Welcome to the Lambda Delta web site.  This site was first developed in May 1999 to allow our members to easily gain  up to date information about Lambda Delta activities.

Brief History and Benefits of the Lambda Delta Chapter

The Lambda Delta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) began as the 1985 Senior Change Project of Janice Marchetti .  She chose and received approval by Dr. Marilyn Lauria, Chair of the then Department of Nursing, to establish a Nursing Honor Society at Monmouth University.  Professor Maryann Bezyack, counselor of the Student Nurse Association (SNA), suggested beginning the process to become a chartered chapter of STTI.  The Nursing Honor Society started with graduation in 1985.  Janice Marchetti was elected President  of the MU Nursing Honor Society.  After four years and many meeting s with the steering committee, the Honor Society met the requirements set by STTI and was presented a Charter at the STTI Biennial Convention in Indianapolis.  Linda Rosen and Janice Marchetti accepted the Charter.  Amid much fanfare and celebration, we held our first Induction Ceremony in Pollak auditorium.  Dr. Mae Pepper from STTI was our inducting officer, and Linda Rosen ( Dr. Rosen) was our first President as a STTI Honor Society of Nursing.  One hundred and seventeen members were inducted that day, including students, previous members of the Honor Society, community leaders, transfer and dual members.  We now ( year 2000) have inducted over 300 members with over 200 remaining active dues paying members.  Since being chartered, Lambda Delta has sent representatives to all the STTI Biennial Conventions and most of the Regional Conferences.  Much of the cost is paid by the chapter.

Lambda Delta sponsors two 3 hour plus programs with one or two shorter programs every year.  We also co-sponsor a program with the New Jersey Consortium of STTI, consisting of the thirteen STTI chapters in New Jersey.  Contact hours are available at all these programs.  An Annual Research Day, usually held at Monmouth University each spring,  provides  an opportunity for nurse researchers in the area to present their research. Participates includes MU students and local hospitals, presenting both podium and poster research projects.  We have utilized both local and national speakers at our programs, one of which is a fund raiser to help support our research grants.  Separate mailings are done for our major programs to all active members.

In 1997, Lambda Delta was awarded the STTI Region Six Research Advancement Award and the Research Dissemination Award.  In 1998, we received the Sigma Theta Tau International Research Advancement Award.  This was a remarkable achievement considering we were a small new chapter in STTI and the competition was from over 300 chapters internationally.  These awards were due to our Research Day Programs which were chaired by Dr. Hannelore Sweetwood for the previous 9 years.  Our chapter now awards two $500 Research Grant Awards every year.  Opportunities to submit applications are published in our LD Newsletter and in other nursing publications, as well as pamphlets sent to statewide colleges and universities.

In 2001, Lamabda Delta was adwarded the STTI Region Six Heritage Award. The Lambda Delta's archives are maintained by Janice Marchetti and are complete from 1985.  The 2201 Heritage Award marked our Chapter's 10th Anniversary.

Annually, Lambda delta presents the Janice M. Marchetti Leadership Award to recognize a nurse leader in our chapter.  The criteria includes  a nurse who receives recognition in his/her chosen field, demonstrates visionary leadership, enhances the image of nurses, and helps to develop new leaders. Criteria for a Mentoring Award are being developed.  A leadership internship is available to anyone wanting to learn about chapter leadership before becoming an officer, although all of you are already leaders.

Two newsletters are published yearly and sent to all active members.  The newsletter includes all events such as meetings and programs, in addition to officers and committee chairs names and phone numbers.  Members are encouraged to submit articles as well as member news including career changes, awards received and degrees awarded.

The Chapter works closely with the Monmouth University Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies.  The Dean and Faculty of the School have always been supportive and members of the faculty serve as counselors.

You always have the privilege of being a member of STTI, however, you are only eligible for the benefits both locally and internationally if you are a dues paying member.  If you become inactive ( non dues paying ) your name is dropped from the mailing list.  The mailing you receive from STTI about your dues also includes your membership dues for Lambda Delta for we indeed an integral part of  Sigma Theta Tau International!  We are proud of our chapter and each member inducted.  Please become involved and remain active. Additional information about the history of Lambda Delta and STTI as well as other resource materials are available in the School of Nursing office in the NAB on the campus of Monmouth University.
 

This year, the Lambda Delta Chapter is sponsoring a nursing mentor award to be named after Dr. Sweetwood.  This award will be presented to an applicant who demonstrates special interest and guidance to a colleague by listening, advising, teaching, and coaching.  Additionally applicants must be positive role models.  This mentor fosters talent and develops leaders through caring, inspiration, and encouragement to accomplish goals.  Applications are available from Marianne Duffy, President-Elect who can be reached at (732) 972- 6058.
 

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