SNAP-Villanova Excels at State Convention
Villanova Nursing’s Chapter of the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP) returned from the state convention energized and recognized once again as an exceptional chapter. The meeting was held in the Poconos November 15-17. The delegation included traditional undergraduate students, transfer students, BSN Express, and BSN Flex second-degree students and longtime advisor Associate Professor Carol Toussie Weingarten, PhD, RN, ANEF.
Among the accolades and awards were:
· SNAP-Villanova again won the state’s highest award, Chapter Excellence (Cat. 1)
· SNAPshots, edited by Kerri Giambruno, won the Outstanding Newsletter Award
· Both of Villanova’s schlarly project posters that were presented in the Exhibit Hall received certificates for the state SNAP’s highest poster award, Special Recognition.
· Cody Mitchell (BSN FLEX, Class of 2024, and Chapter President) and Carol Toussie Weingarten: Belonging, Membership, Professional Identity and Inclusion through the Local, State, and National Student Nurses Associations: An Independent Study (Fall 2023)
· Mandy Love Ledbetter (Class of 2026), Carol Toussie Weingarten, and Nick Langan: Integration of Health into a Morning Show in a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Licensed College Radio Station (An Independent Study, Fall 2023).
· SNAP-Villanova received the state’s highest membership award, Gold, for increases in new members and retained members.
After attendees voted in the elections, all three of Villanova’s candidates for the state SNAP’s student Board of Directors were elected. As shown from left, Megan Le (Class of 2026) was elected Legislative Coordinator, Hailey Falcone (Class of 2025) was elected Region Coordinator, and Meghan Harris (BSN Express) was elected Secretary/Treasurer. Senior India Miller completed her second term as Region Coordinator at the convention.
Dr. Weingarten notes, “Every year since as far back as can be recalled, at least one Villanovan has served on the state Board. Many SNAP-Villanovans also have served at the national level. Currently, SNAP-Villanova chapter President Cody Mitchell serves as a Director on the Board of the National Student Nurses Association and heads the NSNA’s National Membership Committee.”
Villanova’s resolution, co-authored and presented by Faith Bordenabe and Megan Le, In Support of Postvention Mental Health Strategies for High School Students Following Suicide of a Peer, was passed by the House of Delegates and now becomes policy of SNAP. Resolutions also can translate into service projects by chapters across Pennsylvania.
As usual, FCN alumni were present at convention. AnnMarie Papa and Madeline Stadler (also former state SNAP President and chapter Vice President) presented convention workshops. Cindy Rich Schmus (former state SNAP Vice President and NSNA President) marked her tenth year as consultant to the state SNAP Board. Also in attendance was Jennifer Gil, former state SNAP Board member.