AANS Annual Convention

Alabama Nurse,  Dec 2003-Feb 2004  by Craighead, Jocelyn

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The Alabama Association of Nursing Students held its 54th Annual Convention at the Hill University Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham. More than 100 nursing students from all parts of Alabama celebrated the theme 'Nursing: The Profession You Will Love' for the two-day convention beginning on Friday, October 17. The first plenary session opened with the presentation of colors by nursing cadets from the Army's ROTC, University of Alabama at Birmingham. The President of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dr. Carol Garrison, provided greetings. Dr. Garrison is a graduate from the Graduate Nursing Program at UAB. Following greeting from Dr. Garrison, Dr. Rachel Booth, Dean of the College of Nursing, extended greetings as well. The beginning of the convention was spectacular as the audience listened to two of today's most outstanding leaders in nursing.

Throughout the convention, renowned speakers from the Birmingham area spoke to nursing students representing the 30 plus nursing schools for registered nurses in Alabama. Experts in their area, Dr. Joe Burrage addressed today's issues and concerns in AIDS treatment and prevention methods. He advocated for the increase demand for AIDS research in hopes of eradication the disease in the future. Additionally, in today's heightened concern about terrorist attacks, Dr. Erica Pryor and Dr. Pam Autrey spoke on the nurses role in mass casualties.

The culmination of the convention was on Saturday, Oct. 18, with the Awards banquet at the Radisson Hotel in Birmingham. The following schools and students received awards: Scholarship recipients receiving $300 each were Amanda Landers and Brian Goodwill. The school chapter with the most members to register was Shelton State Community College, Jefferson Davis Community College was awarded for the school chapter with the most association members, and Jefferson State Community College for the most increase in membership. Jacksonville State University received the Breakthrough to Nursing Award, recognizing their creative efforts and achievements in community projects and membership drives. Shelton State Community College received the Most Outstanding Community Health Project for its tremendous success with a sweater drive. The Most Outstanding Chapter Newsletter was awarded to University of Alabama in Huntsville. The Chapter President Leadership Award was presented to two students - Camie Smith from Shelton State Community College and Heather Kirk from University of North Alabama. The Most Outstanding Executive Member was awarded to Margaret Booth, Second-Vice President from Shelton State Community College and the Most Outstanding Chapter Advisor recipient was Jackie C. Williams also from Shelton State Community College.

Special Recognitions and Presentations were given to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, DCH Regional Medical Center, Shelton State Community College and all Faculty Advisors for their contributions to the 2003 AANS 54th Convention.

This past year's AANS State Project focused on assisting two charitable organizations. The AANS was delighted to present two donations, each in the amount of $1,000 to the Make A Wish Foundation and the United Cerebral Palsy Foundations, Inc.

The 2003-04 AANS Officers were installed by the 2002-03 President, Coy Slate Jr., University of Alabama in Huntsville and are as follows: April Lindsey, President, Jefferson State Community College; Martina T. Willis, First Vice President, Samford University; Daniel L. Crow, Second Vice-President, Jacksonville State University; Honey Beddingfield, Secretary, University of Alabama in Huntsville; Amy Pritchett, Treasurer, Northeast Alabama Community College; Nikki Johnson, Breakthrough to Nursing Chairperson, University of North Alabama; Adam W. Long, State Project Chairperson, University of North Alabama; Bryana L. Vosley, Nominations and Elections Chairpersons, Jacksonville State University; Joycelyn Craighead, Newsletter Editor, University of Alabama in Huntsville; and Jennifer Baker, Legislative Chairperson, Northeast Alabama Community College.

Copyright Alabama State Nurses' Association Dec 2003-Feb 2004
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