two
students—alumnae of the College’s undergraduate program—were
candidates for their master’s degree in nursing.
The celebration began with a welcome from Dean of the Nursing College
Dr. M. Louise Fitzpatrick and an invocation from Dr. John Johannes, vice
president for Academic Affairs. Dean Fitzpatrick encouraged the graduates
to avail themselves of the countless leadership opportunities that their
degrees and health care system afford them. She recognized their future
impact on their region, saying “…you will be among the pioneers
who lay the foundation for health care’s future in Oman, the Gulf
and the Middle East. You will teach in the new baccalaureate nursing program
at the [Sultan Quaboos] University, you will establish the staff development
programs in hospitals and you will be the administrators of those hospitals
and clinics.” She also acknowledged the caring, concerned, and insightful
discussions held among Villanova faculty and Omani students after the
tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. Student speakers later echoed those sentiments.
The Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A., University president, offered remarks
to the students and invited guests, among them Mr. Salim Al-Ruzayki, the
first secretary from the Omani Embassy in Washington. Graduate student
speaker Saada Al-Barwani provided inspirational words for her colleagues
as well.
Candidates’ names were announced by Professor Deborah Wimmer and
certificates of completion were distributed by Dr. Frances Keen, assistant
dean and director of the Undergraduate Program and Dr. Claire Manfredi,
assistant dean and director of the Graduate Program.
Closing comments were delivered by Samiya Al-Riyami and Mohamed Ambusaidi,
both BSN candidates. An Islamic prayer was chanted in Arabic by BSN candidate
Azza Al-Nabhani. She asked for blessings and included “…bless
every one who taught me and contributed to my learning. Thank them for
enriching me and caring for me.” A reception at the dean’s
residence followed the convocation.
The College of Nursing has collaborated with the Sultanate of Oman’s
Ministry of Health for nearly 10 years. Through this relationship, the
basic and advanced education of Omani nurses has expanded, with the ultimate
goal of improving health care in the country. There are now approximately
90 Omani nurses who are Villanova alumni. The students, in turn, have
left their mark on Villanova. As Dean Fitzpatrick stated, “…you
have enriched the academic and personal experience for all of us.”
|
|
