MARY ANN THIMMES, MN, RN, demonstrates the importance
of high personal and professional standards, the desire to make a positive difference
in the lives of others, the commitment to volunteerism, and the caring role
of the nurse in every area of life, career, family, community service, and faith.
A mother, care giver, and educator to more than 1,500 students,
Mary Ann has balanced her priorities to meet the needs of her professional and
local community. She has served the Washington State Nurses Association and
her district, the Fort Vancouver Nurses Association, from 1959 to the present
as president, treasurer, an active board member, education chairman and delegate
to WSNA. Mary Ann Thimmes has facilitated the link between Clark College and
the Professional Nursing Association by promoting membership in the Fort Vancouver
Nurses Association, WSNA and the American Nurses Association to students, and
setting the standard for faculty involvement.
As a founder and Director of Nursing Services of the All Volunteer
Vancouver Walk-In Community Clinic, she created an alliance with her District
and the Vancouver community through her own spirit of volunteerism and the promotion
of service by FVNA members, including financial assistance from the organization.
A role model to faculty and students Mary Ann, during her employment
at Clark College from 1960 until 1993, served as professor, Director of Nursing
Programs (1978-1987) and Division Chair. As a retired faculty member, and professor
emeritus she serves as co-chair of the Nursing Alumni Association.
Mary Ann demonstrates to all who have worked with her a healthy
balance between a professional career, personal responsibilities and community
service. A well known leader in the community, her career involvement includes
President of the Washington League for Nursing, Vice President and Treasurer
of the local chapter of the Washington State Education Association; and committee
chair, board member and past president of Soroptomists International, a charitable
service organization. She assisted her church as a teacher, secretary and committee
member, and has served as a volunteer for both the Crisis Pregnancy Center and
the Vancouver Winter Shelter, gently encouraging participation from the community.
A highly respected nursing colleague and community leader,
Mary Ann places her values and beliefs into action as a generous contributor
of her time and financial resources. She is pleasant yet assertive, retired
yet active and enthusiastically optimistic in all her dealings with others.
Such selfless dedication warrants lifetime recognition by the Washington State
Nurses Association Hall of Fame.
