Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.

Robert V. Piemonte Memorial Scholarship Fund

Robert V. Piemonte, EdD, RN, CAE, FAAN, championed the nursing profession as the Executive Director of the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) and other leading nursing organizations. As an advocate of shared governance, he transformed hundreds of nursing school student nurse “clubs” into pre-professional nursing associations. In preparation for professional nursing careers, students participated in decision-making and policy development at school chapters, state associations, and nationally in NSNA. 

“My greatest reward in nursing has been my ability to offer leadership to students and novices in nursing,” Piemonte said in a 2009 interview for a NSNA newsletter.

“Mentoring others is the greatest gift we can have. I have seen individuals grow in stature and position within the profession, and I am proud that I may have played some small part in their success.”

Countless colleagues credit Dr. Piemonte with advancing their careers and enhancing their professional development. Through this scholarship, his legacy of extraordinary leadership will continue to advance his beloved profession.

Piemonte held many staff and volunteer leadership positions with American Nurses Foundation, American Nurses Association New York, American Society of Association Executives, New York Society of Association Executives, New Jersey State Nurses Association, Nurses Association of the Counties of Long Island (District 14), New York State Nurses Association, and Nurses House.

Early in his career, he served as an Assistant Director of Nursing at the NYU Medical Center, the Director of Nursing at Gouveneur Hospital, and as a Chief Nurse with the U.S. Army Reserves 8th Medical Unit. Dr. Piemonte held adjunct faculty positions at Long Island University, New York University College of Nursing, Teachers College, Columbia University, and the University of Kansas. 

Dr. Piemonte’s commitment to excellence in the profession and tireless, pervasive professional leadership were recognized in such awards as the Foundation of New York Nurses Driscoll Award, the Nurses House Dolphin Award, and designation as a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing. His honors also include induction into the American Nurses Association Nursing Hall of Fame (2014); the Teachers College Nursing Education Alumni Association R. Louise McManus Medal (1995); and induction into the Teachers College Nursing Hall of Fame (1999)

As a great raconteur, Dr.  Piemonte often shared stories about being the youngest of 12 children born to Sicilian immigrants. He loved to recall memories of his days at Pilgram State Hospital School of Nursing, where he received a diploma in nursing. He went on to Long Island University to earn a BSN, and then to Teachers College, Columbia University, where he earned an MA, EdM, and Doctorate in Nursing Education (EdD). In 1993, Dr. Piemonte was awarded an honorary doctorate (DSc) from Long Island University. 

Dr. Piemonte succumbed to the Coronavirus on April 21, 2020. He was 85. His memory lives on through the Robert V. Piemonte Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports graduate studies for RNs to become nurse educators.  

The Robert V. Piemonte Memorial Scholarship Fund is initially funded by Diane J. Mancino, EdD, RN, CAE, FAAN.  Preference will be given to students pursuing careers as nurse educators. To help NEF ensure Dr. Piemonte’s legacy of extraordinary leadership continues to advance his beloved profession of nursing, contributions can be made by selecting the fund on NEF’s donation page or by mailing a check to: NEF, 137 Montague Street, Suite 144, Brooklyn, NY 11201, with Piemonte Scholarship Fund in the memo of the check.

References: 

• National Student Nurses Association, Press Release, Robert V. Piemonte Obituary (Cathryne Welch/Diane Mancino), May 2020.
• Teachers College, Columbia University, In Memoriam, August 26, 2020.