Family, friends and colleagues of Barbara Robinette, RN, MSN, joined staff at a 23 July reception to recognize Robinette’s retirement and celebrate her 22-year career with the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI).
CEO Patricia E. Thompson presented Robinette with a large crystal bowl etched with a map of the world, a gift identical to the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award the honor society gave actress Audrey Hepburn in 1992, in recognition of her humanitarian work in children’s health care.
“It’s the same piece, and we hope it will help you keep the fond memories about Sigma Theta Tau International and all of us who have had the pleasure of working with you,” Thompson told Robinette. “We cannot find another one, I assure you!”
Like the crystal bowl, Robinette’s contributions to and historical perspective of the honor society are unique and exceptional. Comments written by STTI members and staff for Robinette’s memory book attest to her influence in many spheres and on many people.
Former honor society presidents were among those who paid tribute to her career.
Lucie S. Kelly, president from 1983-85, wrote: “It’s not that you don’t deserve to retire and/or start a new career; it’s just that you’re leaving a huge gap at STTI! In fact, all of us—members at large, past presidents, current and past officers—will be going around Indianapolis [at the 31 October-4 November biennial convention], calling for Barbara. I know that my many good memories of Sigma come back with warm thoughts of you—not just the way you managed business to make us successful and efficient, but your helpfulness in every way.”
Like the crystal bowl [she received as a parting gift], Robinette’s contributions to and historical perspective of the honor society are unique and exceptional.“You have been a part of Sigma Theta Tau for most of the years I have been a member,” wrote current STTI President Carol Huston. “You helped me so many times as a young chapter leader—always patient and, more importantly, always knowledgeable. When I joined the board, I grew to understand how important your leadership was to the staff. I really do believe that your dedication and hard work are part of the reason STTI has the reputation it does for quality programming and quality service. But most of all—thank you, Barbara, for your support, words of encouragement and friendship during my presidency. I will miss you!”
“It is with sadness and joy that I write this letter to you,” wrote Fay Bower, president from 1993-95. “The sadness is related to your not being at STTI, as we have gotten very used to your charming way and deep interest and devotion to the society. However, it is with joy that I wish you the best in the future, as you and your husband can now enjoy your time together. You have been a devoted, innovative and very active member of the staff of STTI and have been part of its incredible growth. We will not forget what you have done. Your legacy will live on.”
Other STTI leaders also wrote in honor of Robinette’s work.
“You are an exemplary role model of constituent service and collaboration,” wrote Suzanne Prevost, president-elect candidate, “not to mention your creativity, efficiency and expert logistical management (keeping all those balls in the air at one time). Perhaps most important is that you are a role model of caring and compassion—those are attributes that we strive to maintain as the core of our profession.”
“I learned so much from you over these past 22 years,” wrote Gwen Sherwood, vice president. “I have so admired your work ethic, dedication, insights and collegiality. I know you are a significant part of the reason STTI has advanced in achieving its mission and expanding its goals.”
The tributes that current and former staff members wrote praised Robinette’s nurturing, caring spirit; her extensive knowledge, which she freely shared with everyone; and her talent for inspiring, teaching and mentoring.
Robinette was surprised to see all members of her immediate family at the retirement reception. Her daughter, Karen, lives in Indianapolis and had said she would attend. But, Barbara didn’t know that Bob, her husband of 46 years, and son Joel and daughter-in-law Rebecca, who live near Chicago, were coming.
“I talked to Bob about 20 minutes ago, and he said he was out picking up apples,” Barbara told reception guests. “I had no idea that Joel and Becky had come, even though I knew they were invited. A couple of weeks ago, I sent a text message to Becky: ‘Could you come the 23rd through the 26th?’ She never answered. She told me this morning the reason she didn’t is because she can’t lie!”
Joel works in records management for Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and Rebecca is a business analyst for a fleet management company. Karen, who works in human resources for Raytheon Polar Services, left a few days after the reception to work 14 months in Antarctica. During a previous assignment at McMurdo Station, Karen had told her mom about nurses in Antarctica. As a result of this news tip, Reflections on Nursing Leadership published “Nursing on ice: Ever consider summering in Antarctica?”
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| Bob and Barbara Robinette recently celebrated their 46th anniversary. |
Bob Robinette, who has been retired for 12 years, looks forward to spending more time with Barbara. The couple will travel between their homes in Tamarac, Florida, and Carmel (a suburb of Indianapolis) until they decide where they will retire.
Moving was a way of life for the family for many years. By the time the Robinettes moved to their present home in Carmel, they had relocated 17 times, due to Bob’s promotions with MetLife.
After receiving a BSN from Berea College in Kentucky, Barbara worked 11 years in what she calls “real nursing.” She taught nursing, opened a new hospital in Florida and worked at hospitals in Lexington, Kentucky, and Orlando, Florida, before pursuing her master’s degree at Indiana University School of Nursing at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. She found her dream job at STTI, where she began as program coordinator, which included responsibilities for planning conventions, research congresses and regional assemblies. When she retired, she was director of Constituent Services.
Her immediate plans? “Reading; Bible study; practicing piano and organ; visiting family and friends, especially our elderly mothers (ages 87 and 91); seeing new places in the U.S.; sorting 50 years’ worth of photographs; decluttering the house and organizing the drawers and closets—I love doing that.
“As I leave here, I leave not only with memories,” Barbara told reception guests, “but I also leave with a part of you. And, I hope that I leave a part of me with you, too. It’s been a great train ride.”
—By Jane Palmer and Paula Jeffers
| More tributes to Barbara Robinette |
| Melanie Dreher, president from 1995-97, penned the following poem in honor of Robinette’s service to the honor society: ’Twas the night before convention and all through the hotel
The rest of us were sleeping—though not very well.
Our visions of glitches and things going wrong
Made those first nights especially long. But then entered Barbara, whose day starts at night
To assure us, first off, that all would be right
Directing the show with her phone on her hip
And quieting us, simply, with a finger to her lip.
Her composure was stunning as she led through those days
The unruffled mistress of all she surveys.
While we quickly accelerated to walk, run and race
With coolness and calmness, she continued her pace. She won’t stay any longer, she’s having her will,
She’s leaving us now, with cute shoes to fill.
How will we manage? Our signals? All crossed.
Without her arrangements, we’ll surely be lost.
But she brightly exclaimed as she drove out of sight
Just follow directions. You’ll be all right!
Eleanor Sullivan, president from 1997-99, also congratulated Robinette on her retirement. “You have brought such professionalism and expertise to the honor society over the years, and we are a better organization for your efforts. You can be proud of your contributions. I hope you have lots of good times planned. You deserve it!” “Barbara always had members’ needs in mind as she listened to discussion and provided leadership for initiatives,” noted Daniel Pesut, president from 2003-05. “She strategically asked people to remember the members as groups navigated, negotiated, framed and implemented projects and programs. She lived the motto ‘Remember, we are here to serve the members.’”
Angela Barron McBride, STTI’s president from 1987-89, wrote the following tribute: “Barbara, you personified the very concept of ‘servant leadership’ long before it came into widespread use, because you were always unfailingly mindful of the needs and dreams of the members. One of the things I always hear from those attending the biennial convention is how energized and optimistic they feel as a result of the meeting. I happen to believe that part of what they are feeling is the optimism that you have infused into all that you do.
“You were responsible for the development of regional programming that assisted individuals with leadership development and opened up chapter officers to the possibilities of organizational development. You nurtured growth at the biennial conventions, and encouraged the international research conferences that have become a staple.” “Thank you for all you have done for STTI,” wrote 2005-07 President Carol Picard. “You have been one of the many ‘midwives,’ with Nancy [Dickenson-Hazard] and others, who helped nurture the society and take it from a growing organization to one that flourishes. Your work with Constituent Services was 'gold standard' quality. Many organizations aspired to provide the level of service you so readily encouraged in all of your staff.” "It is hard to think of STTI without Barbara Robinette," wrote Billye Brown, STTI president from 1989-91. "You have been such a vital part of the honor society. How can STTI have a convention or anything else without your guidance? You have been such a blessing, and I do know you deserve to relax like the rest of us, but you will be greatly missed. Thank you for all the 'beyond the call of duty' things you have done for me, and I know you have done as much for others who have volunteered for STTI. "
CEO Thompson served as honor society president from 1999 to 2001. “Although it was years ago, it only seems like yesterday that I was working with you in my role as regional coordinator,” Thompson wrote. “You were so supportive, which was what I needed in my new leadership role with STTI. Your steady presence and assistance as I continued my volunteer leader journey with the honor society were so appreciated. All of this was followed by the very rewarding experience of working with you on the leadership team here at headquarters.
“You and your leadership are respected by the staff and our many partners. In your unique role as member and staff, you have been able to consistently foster the mission and vision of the society.”
“Of course, I knew this announcement would come at some point—but I had been trying to wish it away,” wrote Clarann Weinert, former member of the STTI board of directors. “To me, you are Sigma Theta Tau International, and you embrace the values that so many of us hold. You have always been one of my guiding lights. There is simply no way to express my gratitude for all that you have done for the honor society, for nursing and for so many of us individually. I wish you all the best in retirement and will miss you so very much.” "You have assumed many roles of responsibility in your lengthy career with STTI,” wrote Secretary Beverly S. Reigle. “Through those roles, you have positively impacted the course of STTI history. Few have experienced the changing of the guard as many times as you. With each change, you have graciously shared your wisdom and rich experience and have provided the continuity that is needed during transition.”
Jane Allen and the 2007-09 regional coordinators wrote:
“Goodbye, and thank you for: Your smile
Your helpfulness
Your knowledge of the old STTI
Your guide to the new STTI
Your willingness to help all who ask.”
“You’ve been an unbelievable resource for our organization, and a delight to work with, so I hope you know how you’ll be missed," wrote Chris G. Alumbaugh, Region 3 coordinator. "But, knowing you, there’s more than one other person who you’ve taught 'the ways of the STTI world' and who will attempt to fill your shoes, difficult as that may be! Best wishes, and thank you so much for all you’ve done—for STTI, and for me personally as regional coordinator.” RNL |
