By Jamie Nicpon | Office of Communications & Marketing | 4-16-2019

Instructional Track Lecturer Catherine Abrams, MS, BSN, RN, was dually recognized yesterday for her service in the United States Armed Forces and for providing years of instruction for the University of Iowa College of Nursing.

During yesterday’s strategic planning meeting, Abrams was presented with a 50-year Vietnam-Era Veteran Pin. Representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 788 in Cedar Rapids provided the 50-year commemorative lapel pin, as well as citation letters from the Executive Office of the President of the United States and the Office of the Governor of Iowa.

The pin commemorates the service of 2.6 million American servicemen and women (Marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen) including approximately 6,000 nurses, who served in Vietnam between 1955 and 1975. These nurses provided care to more than 250,000 seriously wounded soldiers and many of 58,000+ who were killed in action.

Seven other Vietnam-Era Veterans from the College of Nursing were recognized during a Faculty Org meeting in December.

“Of the eight faculty who are Vietnam-Era Vets, Catherine is the only one who I know served ‘in country’ in Vietnam,” noted Professor Julie Stanik Hutt, a Vietnam-Era Veteran herself.  

After more than 40 years in the nursing profession, Abrams will be retiring at the end of the academic year. In addition to honoring her military service, the college’s executive leadership also recognized Abrams for all that she’s done for Iowa Nursing over the years.

“Cathy has been a vital faculty in our pre-licensure and RN-BSN tracks … sharing her vast experience in leadership with students through a variety of courses. She has also contributed to student recruitment through her extensive network with practice sites across the state. She will be greatly missed,” said Anita Stineman, PhD, RN, executive associate dean.

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Apr 16th, 2019