UH Manoa celebrates 50 years of nursing education in Hawaii

Anniversary event on October 21st will honor Hawaii's 'Fabulous 50' nurses

HONOLULU — Since 1956 the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene (SONDH) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has been a leading provider of nursing education in Hawaiʻi. In celebration of this momentous accomplishment, SONDH will honor 50 nurses from 36 institutions throughout the state for their contributions in the field of clinical practice, education and administration. The "Fabulous 50" nurses will be recognized at the school‘s 50th anniversary gala from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Hawaiʻi Prince Hotel Waikīkī.

"The service, talent, dedication and innovation of these nursing professionals advance healthcare in Hawaiʻi," said Mary Boland, Dean of SONDH. "Each day, they extend the spirit of Aloha through their impact on the lives of countless patients and families in our island state."

The school invited nominations from throughout Hawaiʻi of nurses who make a difference in the everyday lives of patients and the community at-large. A committee of healthcare professionals in the community reviewed the nominees‘ contributions in 6 areas: caring, professionalism, specialized skill, innovation, cultural awareness and advocacy.

The 50 honorees include nine from the neighbor islands and six who are men. To view the list of the honorees, visit http://www.nursing.hawaii.edu/fabulous-fifty-bash.html.

In addition to honoring the "Fabulous 50," Sen. Daniel K. Inouye will be presented with the school‘s inaugural award of Lifetime Achievement in Nursing for his long-standing advocacy of nursing at both the federal and state level.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the 50th anniversary gala, call 956-8522. Single tickets are $150 per person. Tables of ten people are available for $1500. The proceeds raised from the dinner will be used to expand the school‘s Simulation Learning Laboratory.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF NURDING AND DENTAL HYGIENE
The School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene (SONDH) offers programs to prepare students for careers in nursing and dental hygiene, primarily for the state of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Basin. The Department of Nursing offers programs leading to the bachelor of science, master of science and PhD in nursing degrees. Since 1956, the department has graduated nearly 3,000 nurses who serve communities in the state, nation and world. For more information, visit http://www.nursing.hawaii.edu/.

For more information, visit: http://www.nursing.hawaii.edu/fabulous-fifty-bash.html