BANGOR – Forty-six nursing students and area nurses were inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International, the Honor Society of Nursing, on April 23 in a ceremony held on the Husson College campus.

New members include undergraduate and graduate nursing students from Husson College and the University of Maine, as well as nurse leaders in the area.

The ceremony included Excellence Awards given to local nurse leaders.

Sister Mary Norberta, president and CEO of St. Joseph Healthcare, received the Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership.

Nurse Donna Ault, faculty member of Husson College School of Nursing, received the Award for Excellence in Nursing Education.

Nurse Alfreda Mouland, nurse practitioner with the Acadia Hospital, received an Award for Excellence in Nursing Practice.

Nurse Ann Sylvester, graduate student in the University of Maine School of Nursing, received a Nursing Scholarship Award for her master’s thesis.

U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe received the Friend of Nursing Award.

Sister Norberta provided the keynote address for new inductees, their family and friends.

The vision of Sigma Theta Tau International, founded in 1922, is to create a global community of nurses who lead in using knowledge, scholarship, service and learning to improve the health of the world’s people.

Chartered in 1998, Omicron Xi Chapter-at-Large represents the University of Maine School of Nursing, Husson College School of Nursing and regional professional nurses.

Nursing students with strong academic achievement are invited to join, as are professional nurses who have distinguished themselves in the community.

With membership of more than 250 nurses, the chapter provides educational programs and scholarships for members and has participated in the Memory Walk to raise money for the Maine Alzheimer’s Association.