Dear Sigma Beta Kappa Members,

At the start of the week, we celebrated Sigma Theta Tau International’s Founders’ Day, which reminds us of the vision that inspired our founders more than a century ago: to elevate nursing excellence, scholarship, and leadership across the globe. Their commitment continues to shine through each of you, our outstanding members, who embody Sigma’s mission in your teaching, practice, research, and service.

This year, our chapter has achieved another amazing, remarkable milestone: Sigma Beta Kappa has earned its 10th Chapter Key Award! This prestigious honor recognizes sustained excellence in chapter operations, member engagement, leadership development, and contributions to the advancement of nursing. Earning this distinction ten times is a reflection of our dedication, innovation, and commitment to living Sigma’s values every day.

We will proudly receive this award at the 48th Sigma Biennial Convention in Indianapolis, IN, a celebration of the global impact of nursing leadership and scholarship.

In addition, please join us for a truly special evening at our:
Sigma Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony
Friday, November 7th at 6:00 PM
University of Virginia School of Nursing – McLeod Hall

We are deeply honored to welcome Dr. Jeanne Alhusen who was recently inducted into Sigma’s 2024 International Researcher Hall of Fame,  as our keynote speaker. Dr. Alhusen’s groundbreaking work and dedication to advancing nursing science represent the very essence of what Sigma stands for.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and to the Sigma Beta Kappa Chapter. Your contributions make this community a beacon of excellence, compassion, and scholarly engagement. Together, we continue to honor our founders’ legacy — and shape the future of nursing.

With gratitude and pride,
Malinda Whitlow, DNP, FNP-BC
2024-2026 President, Sigma Beta Kappa Chapter
University of Virginia School of Nursing

Call for Beta Kappa Awards Nominations:

On behalf of the Officers, Standing Committee Chairs, and members, we are pleased to announce the Spring 2025 call for Award nominations.  Each Award has a specific purpose, eligibility and selection criteria, and submission requirements. Applications and nominations for all awards this Spring will be due April 25, 2025. 

Please email Malinda Whitlow mlw7b@virginia.edu with any questions. Complete eligibility criteria, descriptions, and forms can be found on the Beta Kappa Chapter of Sigma website.

Awards this Spring include:

Nan Hilt Excellence in Practice Award ($2000)

This award was established in the name of Nancy Hilt, a nursing leader and a strong supporter of creative and innovative nursing practice. The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding contributions of young professional nurses among the members of Beta Kappa Chapter. Should demonstrate a broad range of advanced skills in nursing, which lead to excellence in the care of patients, develop innovative solutions to nursing problems, and serve as an effective mentor and role model to other nurses. Also, influence policies and procedures that increase the quality of nursing care, uphold the highest ethical standards & contribute to professional and/or community organizations

Research Dissemination Award  ($500)

The purpose of this award is to help members pay for travel expenses to conferences when presenting research findings. The award will be given twice annually in the amount of $500 each time. The member’s name, title of abstract, and conference will be published in the Beta Kappa newsletter.

Sarah Farrell Award: Technology Innovation to Remove Barriers ($2500)

This award was established to improve the lives of vulnerable populations by addressing health disparities through innovative technology solutions. The $2,500 award is granted to one nurse-led team which proposes a technology intervention to address health disparities.

Phyllis J. Verhonick Clinical Research Award ($1000)

Phyllis J. Verhonick believed in the fundamental importance of clinical research in the practice of nursing. She was also committed to supporting the efforts of beginning nurse researchers. A Beta Kappa Chapter research fund was established in 1979 in Dr. Verhonick’s honor. This award provides a $1,000 grant to a nurse researcher to investigate clinical nursing problems. Recipients must be Beta Kappa members who propose a clinical nursing research study. Criteria for proposal evaluation include: Scientific merit of the proposed research study; Relevance of the proposed research to nursing practice; Beta Kappa activities of the investigator(s); & Prior approval from appropriate human investigation or IRB committees.