;)
Sigma Theta Tau International
USJ is an active participant in the international honor society for nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, Iota Upsilon at-Large Chapter.
Its mission is to support the learning, knowledge, and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide.
Dr. Sheila Garilli
Chapter President
Dr. Heather Mangino
USJ Counselor
Suzanne Ryan
Chapter Secretary
Iota Upsilon at-Large Chapter membership is comprised of individuals from the University of Saint Joseph, University of Hartford, Charter Oak State College, Central Connecticut State University, and outstanding nurse leaders.
Membership Details
- Membership is by invitation to baccalaureate (during the senior year) and graduate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship (based on GPA and rank in class), and to nurse leaders exhibiting exceptional achievements in nursing.
- Sigma was founded in 1922
- A Global Professional Organization
- Our chapter is part of Sigma Region 15 which includes Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Eastern New York, USA and Quebec, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, Canada
- Sigma has 100,000+ Members
- 600+ Chapters
- Members are from 100+ countries
2025-2027 Call to Action: Lead Together, Our Voice, Our Value, Our Impact
Events that our chapter has recently participated in:
- Connecticut Alliance of Foster & Adoptive Families, Avenues of Dream Prom Drive
- Nurse’s Tea Ceremony
- Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Toy Drive
- Research Roundtables
- Virtual Movie Nights (last movie was “When the Water Breaks”)
- Chapter sponsored a team for the NAMIWalks Event (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Save the Date: The Sigma Region 15 Symposium Day will be held at USJ on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Grants/Awards
- The Beverly Koerner Research Grant
- Iota Upsilon Chapter Practice Grant
- Terry Bosworth Global Nursing Grant
- Iota Upsilon Chapter Award for Nursing Excellence in Nursing Practice
- Witt-Haloburdo Excellence in Teaching Award
- Jonathan Boros Nursing Scholarship
- Katherine Kranz Lewis/Karen Lucas Breda Community/Public Health Scholarship
- Mary Lou Welch Diversity in Nursing Scholarship
- Mary Jane Williams Advocacy in Nursing Scholarship
To learn more about these awards and grants the chapter has to offer, click here.