Abstract
In 2019, the Transcultural Nursing Society celebrated its 45th anniversary as an organization. The Journal of Transcultural Nursing also marked 30 years, and our scholar’s group celebrated their 15th anniversary. At the close of this amazing year, the society now looks forward to a bright future based on a solid, historical record, and to an even better 46th year.
Dr. Leininger would certainly be pleased to see that the society she founded in the mid-1970s, at the University of Utah, is thriving. Dr. Leininger was dean of the university at that time when she introduced transcultural nursing courses into graduate programs. Forty-five years ago, the world was much different than it is today, but Dr. Leininger had a vision that few others had, and she acted on that vision. Charter members of the society, students, and faculty shared in the society formation and growth.
Dr. Leininger had another vision, and that was to create a journal that would serve as a place to publish papers supporting cultural care. In 1989, the first volume was published with Dr. Leininger and Dr. Marilyn McFarland as editors. Later, under the superior direction of Dr. Marilyn (Marty) Douglas and Dr. Norma Cuellar, the journal has grown to be a respected worldwide. That same year, certification in transcultural nursing also became a reality. The Global Transcultural Nursing Office, through the dedication Lisa Dobson, Director of Operations, and Dr. Beverly Horn, Executive Director, has provided a solid foundation for growth.
Dr. Leininger lived to see these great milestones reached before she died on August 10, 2012. At the dedication of the Archives in Caring at Florida Atlantic University, in Boca Raton, Dr. Leininger told those attending that even if we do not remember her, she hoped we would remember her theory. Dr. Leininger was a prolific writer, theorist, and creative thinker who will not easily be forgotten.
As the 46th year rolls into view, the society looks forward to the development of the Japan Conference and to the continued progress of the United Nations taskforce development. The dedication of members, chapters, founding members, officers, and scholars keep the vision alive. It is my hope that the society continues to flourish and to remember fondly its founder, Dr. Madeleine M. Leininger. It is with great pleasure that I look forward to serving as President for 2020.
