Starting New Traditions at the 7th Annual Drexel University Student Nurses Association Banquet
February 15, 2016
This year’s Drexel University Student Nurses Association (DUSNA) banquet promises to blend tradition with a few unique additions. At the helm of the event – and the organization – is its president, Delancy McManus (’16).
Having served on DUSNA’s board for four years, McManus is making a change and leaving her mark at the banquet, which will be her last “hurrah” as a member of the organization that has brought her much personal and professional success, specifically, a network that reaches beyond the state and across the Nation.
Reflecting on her time in DUSNA, McManus notes that these relationships are the highlight. “The magnitude of the networking I’ve been able to do is astonishing!” she said. “My network has national reach from attending annual nursing conventions. I never would have been able to have these opportunities if I wasn’t involved. It’s pretty neat as a student nurse to be able to say that!”
The annual event, held this year on Thursday, March 3, at the Hilton Doubletree, welcomes parents, faculty members, alumni and most of all – student members. For McManus, the event presents an opportunity to acknowledge all of their hard work and effort throughout the year, and she’s modified the program to make sure that student recognition gets the spotlight it deserves. “My favorite part of the event is the awards ceremony,” she said. “I started as fundraising chair, and did that for two years. I worked so hard and I felt like it sometimes went unnoticed. Since I’ve been president, I try to praise our board members and let them know that I’m appreciative of their work. It’s a small motivator that goes a long way.”
In addition to individual student awards – there are six encompassing categories such as “most enthusiastic member” – there is a leadership award for a senior or past alumnus, a moment to recognize all graduating members, and the induction of new members. New this year, McManus is also recognizing seniors who were on the DUSNA board of directors at any time. “They’ll be recognized with a graduation chord that they can wear at the ceremony to thank them for their initiative.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from McManus, faculty advisor, Alecia Fox, senior director of Nursing Faculty Resources, Dean Gloria Donnelly, PhD, and two very special presentations including keynote speaker, Loretta Sweet Jemmott, Vice President of Health and Health Equity and professor in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, and Alexandra Scheinfeld Kaspin ‘11.
According to McManus, “We saw Dr. Jemmott speak at the state nursing convention this year and she was such an engaging presenter. We’re really excited to have her speak at our event.” Also bringing a unique angle to the event is Kaspin. “We strayed away from an alumnus who was previously on the DUSNA board of directors to get something so different that what we’ve had in previous years,” said McManus. “Alexandra currently works in the ER at CHOP and in her free time, operates a blog with inspirational and motivational stories from her career.”
Tickets are available for purchase for $40 ($25 for students with a valid student ID). To purchase an ad in the program book, or donate an item to be raffled, contact dsosnap@drexel.edu. Register for the event by visiting http://bit.ly/1PPQkyL.