A Tribute

Remembering Connie: A Life and Legacy That Just Keeps Giving

SN’T THAT THE REAL BOTTOM • Served on the boards of DePaul “I LINE?” In her 18 years as University, DeVry, Inc., Founda - Nursing Economic$ Editor (1990- tion of the National Student 2008), Connie R. Curran, EdD, RN, Nurses Association, Hospira, FAAN, often ended her 100-plus Inc., Lurie Chicago Children’s editorials with that provocative Hospital, Silver Cross Hospital, question. At the time of her pass- Pyxis, Alle giance, IDX, and the ing on November 10, 2014, Connie University of Wisconsin Founda - was still sharing her wit and wis- tion, among others. dom with Nursing Economic$ • Authored four books, most readers as the journal’s first Editor recently “Claiming the Corner Emerita and co-editor of the : Executive Leadership “Claiming the Corner Office” col- Lessons for Nurses,” with umn. friend and colleague Therese Connie’s well-known ability Fitzpatrick. to stir the pot of discussion related • Executive Director of C-Change, to key health care issues was an advocacy organization dedi- fueled by her passion to promote cated to the eradication of can- and push nursing leadership into cer, where she worked closely those discussions, whether they with former President George be at the bedside or the board- ise in nursing and the delivery of H.W. Bush, former First Lady room. She did so with boundless health care with a wide audience. Barbara Bush, and Senator enthusiasm, intellect, and a smile. Many institutions and organiza- Dianne Feinstein. “Connie showed all of us her tions have benefitted from her • Health anchor for WITI-TV6 in heart, courage, and activism,” said tireless efforts and contributions. Milwaukee, WI. Nursing Economic$ Editor Donna Connie has been an inspiration • Held degrees from University M. Nickitas, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, and a dear friend. Her vision for of Wisconsin, DePaul Uni - CNE, FAAN. “She never slowed the future of nursing will be real- versity, Northern Illinois Uni- down nor did she refrain from ized by generations to come.” versity, and was a graduate of speaking her mind or being Connie’s contributions and the Harvard Business School provocative! Her leadership, serv- service to the nursing and health program for company owners ice, and dedication to improving care professions are numerous. To and presidents. the lives of individuals, families, name just a few: • Served on the board of direc- communities, and organizations • President of CurranAssociates; tors of the Nursing Economic$ demonstrated early on she had a president and CEO of Curran Foundation, where she spon- knack for being strategic, and Care, LLC. sored the Nursing Economic$ using her power, poise, and influ- • Founder and CEO of Best on Connie R. Curran Scholarship. ence to acquire resources. Board, a national organization “As the editor who followed in Connie’s political acumen and focused on educating and certi- Connie’s footprints, I know person- energetic advocacy lifted us all: fying health care trustees. ally the imprint she has left,” Dr. improving nursing education, • and speaker at Nickitas stated. “Her trust and practice, and research.” Nursing Economic$ Conferen- guidance in assuming the editor- “Connie was a leader and an ces and Summits. ship has held me in good stay. She innovator. She challenged herself • CNO of Montefiore Medical told me not to hold back, be bold and those around her to exceed Center in New York City, vice and act bold. In other words, fake it expectations,” said Publisher president of the American till you make it! We at Nursing Tony Jannetti. “In her 18 years at Hospital Association, and dean Economic$ remember Connie and the helm of Nursing Economic$, at the Medical College of dedicate this issue in her memory.” she shared her insight and expert- Wisconsin. continued on page 282

278 NURSING ECONOMIC$/November-December 2014/Vol. 32/No. 6 A Tribute continued from page 278

In an editorial where she discussed her favorite topics – leadership and partnerships – Connie wrote:

We have all watched the wonderful dance scenes where Fred and Ginger seemed to float over the dance floor, swirl seamlessly, and smile the entire time. There is a leadership lesson in those dance scenes: select your partner wisely. No matter how talented Fred was, Ginger needed to be more talented. She was going to do all those steps in reverse, and in high heels. Fred’s talent would have been wasted if his partner slipped and stumbled. How do we as nurse leaders select our partners? (2007, p. 5)

The nursing community should be forever grateful Connie Curran chose nursing as her partner in a life filled with courage, love, compassion, laughter, and friendship. We at Nursing Economic$ celebrate the life and legacy of Connie Curran, and recognize it was one that will keep giving. Isn’t that the real bottom line? $

REFERENCE Curran, C.R. (2007). Everything that Fred Astaire did, Ginger Rogers did backwards, and in high heels. Nursing Economic$, 25(1), 5, 11.

NOTE: Memorial contributions can be made in Connie’s name to the University of Wisconsin Foundation/School of Nursing (www.myuwconnect. org) or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrfcure.org).

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