UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Diana Lynn Morris of Beachwood, Ohio, was selected to receive the 2018 Shirley Novosel Distinguished Nursing Alumni Award, presented by the Penn State Nursing Alumni Society at the College of Nursing’s fourth annual Scholarship and Awards Celebration on April 7.
Established in 1996 in memory of Shirley Novosel, a past president of the Penn State Nursing Alumni APG (Affiliate Program Group), the Novosel Award is presented annually to an alumnus/alumna who exemplifies the spirit of nursing and the College of Nursing’s ideals and philosophy. Candidates must be currently active in the nursing profession and demonstrate a caring, professional style and a commitment to the profession.
Morris, who received a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Penn State in 1981, is the Florence Cellar Associate Professor of Gerontological Nursing in the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. She is also executive director of the school’s University Center on Aging and Health.
“What distinguishes Diana from many of her peers is a consistent high level of community service (that elevates) the contributions of nursing in innumerable arenas of society,” said Morris’ nominator. Among the many Cleveland-area organizations with which Morris has been involved over the years are the Center for Community Solutions, McGregor Home, West Side Ecumenical Ministry, the Centers for Families and Children, the United Way of Greater Cleveland, and Eliza Bryant Village.
“Diana has been a forerunner of what many in the nursing profession are calling on nurses to do: get involved in one’s community, especially in activities that impact public policy,” Morris’ nominator added.
Morris has held numerous academic positions in the United States and Zimbabwe, as well as clinical positions in the areas of psychiatric, community, and medical/surgical nursing and child psychiatry. She has been active with professional organizations that include the American Academy of Nursing, American Society on Aging, Gerontological Society of America, Society of Rogerian Scholars, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
In addition to a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Penn State, Morris holds master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing from Case Western Reserve University.