MaryAnn Thimmes
MaryAnn 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, MaryAnn 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. MaryAnn 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 MaryAnn, 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.
MaryAnn 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, MaryAnn 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.