Tod Fye was named the recipient of the 2009 Western Iowa Tech Community College Alumni Award. The award honors individuals who have achieved the highest standards in terms of service to WITCC and its students; outstanding personal and/or professional achievement; and service to the community. Tod was recognized at the WITCC graduation ceremony at Epply Auditorium on Tuesday, December 22.
He received his associate degree in nursing from Western Iowa Tech in 1981 and went on to earn his bachelor of science in nursing degree from Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri in 1992. Tod has worked as a nurse and a manager in the areas of rehab, ER, oncology, intensive care and cardiology /thoracic surgery, vascular surgery since graduation. Currently, Tod is a case manager for cardiology, cardio thoracic surgery, thoracic surgery, and vascular surgery at The Nebraska Medical Center. He is a past committee member of the National Council for State Board of Nursing, the Missouri League of Nursing and volunteers for multiple research and community projects. Tod is also an active participant and fundraiser for the Nebraska AIDS project, Sacred Heart, and the Honor Society of Nursing Sigma Theta Tau. He has worked as an educator for various college courses and workshops, has lectured for several nursing conferences and colleges and continues to be a mentor for new graduates.
According to his nominator, and various other co-workers, Tod has a reputation for going above and beyond in the dedication he gives to his job and to the profession of nursing. “He consistently seeks opportunities to improve the overall patient experience and to improve patient and family satisfaction. Tod works with patients who have undergone an extremely stressful situation such as our heart transplant patients and our VATs patients (individuals who were recently diagnosed with lung tumors and who will soon be undergoing chemo and radiation therapy). He demonstrates the ability to think outside the confines of nursing and always does what is best for the individual patient.” Another co worker added that Tod “willingly shares his knowledge and expertise with our novice nurses, our medical and nursing students as well as our first year residents. Tod wants everyone to be successful, so he brings data; he researches the newest lasted evidenced based practice so that patients get the best care possible.”
To nominate a deserving alumnus/a for 2010, please visit www.witcc.edu/alumni_friends for a nomination form. The deadline for nominations is in October each year. All nominations are reviewed by representatives of WITCC’s faculty, employees, members of the Foundation board of directors and the Alumni Association board.