Sigma Theta Tau Mu Chi

Image: SigmaThe Mu Chi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International was introduced to Fairfield University School of Nursing in 1989. As the semester came to a close, the newly appointed Acting Dean of the School, Dr. Nancy Fry Fasano, and several faculty members, alumnae and students formed an honor society that would promote and recognize leadership, scholarship, research and outstanding achievement in the nursing profession. Chapter endorsement by Sigma Theta Tau International followed in 1992.

Since then, the Chapter has grown to nearly 400 members. In 2001, the Mu Chi chapter received four newsletter awards at the 36th Sigma Theta Tau International Biennial Convention.

Members of Mu Chi are committed to fostering nursing leadership, research, and creativity. Standards for membership include demonstrated excellence in scholarship and/or exceptional achievement in nursing. Several Mu Chi members are active on both regional and international committees of Sigma Theta Tau International. Remarkable in its short history, the Mu Chi Chapter has received the prestigious "Chapter Key Award" four times. This award is presented to active chapters who exhibit overall excellence in achieving the goals and mission of Sigma Theta Tau International.

Mu Chi Committees

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee shall oversee Bylaws compliance, make recommendations for Bylaws changes, and oversee member and chapter eligibility issues.

Committee Chair: Theresa Quell, tquell@fairfield.edu

Leadership Succession Committee

The Leadership Succession Committee shall develop members in organizational leadership roles across the span of their careers, mentor members to assume organizational board and officer positions at all levels of organizations. The committee shall select nominees and prepare the biennial ballot. The ballot will be sent to the Board of Directors of Sigma Theta Tau International at least (2) months prior to the meeting and to the chapters at least one (1) month prior to this meeting.

Committee Chair: Eileen O'Shea, eoshea@fairfield.edu

Calendar Schedule

2009-10 Programs
Induction of New Members October 24, 2009 2:30 p.m.
New Member Orientation November 2009 TBA
Collaborative Research Day Spring 2010 TBA
Leadership and Mentoring Dinner Spring 2010 TBA

Meetings will take place in the Sigma Room (118) in the School of Nursing.

Programs and Upcoming Events


Induction Ceremony

Induction of New Members will take place in the Dolan School of Business dining room on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 2:30 p.m.

New Member Orientation

Come learn more about your chapter.

Collaborative Research Day

The Connecticut Chapters Collaborative Research Day will be held in the spring.

Leadership and Mentoring Dinner

Leadership and Mentoring dinner will be held spring 2010.

Recognition and Awards

Mu Chi Achievement Awards

Mu Chi is honored to recognize the outstanding achievements of its members through several chapter awards.

2009-2010 Awardees

Excellence in Nursing Research Award: Dr. Joyce Shea
Friend of Nursing Award: Nancy Lynch
The Student Performance Award: Amanda Warner and Joyce Healey

Last years recipients were:
Friend in Nursing Award: Orin Grossman
The Student Performance Award: Michelle Gingras and Michelle Leonard

Biennial Convention Awards

  • Mu Chi received the International Mildred Adams Heritage Award in 1997.
  • Chapter Key Award for Excellence in 1995, 1997, 1999, and 2001.
  • Chapter Newsletter Awards Awarded at the 36th Biennial Convention:
  • Editorial Excellence Award - "Nursing Research and the Law" by Gayle Sullivan, JD, RN
  • New Article Award - "Nursing Research, Evidence Based Practice" by Patti Dykes and Kathleen Wheeler
  • Special Edition Award - "Volunteerism"
  • Feature Article Award - "Making a Difference: World Wide Volunteering" by Karen Ann Simmons

Related information:

Sigma Theta Tau International | The Virginia Henderson Nursing Library | Region 15