Professor Emerita Terry Valiga, who retired from DUSON in August 2017, is the 2020 recipient of the prestigious R. Louise McManus Medal, an award given in recognition of long-standing contributions of a distinguished nature to the nursing profession. It is the highest honor given by the Nursing Education Alumni Association of Teachers College, Columbia University, where Valiga earned her Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees, both in Nursing Education.

The McManus Medal is named in honor of one of nursing’s earliest leaders and one of Teachers College’s most distinguished faculty members and chairs, R. Louise McManus. It is awarded to an individual who holds an advanced degree in nursing; has provided a consistent, outstanding record of leadership within and to the broad nursing community; has consistently made contributions to the profession through publications, research, leadership in professional organizations, and excellence in education, practice or administration; has consistently made contributions to or acted to support the Department of Nursing Education at Teachers College; and is a respected leader in the field.

Valiga is proud and humbled to be included among such a distinguished group of nurse leaders.