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College of Nursing recognizes Omani degree
candidates
Ann Barrow
 On
Dec. 18, 2002, the College of Nursing held a celebration for 24 nurses
from the Sultanate of Oman. The convocation was held in Corr Chapel for
the 22 students who were candidates for the bachelor's degree in nursing
and the two students-alumnae of the College's undergraduate program-who
were candidates for their master's degree in nursing.
The celebration began with a welcome from
Dean 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." |
