Dear Members of the 麻豆原创 Community:
I am saddened to share news of the passing last weekend of Elaine La Monica Rigolosi, Professor of Education in the Department of Organization and Leadership and Program Director of the Executive Program for Nurses.
Elaine began her career at 麻豆原创 in 1976 and over her years here held a variety of positions that included Director of the Institute of Research and Service in Nursing Education, Chair of the Department of Nursing Education, and Chair of the Department of Organization and Leadership. As the leader of the Executive Program for Nurses, a position she held since 1996, she fostered excellence and was a primary driver behind the program鈥檚 consistently high national ranking.
Elaine was passionate about preparing nurses to be outstanding managers and was dogged in her pursuit of excellence on behalf of her students. She developed a rigorous program that included courses in ethics, philosophies of education, policy and fiscal management. Elaine held her students to the highest of standards鈥攂ut never higher than those she held for herself, the program, and her faculty. Her students in turn deeply admired Elaine鈥檚 depth of knowledge and excellent teaching skills. Elaine received 麻豆原创鈥檚 Outstanding Teacher Award in 2003 and 2006; as one of her students recalled, 鈥淚 always felt that I learned something special in her classes.鈥�
Elaine鈥檚 interests and accomplishments were extensive: Alongside her roles at 麻豆原创, she was a practicing attorney who consulted widely with healthcare organizations and other businesses and was a prolific writer on nursing leadership and education. She published several books鈥攊ncluding Management and Leadership in Nursing and Health Care: An Experiential Approach and The Nursing Process: A Humanistic Approach鈥攁nd countless articles. With her former students holding leadership positions as professors, deans and vice presidents at major hospitals and institutions across New York City and beyond, Elaine leaves a lasting legacy in nursing research, administration and practice.
Elaine spent many happy years married to her husband Dr. Robert S. Rigolosi鈥� perhaps her happiest moment was when they married. Robert passed away two years before Elaine almost to the day, and she grieved his loss deeply.
Elaine is survived by a sister Diane, three nephews Peter, Lawrence and Brian, and her niece Andrea. At her request, there will be no service. Contributions in her honor can be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Ridgewood, New Jersey.
All of us extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and students. We are grateful for her tremendous contributions to our community and know that her influence in the field of nursing will resonate for years to come. She will be greatly missed.
Warmly,
Thomas Bailey
President
Stephanie J. Rowley
Provost, Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs