The Spotlight on Nursing runs have been a continual success and have included activities for all ages.
Running for our future | Donna Boland, a nurse and longtime Spotlight on Nursing Run/Walk participant, has seen the event’s popularity increase over the years. And while she used to be a runner, she’s now more likely to walk with colleagues and friends. “Walking with colleagues gives us a chance to talk and really enjoy conversation,” she said. The event is an opportunity to connect with peers — one of the greatest benefits of participating, she added. Boland’s roots in nursing run deep. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from The State University of New York in Utica, followed by a master’s degree from Russell Sage College and a doctorate in nursing education administration from The
University of Utah. At that point Indiana University School of Nursing recruited her as its associate dean for undergraduate programs — a position she held until retiring a year ago. Today she is an associate professor emeritus and runs a consulting business. “It’s important to raise awareness about the shortage in nursing,” Boland said. “Events like this one can help bring it to the forefront.” While the event is fun, Boland said its significance extends far beyond one day. “This is a great race,” she said. “It presents our diverse community an opportunity to come together for a great cause and helps encourage people to study nursing by supporting scholarships for students around the state.”
MARC LEBRYK / Custom Publications
The run/walk course is designed to suit all fitness levels. In fact, race organizers regularly solicit feedback from participants to ensure the route appeals to all levels of runners and walkers. “Faster runners will like the 10K. And if you don’t want to go that far, there’s also a shorter fun run/walk as well as a 5K,” Boland said. For those who prefer to become involved in other ways, Spotlight on Nursing recruits volunteers to
Indiana Nursing Quarterly
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indystar.com/nursing
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Winter 2013
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