Ralph Waldo Emerson once remarked, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” While perhaps Emerson was not directly addressing Donna Meyer, there is no doubt she emulates his words. OADN has been blessed to have Donna as our beacon, speaking on behalf of associate degree nurses (ADN) and ADN nurse educators everywhere. She created new “paths” and her “trails” have elevated associate degree nursing to new heights nationally and internationally. The relationships Donna built within national nursing circles paved the way for ADN representation to be invited to, and present at, multiple national decision-making tables, organizations, and meetings, lifting up ADN programs and giving them the voice they have long deserved. It is difficult to enumerate all of the amazing accomplishments, but suffice it to say Donna has worked tirelessly in front of and behind the scenes to forge new partnerships with industries, community colleges, universities, NCSBN, other nursing organizations, and many other groups by heralding the great work of ADNs. Yet, if you have also been around Donna, you also know she is warm, caring, a lot of fun, and always has a smile!

In John Glen’s 2009 keynote address at the Ohio State University commencement, Glenn stated “We are more fulfilled when we are involved in something bigger than ourselves.” There is no doubt that Donna has been involved in something bigger than herself, and as a result, we – all of the past, current, and future OADN membership and nursing as a whole – reap the benefits and are more fulfilled because of Donna’s work. She, indeed, has been transformational!

On behalf of myself and all of OADN, we wish Donna Meyer the best as she launches her next great adventure. Thank you, Donna, for creating new paths and leaving new trails and for sharing yourself and your talents on our behalf!

– Rhonda Hutton Gann, DNP, RN