The Department of Nursing at UCF graduated its first class in 1981. In the Fall of 1982, a Steering committee was formed within the Department of Nursing to explore the possibility of forming an Honor Society as the first step to applying for STTI Chapter status. Dr. Frances Smith, Dr. Jean Kijek, and other faculty were instrumental in creating this Society.

 

A Chartering Ceremony for Theta Epsilon Chapter of STTI was held February 22, 1986. The First Ceremony included induction of transfer members, new student members, and Community Leaders. The first Honor Society officers included Karen Hansen, Kathy Gillman, Kathy Snyder, Ermalynn Kiehl, Joy Lynn Douglas, Joyce Dorner, and Frances Smith.

 

The STTI membership criteria have changed throughout the years. Currently the criteria includes potential members demonstrating academic excellence or being a community leader, however, prior to 2005, membership was by invitation only. If prospective members met STTI criteria, invitees were voted upon by the membership in a secret ballot. Each Candidate was then invited by formal letter and had to obtain two endorsements by current members. Attendance at the induction ceremony was required or one had to obtain official permission for absence and be “inducted in absenti."

 

Throughout the years, there were many rituals to be followed. Major changes were voted into effect in 2005. These changes included the following:

 

• The secret vote on candidates by the general membership was no longer mandatory; all students who meet the established criteria are invited to join;

• Endorsement for membership by two STTI members was no longer required.

• Invited Candidates can be processed up to one year after invitation.

• Community nurse leaders may be accepted and  inducted at any time by the Board of Directors of a chapter;

• Candidates are  encouraged but not required to attend the induction ceremony

• An “induction in absentia” form is no longer required.

 

In June 2016, Theta Epsilon celebrated its 30 year anniversary as a chapter with over 100 members in attendance. This celebratory meeting included a review of the history of the chapter, viewing of a recording of the original chartering ceremony, and Recognition of Charter Members in attendance. These members were: Frances Smith, Jan Peterson, Anne Peach, Patricia Lafferty, Jean Kijek, and Joyce Dorner.

 

Past presidents of the organization:

Martha Neff, 1982 - President-elect   

Karen Hanson, '83 -'85

Karen Hanson '85 - '87

Karen Hanson '87 - '88

Ermalynn Keihl '88 - '90

Cindy Love ’90 - '92

Anne Peach '92 - '94

Jan Peterson '94 - '96

Deborah Chandler '96 - ‘98

Elizabeth Stullenbarger-Galford ‘98 -‘00

Debbie Pusateri ‘00 - ‘02

Frances Smith ‘02 - ‘04

Joanie White ‘04 - ‘06

Jean Leuner ‘06 - ‘08

Jayne Willis ‘08 - ‘10

Jean Leuner ‘10 - ‘12

Susan Chase ‘12 - ‘14

Maureen Covelli ‘14 - ‘16

Vicki Loerzel '16 - '18

Joyce DeGennaro '18 - '20

Dawn Turnage '20 - '22

Kelly Allred '22-24