Event Recognizes Impact of Fisher Nurses
The Wegmans School of Nursing held its annual Light Up the Night event, bringing together faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners to celebrate Fisher nurses. As part of the event, the School of Nursing recognized those who have made a significant impact in the profession.
Scott VanHoover, BSN, RN ’94, care coordinator on the Kessler Burn Trauma ICU at Strong Memorial Hospital, received the Fisher Nurse Impact Award for Direct Patient Care for his expertise, compassion, and ethical approach to providing direct patient care. VanHoover has been working with critically ill patients for over 20 years.
Dr. Wendy Hou ’07, assistant director of nursing at the University of Rochester Medical Center, was honored with the Fisher Nurse Impact Award for Community. Hou’s advocacy efforts and collaboration with health care and community-based organizations have positively impacted the community. Her caring behaviors and dedication to excellence make her an exceptional role model.
Fisher alumna Dr. Lori Dambaugh, associate dean for undergraduate affairs, was recognized with the Fisher Nurse Scholar Award for her contributions to nursing science through research and innovation. As a leader in the School of Nursing, Dambaugh oversees the nursing honors program, working to match student project interest with faculty expertise to promote synergy with student needs and faculty mentorship. She has also been involved in research efforts and dissemination of work on campus.
Sara Crouser, RN ’23 received the Fisher Nurse Rising Star Award, which acknowledges nurses who demonstrate commitment and seek knowledge to improve nursing practice. Crouser was credited for her inclusive, ethical, and compassionate care. As a student, she served as a member of the Undergraduate Committee and her role as a student representative provided feedback while curriculum and policy decisions were made. She was also awarded one of the coveted positions in the Nurse Family Partnership of Monroe County for summer 2022 where she worked with a nurse providing care and education for mothers with the goal of increasing positive outcomes for babies and children. Additionally, as a student in the nursing honors program, her project, “Trauma Informed Care: A Practical Guide for Students” focused on how students can navigate working with individuals who have experienced trauma, and the importance of nurses’ self-care when caring for patients in traumatic situations.
Sarah Gantz, BSN, RN, CCRN ’08, nurse manager of the Neurology Intensive Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital, was honored with the Fisher Nurse Transformational Leadership Award. In her role, she has focused on ensuring quality outcomes through times of significant change. She has participated in the development, implementation, and updating of various treatment protocols and her work has been crucial in implementing these protocols in nursing care at the bedside to improve patient outcomes.
The Distinguished Achievement Award, the highest honor, was given to Dr. Char Smith, professor in the School of Nursing. This recognition celebrates Smith’s outstanding contributions both to the nursing profession and the School of Nursing. She began her career in nursing professional development at Highland Hospital and adjunct roles in the early 1990s, and has influenced nurses and nurse educators across the country. A dedicated faculty member at Fisher for the last 16 years, Smith has taught in the undergraduate program, the RN to BS program, and the graduate programs and has been instrumental in the growth of the Fisher nursing programs.
Learn more about each of the awardees on the Light Up the Night event page.
