The Gamma Kappa Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau at the University at Buffalo has a lot to look forward to in the upcoming weeks and is pleased to share several events in the near future. These events are designed to provide students with formative moments in their academic careers to carry into their professional careers, opportunities for service efforts to leave a lasting impact on our community, and to ultimately promote nursing excellence amongst our chapter.
An exciting community service campaign we will be hosting is a baby blanket making with the leadership of our chapter’s Vice President and Leadership Succession Committee Member, Dr. Lynn Scott, and senior BSN student, Casandra Cabrera. The date for our baby blanket making is March 23rd, in Wende 111 from 11-4. We are hopeful our efforts will provide comfort and warmth to many. This event embodies compassion, empathy, and service, which are deeply rooted within the nursing profession and Sigma Theta Tau.
In collaboration with the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) at UB, we are pleased to welcome guest speakers from various nursing specialties to share their stories and offer guidance to our current students. These events allow students to ask questions, network, and learn about different career paths within nursing. On March 9, 2026, we welcomed a family nurse practitioner who owns an aesthetics clinic focusing on Botox, GLP-1 injections, and dermatology. Her presentation and Q&A session allowed students to gain greater insight into this growing area of nursing. On April 4, 2026, we will host an event on organ donation, and individuals from ConnectLife will share information on organ, eye, and tissue donation and the crucial role nurses have within the donating process. These guest lecture opportunities are possible under the leadership of our chapter’s President Elect and Governance Committee Member, Professor Mary Rhinehart, and senior BSN student, Danielle Wong.
Additionally, faculty member, Jaclyn Samulski, and senior BSN student, Lily Hinchcliffe, are leading an effort to organize a collection drive to support the Buffalo Period Pantry and Every Bottom Covered. Both organizations have expressed enthusiasm and will use their social media platforms to promote the drive. Regular to Heavy flow Cora pads, light tampons, and single-use discs or cups are currently in high-demand. Through the organizations’ online registry, donors can make direct contributions. In recognition of International Women’s Day, the drive is scheduled for a week in March. Collection boxes have been placed strategically throughout UB’s campus to help ensure donations remain secure and readily available while meeting essential hygiene needs in the Buffalo community.
Finally, the chapter is teaming up with NSNA once again for the UB Walk Out of Darkness event where thousands of people across the country come out in an effort to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health. A team has already been established with our Secretary, Governance Committee Member, and Newsletter Editor, Dr. Emily Vezina, and senior BSN student, Danielle Wong, as the leaders. The event will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, on the lawn in front of UB Counseling Services (120 Richmond Quad, Buffalo, NY 14261). Registration runs from 9:30am-10:30am, followed by the Opening Ceremony at 10:45am, and the Walk & Roll from 11:00am-12:00pm. A donation page has been set up with a goal of $1,000 and will be linked below. We have already raised a little over $700 and hope to accomplish our mission! For more information, see the link below:
https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/participants/3479037
OR https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/teams/386813