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Future ..... Become a Mentor!
The School of Nursing has established a mentorship program to benefit
the pre-licensure undergraduate nursing students. The goal is to
match junior and senior students who have interest in a specific
specialty area with alumni who have related experience. Mentor support
can be offered via e-mail, phone calls, and/or face-to-face visits. Student Services, Undergraduate Programs Any questions can be directed to Student Services at 412-624-4586 or via e-mail at sao50@pitt.edu The
University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing
Vunvilai Chandrabha, PhD, RN, a recognized national and international leader in public health nursing and nursing Committed to the development of nursing education in Thailand, Dr. Chandrabha worked to upgrade the diploma program curriculum into a four-year university program, was a member of the team that established the faculty of nursing at Khon Kaen University, created distance education programs for nurses and authored chapters in nursing textbooks on the nursing process, pediatric nursing and community health nursing. Dr. Chandrabha collaborated to help establish the Nursing and Midwifery Practice Act and served as the first General Secretary of the Thailand Nursing Council from 1985-1994. Due to her vast experience and expertise, she was invited by the World Health Organization to serve as a technical advisor to Southeast Asia. In retirement, Dr. Chandrabha continued to contribute to the nursing profession as a consultant and mentor.
Phoebe Dauz Williams, RN, PhD, FAAN, a pediatric nurse researcher and professor at the University of Kansas Dr. Williams earned a BSN degree and an MA in Psychology from the University of the Philippines. Awarded the China Medical Board Scholarship, she enrolled in the graduate program at the University of Pittsburgh where she trained with her mentor, pediatric clinical nurse specialist, Corinne M. Barnes, PhD, RN, FAAN. Twice awarded the Fulbright Scholarship for assisting nurses in South East Asia, Dr. Williams is committed to improving the quality of life for people everywhere, but especially for those living in under-developed countries. Her research focuses on the growth and development in early childhood and care of chronically ill children and families. Dr. Williams has authored numerous books, chapters, articles and many other educational materials. Her professional accomplishments have led to recognition by a host of organizations, including the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurses, the Philippine Nurses Association of America and the Kansas University Medical Center. 2007 Honorary Alumni Awardee
LHAS began in 1898 when 17 women banded together with the goal of founding a Jewish Hospital in Pittsburgh. The group quickly raised $25,000 to establish Montefiore Hospital. One hundred and nine years later, LHAS continues to be a major influence within Western Pennsylvania’s healthcare arena. Its members have supported literally thousands of patients, families, healthcare professionals and staff through the donation of over $12 million and several million volunteer hours to various community organizations, programs and individuals. Single monetary donations range in excess of $1 million to support social services at UPMC; $750,000 to establish the LHAS Arbor at Weinberg Village; $500,000 on behalf of the LHAS Ambulatory Surgical Center; to $350,000 for the LHAS Prevention and Early Detection Center at the Hillman Cancer Center. In 2001, LHAS established the Ladies Hospital Aid Society Endowed Fund for Student Resources at the School of Nursing, demonstrating its commitment to quality education for tomorrow’s nurse leaders. For more information, please contact the Nursing Alumni Office at
412-624-2404 Updated: August 22, 2007 Email: cmh1@pitt.edu |
Vunvilai Chandrabha, BSN ’63, MN ’72, PhD ’75 
education, was the former director of the Nursing Division, Ministry of Public Health in Thailand. Her “Best Practice Model for a Community Service” set guidelines for improving administration and management, nursing practice and capacity building for nursing personnel and became a baseline policy for regulating national standards for community hospitals. Dr. Chandrabha initiated a system for infection control and developed the quality assurance program in nursing care for the Ministry of Health hospitals. 
School of Nursing, has contributed significantly to the advancement of nursing nationally and internationally. Her professional accomplishments include innovations in care of children, commitment to high academic standards, effectiveness in teaching, sustained research and service to the profession and the international community as a mentor and consultant.
The Ladies Hospital Aid Society (LHAS) becomes the first organization (individuals only have received honorary alumni designation since this award was created in 1959) to be recognized by the School of Nursing as an Honorary Alumni Awardee. The Society’s commitment to health care within the community, along with the scope and magnitude of its efforts, has made it most worthy of recognition.