Dear Chapter Presidents,

On October 28, three Sigma Theta Tau International members and nurse educators were victims of a senseless shooting spree at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Like us, all of them-professors Cheryl McGaffic, Barbara Monroe and Robin Rogers-were active members of our organization. And like us, these exemplary nurses dedicated their lives to a profession founded on caring, improving the health of communities, and reaching beyond individual need for the benefit of others.

In the wake of this tragedy, there are so many messages to convey. Condolences for the immense loss that friends, families and students of the victims are experiencing, words of support for the students who witnessed the events, prayers for healing, and actions to prevent tragedies like this one in the future.

I encourage you and your chapter members to visit our Web site and express your thoughts and feelings with us and with each other. And whether you are new to the nursing profession or an experienced nurse leader, continue to share your gifts to the fullest each day. Then we will truly be living the legacy of these incredible nurses.

Sincerely,

Nancy Dickenson-Hazard
Chief Executive Officer
Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International

NURSING FACULTY MEMORIAL FUND

A number of people have asked how to contribute to a memorial fund to honor the victims of the Arizona University College of Nursing tragedy. You may direct your contributions to the "Nursing Faculty Memorial Fund" at the University of Arizona Foundation. At a later date, and after consulting with bereaved family members, specific purposes for these funds within the College of Nursing will be determined and named for Professors McGaffic, Monroe and Rogers. These funds may be used to establish endowments or to support more immediate needs depending on the amount of funding available and the wishes of the interested parties.

Checks should be made out to Nursing Faculty Memorial Fund/UAF and sent to Office of Development, P.O. Box 245018, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85750-5018. If you have any questions, please call Lisa Fahey, Executive Director of Development, Arizona Health Sciences Center, at 520/626-7766 or e-mail lfahey@u.arizona.edu.