The Foundation of New York State Nurses has grown from an idea generated by New York’s nursing leaders in 1975 to a vibrant, multifaceted organization dedicated to advancing the nursing profession. The growth of the organization would not have been possible without the commitment, support, and belief in the goals of the Foundation by these influential nurse leaders. We will be ever grateful to their efforts.

Laura Simms, EdD, RN

                                                         The Foundation mourns the loss of Dr. Simms who died peacefully on January 31, 2009 at her cherished home in Kent, Connecticut, with loving friends at her side. Dr. Simms celebrated her 90th birthday on January 4, 2009.  An Incorporator of the Foundation of New York State Nurses, Dr. Simms served as its first President and subsequently as a Trustee-at-large. She spearheaded the drive to construct the Veronica M. Driscoll Center for Nursing and shepherded development of the Foundation’s program centers for nursing history, public education and nursing research.  Upon her resignation as an active Trustee, the Board of Trustees designated her as a Trustee Emeritus. At the ceremony to celebrate early retirement of the mortgage on the Center for Nursing, the Board of Trustees recognized Dr. Simms’ extraordinary and enduring contributions to the Foundation.
Dr. Simms was a towering leadership figure in the nursing profession. Those of us who were privileged to work with her and witness her extraordinary leadership can attest that her passion for and dedication to excellence in nursing were boundless. Dr. Simms chaired the 1969 New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) Special Committee to Study the Nurse Practice Act. That Committee’s work resulted in the 1972 landmark revised legal definition of professional nursing practice which, for the first time in history, specified the diagnostic privilege and autonomous nature of nursing practice. The definition became a model for practice acts in other states and countries and was incorporated into the American Nurses Association’s “The Social Contract.” Dr. Simms later served as President and Director-at-large of NYSNA. Prior to entering nursing through the Cadet Corps program, Dr. Simms taught high school English. Her initial nursing preparation was at Parkland Hospital School of Nursing Dallas, Texas, and she earned her Masters at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. She came to New York to seek additional education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she earned her Doctorate of Education Degree. While serving as Director, Department of Surgical Nursing at New York – Cornell University Medical Center and Professor of Surgical Nursing, Cornell University- New York Hospital School of Nursing, Dr. Simms pioneered the role of the Clinical Nursing Specialist. Her doctoral dissertation, “The Clinical Nursing Specialist,” details the significance of this role in the delivery of quality nursing and health care. Dr. Simms was an untiring community leader in Kent, Connecticut. She assisted in establishing a nutrition center for senior citizens, served on the Kent Scholarship Committee, chaired the Kent Garden Society (leading a Daffodil Festival which resulted in the planting of more than 10,000 bulbs throughout the village) and was a member of the Kent Quilting Society. A beautiful quilt she handstitched in her 80th year graces the front wall of the Board Room at the Veronica M. Driscoll Center for Nursing.  Among Dr. Simms’ numerous honors and awards are: Honorary Recognition, NYSNA’s highest award; The Driscoll Award, FNYSN’s highest award; and, The R. Louise McManus Medal, the highest award of the Nursing Education Alumni Association, Teachers College, Columbia University.
 

Margaret G. Tyson, RN, EdD

                                  The Foundation notes with great sorrow the passing of an extraordinary Foundation friend. Our sadness is tempered by our profound appreciation of her lifelong wonderful gifts of self. Margaret G. Tyson entered into eternal rest on Friday April 25, 2008. “Peg,” as she was affectionately known, was a beloved and inspirational nursing leader. Among the positions she held were Deanships at the University of Virginia, Hunter Bellevue and Binghamton University Schools of Nursing. She also served as Associate Director, Department of Nursing, Teachers College, Columbia University. Gracious, calm and poised in demeanor, she quietly, but forcefully expressed and demonstrated the highest personal and professional standards. Her impact on colleagues, students, the nursing profession, family and friends from all walks of life is immeasurable.

Dr. Tyson served as an active and Honorary Trustee of the Foundation and was the recipient of its highest honor, The Driscoll Award. In comments conferring the Driscoll Award, Susan Fraley noted:

“Margaret Tyson is, without question, one of the Foundation’s most extraordinary supporters. From the moment of the Foundation’s establishment in 1975 she vigorously supported its mission and programming. As an active member of the Board of Trustees she gave perceptive and wise counsel and guidance to a fledgling organization struggling to find its balance and rhythm.”

Erline P. McGriff, EdD, RN, FAAN

 

Dr. McGriff’s involvement in the Foundation began when it was established in 1975 and extended throughout her life. During service as an active Trustee in the Foundation’s formative years, Dr. McGriff was looked to and counted upon for inspiration, wise counsel and undaunted leadership in advancing the Foundation’s mission and work. Her creativity, intellect and vision helped shape and advance all of the Foundation’s programmatic thrusts. When a period of ill health required her to resign, the Board recognized her extraordinary contributions by designating her an Honorary Trustee. Subsequently, when she was again well and strong, she accepted, with great zest, appointment as General Chair of the Foundation’s $3.5 million Healing Hands Campaign.

Her leadership of that campaign was brilliant, crucial – and highly successful. Dr. McGriff was truly gifted in ways too numerous to count. Among her most visible gifts were uncommon grace, astonishing generosity and inimitable style. She gave of these and her many other gifts of self without measure. Without exaggeration, her leadership in and contribution to the Foundation were transformational

In November 2004, in recognition of her extraordinary and sustained contributions to the Foundation, the family of Veronica M. Driscoll and the Foundation Board of Trustees selected Dr. McGriff to receive the Driscoll Award. In the award citation, Dr. Driscoll’s niece Madeline Driscoll Sicko and Foundation President Patricia Perry stated, “Like Veronica M. Driscoll, your imprimatur on the Foundation’s growth, development and achievements is indelible. Like Veronica M. Driscoll, your courage, creativity, vision and dedication have helped preserve the nursing profession’s proud heritage and ensure its continuing capacity to serve society.”

 

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Carnegie

                               Dr. Carnegie died suddenly at her home in Maryland on February 20, 2008. A 1937 graduate of Lincoln Hospital School for Nurses, she earned her PhD from New York University. Dr. Carnegie, dedicated to breaking down barriers encountered by black nurses, led by example thus furthering the impact of black nurses on the profession. She became the first dean of the Florida A&M University School of Nursing. As President of the Florida State chapter of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN) in 1948 and a “courtesy member” of the Florida State Nurses Association, Dr. Carnegie fought segregation by “ignoring the rules of the day” demonstrating that one person can make a difference in breaking down the walls of segregation. She often cited the wisdom imparted to her by her mentor Mabel Keaton Staupers. Dr. Carnegie continued to mentor young nurses throughout her life. Author of The Path We Tread: Blacks in Nursing Worldwide, Dr. Carnegie received eight honorary degrees. In 1977, Hampton University named its repository with memorabilia on minority nurses “The M. Elizabeth Carnegie Nursing Archives.” She was inducted into the Halls of Fame of the Nursing Education Alumnae Association of Teachers College, Columbia University, West Virginia State University, the Florida State Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association.

Dr. Kathleen Hoover Papes

                                    Dr. Papes died suddenly at home on February 21, 2008. A graduate of Saint Mary of Nazareth School of Nursing in Chicago, she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Russell Sage College, her master’s from Teachers College, Columbia University and her doctorate from Florida Atlantic University. She served as Director of both the Legislative and Economic and General Welfare Programs of the New York State Nurses Association, earning statewide and national respect for her dedicated and tireless efforts to advance the nursing profession, improve conditions for practicing nurses and increase recognition of autonomous nursing practice. She subsequently served as Deputy Director, Sigma Theta Tau international. In 1989 she joined the faculty of the Barry University School of Nursing in Miami Shore, FL and rose steadily through the ranks, holding the positions of Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Administrative Affairs at the time of her death. An active community member, she was involved in the League of Women Voters, the Nature Conservancy, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and several other organizations. Dr. Papes’ honors include induction into the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers, NYSNA’s highest honor – Honorary Recognition, the American Nurses Association’s Shirley Titus Award, The Barry University School of Nursing Teaching Award and numerous additional Barry University Awards.