Long Beach, CA, February 23, 2012 --  Dr. Lucy Huckabay, pathfinding Director of the School of Nursing at California State University Long Beach is this year’s recipient of the Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc, Southwest Region’s Humanitarian Award.   The award will be presented on Friday, March 10, 2012 at Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc’s Southwest Regional Conference Luncheon to be held at the Renaissance Hotel, Long Beach.

 

Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc acknowledges and supports high quality service programs and achievement by presenting awards and recognition for excellent work. (http://www.chietaphi.net).   The Southwest region presents an humanitarian award each year at its annual meeting in recognition of such achievements in the local community. 

 

Dr. Gloria Willingham-Toure’, President, Psi Eta Chapter, Long Beach stated:  “ Increasing the access to nursing leadership roles is dependent upon increasing the access to nursing education. In Chi Eta Phi we are committed to elevating the plane of nursing and increasing leadership opportunities.” 

 

Dr. Huckabay has been a leader in establishing international nursing programs as a World Health Organization (WHO) consultant.  She has led the development of unprecedented multimillion dollar partnerships with Hoag Hospital, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, and the VA Medical Center Long Beach, all resulting in increased access to nursing education and the development of nursing leaders who otherwise would have been overlooked. Additionally she led the formation of seamless nursing programs between CSULB and four community colleges. Without her intense push for grant support and seamless transfer options, many persons would have been excluded from Baccalaureate and Master’s level nursing education.  Dr. Huckabay stated “...Diversity, internationalism and transculturalism in students and faculty are sought, valued, and nurtured.”  She is opening new doors at a time of strained economic support for state programs. She has the will and she has found a way.

 

Dr. Huckabay received her initial nurse training and early work experience in Beirut, Lebanon.  She later earned a BSN at CSU Los Angeles and both a Masters and PhD  degree from UCLA.  Her life path took her through many twists and turns to her present position all making her an ideal mentor for others aspiring to such leadership positions.  

 

 The ceremonies will be attended by local, regional, and national officers and members of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc including Dr. Lillian D. Fennal, Supreme Basileus (national president).    Email villageprojects@me.com  for additional information.  

 

Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc is a professional association with a membership of over 8000 registered professional nurses and student nurses (male and female) representing many cultures and diverse ethnic backgrounds. There are over 81 graduate chapters and 39 undergraduate chapters in 26 states, District of Columbia, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, and Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa.   Guided by the motto “Service for Humanity, the Sorority has programs focusing on health promotion/disease prevention, leadership development, mentoring, recruitment and retention and scholarships. Interest nursing students and registered nurses should visit http://www.chietaphi.net for additional information.