La Roche University Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Theta Mu Chapter of Sigma Nursing

PITTSBURGH, April 17, 2026 – La Roche University celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Theta Mu Chapter of Sigma Nursing—the International Nursing Honor Society—during an evening honoring four decades of excellence in nursing scholarship, leadership, and service.

Founded in 1986, the Theta Mu Chapter has supported the development of nursing students and professionals through academic excellence, leadership development, and service. The anniversary celebration brought together students, alumni, faculty, and guests to recognize the chapter’s lasting impact on nursing education and practice.

La Roche University President Christina Clark, Ph.D., reflected on the University’s mission and the lasting influence of its nursing graduates in healthcare settings.

“Time and again, I hear from people in our community who share their experiences in hospitals and healthcare settings—and so often, they say: ‘My nurse was a La Roche graduate,’” said President Clark. “They tell me about the level of care they received, the compassion they felt, and the professionalism they experienced.”

The celebration featured a keynote address by Dr. Barbara Dewhirst and a reflection titled “What Sigma Means to Me” by longtime member Nancy Stoehr. In her keynote remarks, Dr. Dewhirst emphasized the importance of nursing leadership, lifelong learning, and the evolving role of nurses in advancing patient care.

La Roche University nursing faculty emphasized the chapter’s impact on student development and professional preparation.

“The Theta Mu Chapter represents the very best of nursing education at La Roche University,” said Nursing Department Chair Pamela Chapman, Ph.D., RN, CCRN. “Our students consistently demonstrate academic excellence, professionalism, and a deep commitment to compassionate care. Watching them grow into confident, capable nurses is one of the most rewarding parts of our work.”

The 2026 Theta Mu induction ceremony, led by Dr. Angel Hoffman and David W. Hughes, formally welcomed new members in recognition of academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to nursing excellence.

La Roche University also recognized 2026 nursing scholarship recipients: Michelle Bello, Adanne Ellerbe, and Sydney Sweger.

2026 Theta Mu Chapter Inductees

Oluwatosin Ayeni; Madalyn Michelle Bametzrieder; Alexsia Barlamas; Lindsey Leigh Bilski; Blake Bollman; Kiera Bowser; Grace Bressler; Jensen Leigh Bucci; Amber Lynn Buczkowski; Kingsley Chukuocha; Melissa Sue Clawson-Riestcha; Andrea Credidio; Jessica Flowers; Jaime Lynn Foose; Hannah Gorman; Ranee Shaleste Gray; Iliana Marie Ibarra; Hannah Kelly; Christelle Emy Marc; Lauren F. McElhaney; Breanna Ashley McMurtrie; Kenneth Messner; Sharlene M. Mitchell; Takia Mitchell; Stephen Christopher Nacy; Brenda T. Nguyen; Abigail Ohl; Justine Rose Penar; Kamryn Pusateri; Marilyn W. Shumba; Marguerite Smith; Victoria Stevens; Brandon Sumney; Sydney Rae Sweger; Shikha Vinod; Sangari Yokeeswaran; Kayla Marie Zehnder.

Chapter Leadership

The Theta Mu Chapter is led by Angel Hoffman, DNP, RN, President; David W. Hughes, MSN, RN, Vice President; Ann Smith-Hodgin, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, RN, Treasurer; Angela Smith, DNP, RN, Secretary; Pamela Chapman, Ph.D., RN, CCRN, Faculty Counselor; and Rosemary McCarthy, Ph.D., RN, Leadership Succession Chair.

As La Roche University marks this milestone anniversary, the institution celebrates the enduring legacy of the Theta Mu Chapter and its continued commitment to preparing nursing professionals dedicated to excellence, service, and compassionate care.

About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 71 undergraduate programs of study, eight master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.