SDSU's Phi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau wins national chapter award

The Phi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau at South Dakota State University has been named a 2023 Chapter Key Award recipient by Sigma Theta Tau, an international honor society of nurses. It is the second time the SDSU chapter has received the award, the first being in 2021. 

The Chapter Key Award, established in 1991, honors chapters that excel in chapter-related activities such as: membership recruitment and retention; publicity and programming; professional and leadership development; and local, national and international collaboration. 

Brandi Pravecek, president of the Phi Chapter and clinical assistant professor in SDSU's College of Nursing, was on hand in San Antonio to accept the award on behalf of the chapter earlier this year. 

"We have a really strong presence in terms of the research efforts of our members," Pravecek said. "The award reflects a lot of our members’ research and work over the past year." 

All of SDSU's nursing locations do extensive community outreach and philanthropy, which contributed to Phi Chapter being honored. For example, in Sioux Falls, members did a hat and mitten drive for one of the homeless shelters, Pravecek said. 

"Members in Brookings have done a number of drives to support local organizations," Pravecek said. "It's a nice opportunity for the Phi Chapter to give back." 

The Phi Chapter has also put on a "Resume Night" for students to learn the ins and outs of writing a resume that will stand out when entering the workforce. 

Sylvia Pickard, a former instructor in the College of Nursing, helped put together the chapter's application for the award which, as Pravecek notes, was extensive. 

"(Pickard) has been instrumental in these applications and then obtaining these awards," Pravecek said. "I can't thank her enough." 

SDSU's chapter — Phi Chapter — was charted in 1961 and has membership extending across the state. The chapter currently has 193 members. 

The Phi Chapter leaders include: Pravecek, president; Theresa Garren-Grubbs, president-elect; Samantha Fischbach, vice president; Jody Ness, treasurer; Danielle Schievelbein, secretary; Becka Foerster, East River counselor; and Nicole Albert, West River counselor. 

Membership to the chapter is by invitation only and is conferred upon students who have demonstrated superior scholastic achievement, shown evidence of professional leadership potential and/or marked achievement in nursing. Nurses who are outstanding community stewards are also eligible for induction as nurse leaders.