Clemson University School of Nursing honor society receives regional award

Published: April 3, 2012

By Evan Lybrand

CLEMSON — International nursing honor society Sigma Theta Tau has recognized Clemson University’s Gamma Mu chapter for outstanding service with its Regional Excellence Award.  

The award is given by Sigma Theta Tau to chapters that showcase one of the four calls to action posed by past President Karin Morin: creating welcoming environments; enhancing knowledge, resources and networks; contributing to global health; and creating a legacy of personal leadership.

The Clemson chapter established a service-learning program in 2006 that sends undergraduate nursing students to work with nonprofit organizations in developing countries. These organizations help local physicians deliver medical care to their communities. The initial program was in Guatemala and expanded in 2008 to include Ecuador. In 2010, the group became involved with a Guatemalan initiative based on a “promotora” concept, which educates and empowers local women to improve community health.

Clemson’s Gamma Mu chapter has collaborated with the Mu Rho chapter at the University of South Carolina Upstate to focus on service programs in South Carolina. The overall goal is to raise awareness of domestic and international health issues.

The School of Nursing also strives to improve cultural awareness and practical experience for students through international endeavors. Roxanne Amerson, assistant professor of nursing, has devoted much of her research to the ways in which students apply and benefit from international service-learning programs.

“This award recognizes the outstanding work that is being done at Clemson University’s School of Nursing to improve health, not only in our local community, but throughout the world,” she said.

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