Fall 07
Vol. 14/ No. 2

Hello nursing alumni and students! I'm Annette Lueckenotte, the new Nursing Alumni Organization (NAO) president.

Serving in this role is indeed a privilege due to the fondness and great regard I have for this School, with the added benefit of allowing me to stay connected in all the ways that are important to me. So how about you? Are you aware of the many opportunities available for staying connected and supporting this first-class School of Nursing ?

I'm certain each of you appreciates the exceptional education, mentors and guidance you received from our outstanding and dedicated faculty. Whenever I meet nursing alums or students I hear remarkable stories of accomplishment.

These women and men consistently attribute one or more aspects of their success to their educational experience at Mizzou. And there's nothing more satisfying than learning that they want to give back to their School in appreciation for the great gift of that extraordinary educational experience.

The School is enjoying continuing success as more of you reconnect with us. Many are now attending the NAO annual banquet and awards ceremony every spring where students, faculty, staff, and alums receive awards for their accomplishments. Check out the profiles of the recent awardees on the alumni pages of the School's Web site — nursing.missouri.edu — two of whom just happen to be my former classmates!

This same weekend also offers the opportunity for alums to attend the spring reunion. This event allows us to reconnect with classmates, visit the School and tour the campus. Those who attend this Saturday event walk away with a feeling of renewed pride in their School, and delight in uniting once again with college friends.

Additionally there are countless ways for each one of you to contribute to the School's growth and development as a premier school of nursing.

For example, the Fund the Drive for Nurses golf tournament (held this year on October 1, 2007) enables the School to award student scholarships and to date 53 students have benefited. Playing in a foursome or sponsoring a hole are just two of several ways you can support this thoroughly enjoyable, fun-filled event.

As you read more inside this issue of Mizzou Nursing and learn more about what's happening at the School, I invite each of you to find a way to reconnect and give back. The feeling it will give you is indescribable. Knowing that through your involvement, you are supporting the next generation of nurses.

Let me hear from you!

Annette Lueckenotte
BSN ’72