MU Sinclair School of Nursing 's

Citation of Merit Award Recipient

Connects Individuals for the

Greater Good

Contact: Pam Roe
S218 School of Nursing
(573) 884-2690

May 3 , 2007

COLUMBIA , Mo. – During a career that has spanned nearly three decades, Donna Otto has influenced hospital policy, inspired hundreds of nursing students and motivated nursing alumni.

Throughout the years, Otto has held almost every nursing management position the University Hospitals and Clinics offer. As a nursing leader at this institution, she made a commitment both to herself and her colleagues to advance the practice of professional nursing.

Her involvement in numerous national organizations shaped her leadership abilities and created a visionary leader who was instrumental in implementing innovative approaches to nursing challenges. Otto's leadership skills and her ability to unite individuals to accomplish the greatest good were the reasons she was presented the MU Sinclair School of Nursing's most prestigious award, the Citation of Merit award at the School's annual awards banquet.

As part of University Hospital 's 50th anniversary, Otto received a Golden Column Award designed to recognize hospital staff, past and present, who helped achieve the health system mission in the areas of service, people, quality, finance, growth and community.

“Being selected for this award is truly a humbling experience,” Otto said. “To be remembered for my contributions and to be in the company of such distinguished individuals is an honor.”

After leaving University Hospital , Otto joined the School as a clinical instructor and within a year she became alumni relations director. She still holds both positions today.

“From the moment she was officially on board at the School, Donna role modeled to all of us a passion for excellence in every project she took on,” said Rose Porter, dean of the School of Nursing . “Donna has built upon the foundation laid by past alumni leaders and created new life and purpose for the Nursing Alumni Organization.”

Her energy, vision and willingness to listen to others has helped the NAO create new traditions for nursing students. She has been intimately involved with the current success of Student Nurses' Week by guiding the students through the endless details. She has also become the face of the NAO to prospective nursing students during Mizzou's Summer Welcome. They and their parents leave campus knowing there is a strong tie among current students and alumni.

However, one of Otto's greatest talents is listening and connecting individuals to one another. As she sits on professional and student committees, she recognizes how all causes are connected for the greater good. In that sense, she is the perfect match maker. She understands how to unite individuals to accomplish not only their own personal objectives but the goals that strengthen the School and health care profession.

Otto, her husband, Dick, live in Columbia, Mo. Both are Mid-Missouri natives and their mothers Esther Laubeth and Martha Otto live in Freeburg and Linn, respectively.

Students, faculty, staff and alumni of the school were honored at the 17 th Annual MU Sinclair School of Nursing Banquet held at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, Mo., on April 13. The event was held to recognize those individuals who have elevated the reputation, research, teaching and service at the MU Sinclair School of Nursing.

“The school's annual banquet gives us a chance to honor those who have gone the extra mile and in the process elevated the bar of excellence in the field of nursing,” Porter said.

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