Internationally recognized pioneer in the field of nursing and Ohio native Dr. Betty Neuman was honored by Walsh University’s Byers School of Nursing during two special events in October. The First Annual Neuman Award Dinner and Nursing Research Day also included a 90th birthday celebration in honor of the event’s special guest.
The First Annual Neuman Award Dinner was held on Thursday, October 16. During the event, Dr. Neuman was honored by President Richard Jusseaume and Provost Dr. Laurence Bove with the Walsh University Distinguished Service Medal, which is given to those who have rendered distinguished professional or voluntary service to others within the national, regional or local community.
In addition, on Friday, October 17, during the annual Nursing Research Day sponsored by Walsh’s Phi Eta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, Byers School of Nursing Dean Dr. Linda Linc presented Dr. Neuman with the first annual Neuman Award, named in her honor, for distinguished service in the nursing profession.
"It is fitting that we name an award that recognizes distinguished service to the nursing profession after Dr. Neuman. It is equally fitting that we recognize her contributions through the presentation of one of our highest honors, the Distinguished Service Medal," said President Jusseaume.
Dr. Betty Neuman is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the field of nursing as the author and developer of the Neuman Systems Model, which was developed in 1970 at UCLA as a way to teach an introductory nursing course to students and is widely used in nursing education across the country. The goal of the model is to provide a holistic overview of the physiological, psychological, sociocultural, and developmental aspects of human beings. For the past 30-plus years, Dr. Neuman has worked extensively to advance the Neuman Systems Model through her work as an educator, author, health consultant, presenter, and through writing and consultations with nursing educators, practitioners, administrators, and researchers at local, national, and international forums.
During the two events, Walsh welcomed more than 100 nursing professionals and participants from local hospitals including Akron General Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center, Summa Health Systems and university nursing programs from Ohio, Tennessee, New Jersey and Indiana. Special guests included Magnet Program Director for Summa Akron City & St. Thomas Hospital Dr. Barbara Brunt, University of Massachusetts Professor Dr. Jacqueline Fawcett, and Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Associate Professor Sarah Beckman.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Walsh University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).