Interim dean and two faculty members recount stories and memories as they prepare to close careers

Personal histories, plenty of gratitude, good-natured ribbing, and looking ahead were all on display as the MGH Institute of Health Professions gathered Tuesday to say goodbye to three colleagues whose aggregate service to the Institute is 38 years. 

Pat Reidy, interim dean for the School of Nursing and director of community engagement; Elaine Tagliareni, School of Nursing professor and director of faculty development; and Diane Smith, professor of occupational therapy and doctoral capstone coordinator, were celebrated during the annual retirement party in 1 CW alongside dozens of faculty members, staff, family, and friends. 

“These are amazing people who we get to celebrate and honor today,” said President Paula Milone-Nuzzo. “Each one of them talked about their contributions to their discipline, their incredible work that they've done over the course of their careers, publications, work with the government, clinical practice, grants, and so much impact on their professions. But what I heard today was they were all part of an incredible community, and they loved this community, and they supported this community, and this community supported them. I think you are going to leave big holes in the IHP community, and we'll do our best to fill them.”

In holding with the IHP tradition, a $100 gift was made to a non-profit organization near and dear to the retiree’s heart. A department head or designee said a few words about their soon to be departed colleague, then the retirees took center stage. Here are some excerpts:

Diane L. Smith, OT, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Professor of Occupational Therapy and Doctoral Capstone Coordinator

“I'm so very grateful for all the coworkers and friends that I've made since my move, many of whom are here and whom I plan on spending some time with after I retire. I'm grateful for the leadership in the OT department and throughout the IHP who have allowed me to be me, to weave my sense of humor and advocacy throughout everything I do. 

“After working for several large universities, I truly appreciate the innovation that occurs in a dedicated health professions institute and the opportunity to be involved, and I appreciate all of my students throughout the many, many years of teaching — the oldest of whom are in their 50s now — who've laughed at my jokes and hopefully learned a thing or two. Who I pulled into projects and never quite let go of. So many papers, so much grading. But I'm very fortunate to keep up with many of them, and it's a joy to see them grow in their profession. Of course, I'm very I'm particularly grateful that when I moved to Boston, I was lucky enough to meet the man of my dreams, Ray, who brought a bit more music into my life, and I'm looking forward to our many adventures together. 

“I'm thankful to that woman on my dorm floor at the University of Illinois — I think her name was Julie — who, when I was wondering what to major in, said, ‘You seem like an occupational therapist.’ I'm not sure what that means. Like most people on the planet, I had no idea what that meant, and it took me a while to figure out, through lots of different jobs, what my niche was. But here we are.”

Elaine Tagliareni, EdD, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
School of Nursing Professor and Director of Faculty Development

“My favorite book when I was growing up in Troy, New York, was Stuart Little by E.B. White. I still have a well-worn copy with my name carefully written inside in perfect Palmer Method script; I never let that little letter go to the dotted line. The book ends with a message that has stayed with me through all these years. Stuart climbed into his car and started up the road that headed North. As he peeked ahead into the great land that stretched before him, the waves seemed very long, but the sky was bright, and he felt somehow that he was headed in the right direction. 

“Looking back, it's almost uncanny that the closing scene came to mirror my own professional life. Twenty-five years teaching at a community college, entering a world that I had the privilege of knowing from, learning from, and championing students whose life experiences were so different than my own. And what a gift to play a part, a small part, in their success. Then the call came from the NLN (National League for Nursing), where I was given the opportunity to lead 40,000 nursing faculty in their faculty development. I'll admit there were moments of imposter syndrome; the road ahead, as Stuart said, just seemed a bit daunting.

“But with Sal's (Elaine’s husband) encouragement, I told myself, ‘Grab onto this, Elaine. It feels like it's the right direction.’ That path led me to a cocktail party at IHI (Institute for Healthcare Improvement) here in Boston, where I ran into Paula, an unexpected turning point that has turned into the gift of a lifetime. When she invited me to join the Institute. I thought to myself, ‘What is an Institute?’ I had no idea of what was ahead for me, but it became my very special road to the North.”

Patricia A. Reidy, DNP, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN
Interim Dean for the School of Nursing and Director of Community Engagement

“What a journey it's been. And as I've often said to our graduates, nursing is a profession full of opportunity. From the bedside to the community, from primary care to education, administration, leadership — I've been very fortunate to experience all of these paths, and I'm especially appreciative of all the opportunities I've had at the IHP.

“We've witnessed remarkable growth, and I've been so fortunate to work alongside such dedicated and very passionate people. To my interprofessional colleagues, I'm especially grateful for the collaborations we've shared.

“Thank you to my wonderful colleagues in the School of Nursing. You are extraordinary. I am so inspired by your dedication to our students and the extra mile that you go to ensure their success. We've had our share of changes, our challenges, and our wins. I'm grateful to work side-by-side with you and appreciate the support you've given me during this past year in my interim dean's role. It has been full circle to educate our students, to precept them, share in their graduation and welcome them back as faculty, and we've done that.

“As I'm passionate about working with underserved populations, I find it's been extremely gratifying to see our grads seeking employment in those settings. To my colleagues across our departments and our IHP leadership team, I've learned so much from you, whether it was enrollment, JEDI, human resources, budgets, marketing, or beyond. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise and for moments of laughter that we shared along the way.

“I won't miss hearing about enrollment shortfalls, or course scheduling, but I will miss all of you, so hang in there. I know it's been challenging times for higher education, but I really appreciate the opportunity to share this journey with you.”

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