Nursing Student Scholarships in Memory of Dr. Pamela Rutar

In the past year, the School of Nursing suffered a terrible loss. Dr. Pamela Kay Rutar (59) passed away on May 22nd, 2018 at her home following a brief illness. During her time at the School of Nursing, Dr. Rutar dedicated herself to nursing education and furthering the capabilities of student nurses to ensure they were accomplished professionals when they graduated. Dr. Rutar's legacy of molding great nurses will continue to grow and prosper with your help.

Dr. Rutar was an Associate Professor and the Associate Dean of Research and Collaborative Partnerships within the School of Nursing. Her clinical focus was neonates (specifically NICU), Obstetrics and Pediatrics. She held several positions in the service sector as a Registered Nurse and as a Nursing Manager in these specialty areas with the latest being at Metro Health Medical Center. 

Her scholarship focused on the:

• use of technology with simulation and problem-based learning in the area of Obstetrics and Pediatrics
• transition from that of student nurse to registered nurse with the provision of mentors for new graduate nurses, underwritten by HRSA with funding totaling 1.4 million over several years
• and chronic disease prevention and management at the community level, which includes the Area Health Education Center (now entering its 4th year and recently refunded for an additional $475,000), and the Community Health Worker (CHW) program (now entering its 5th year, which was initially funded by HRSA, St. Lukes, and most recently, the Centers for Disease Control/Reach for almost $900,000)

Dr. Rutar was a member of the National League for Nursing, the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society, and the Ohio League for Nursing. She also authored several journal articles and book chapters on obstetrics, pediatrics, and leadership. She had several presentations (paper and poster) at the regional and national levels. 

She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she was a lay minister. Her hobbies included golf, travel, friends, and family. She is survived by her husband Dale, her daughter Kelly, three sisters, and several nieces and nephews. 

Dr. Rutar's legacy will continue not only through the AHEC and the CHW program, but also through an endowed scholarship in her name, planned through this crowdfunding effort and Dr. Rutar's family. Your contribution to help make this fund grow will provide scholarships for undergraduate nursing students in need. Drs. Phyllis and Timothy Gaspar (Dean of Nursing) will match $20 for every $100 donated, up to $1000. 

Although there are gift levels provided, your gift of any amount is appreciated.