Long gone are the days when nurses were women in starchy white uniforms with their hair in tight buns and wearing white stockings and white leather shoes. Today’s backbone of the healthcare industry is made up equally dedicated professionals, but they’re both men and women in colorful scrubs and running shoes and clogs. They are also facing daunting challenges in a world of infectious diseases, ever-changing developments and the “every-day routine” of improving the well-being of their patients.
Dallas’ own Baylor University Louise Herring School of Nursing is providing the education for this vital resource. But it’s not all work. Here’s a report from the field about its Fifth Annual Going for the Gold Gala:
On Saturday, February 27, the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing hosted its “Fifth Annual “Going for the Gold Gala” at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel to raise scholarship funds for student nurses and support the new nursing school building fund.
Honoring the service of our military and nursing veterans, the gala drew more than 800 guests. Serving as keynote speaker was Noah Galloway, a wounded Operation Iraqi Freedom U.S. Army war veteran hero as well as a finalist on the popular TV program, “Dancing with the Stars.” Noah shared about his second tour of duty, life-changing injury and the care of nurses throughout his recovery. Plus, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Saralinda Garcia (BSN ’10) shared her compelling testimony as a mother of five and LHSON scholarship recipient, having served 18 years in the Navy and as a medic during a tour in Iraq. In addition, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver and former Baylor Football All American Terrance Williams (BU ’13) was our special guest, along with Emmy award-winning WFAA-TV meteorologist and Baylor parent, Pete Delkus as emcee.
Celebrating the spirit of generosity, LHSON recognized Louise Herrington Ornelas as this year’s Grand Golden Star Benefactor. Judge Ken Starr, 14th President and Chancellor of Baylor University, expressed his heartfelt thanks for her transformational and long-standing commitment to the school that bears her name.
The LHSON is proud of the rich history of service, sacrifice and support for all branches of the Armed Forces. Baylor nurses have cared for soldiers in every armed conflict since the civil war. BU LHSON endeavors to prepare students for their calling. In keeping with their commitment to our veterans, and in honoring the rich history of veteran nurses at Baylor, the LHSON endorsed the White House’s Joining Forces Initiative, a nationwide call to rally around service members, veterans and their families and support them through wellness, education and employment opportunities. As part of this Initiative, BU LHSON commits to strengthening the curriculum and instruction students receive on topics related to veterans’ issues like traumatic brain injury, PTSD and other concerns that impact their wellbeing.
* Photos provided by Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing