Georgia Baptist College of Nursing to Host Conference on End-of-Life Care

Mercer University’s Georgia Baptist College of Nursing will host a research conference on end-of-life care Friday, March 26, in the Trustees Dining Room on the University’s Atlanta campus.  The conference, titled “Perspectives and Reflections from the Gloaming of Life:  Palliative Care and End-of-Life Challenges,” is open to all members of the nursing, theology, pharmacy and medical professions. In addition, nurses who attend may receive 4.5 contact hours on palliative care from the Georgia Nurses Association.

“As more of our health care is provided outside of hospitals, the care of patients with life-limiting illness is increasingly provided in the community by families and informal caregivers,” said Dr. Janet Timms, professor of nursing and one of the conference’s organizers.  “There is no right way to live or die as a result of these life-limiting diseases. Each disease presents its own set of challenges for patients and for their caregivers. The conference will provide updated knowledge about palliative care for health professionals, caregivers and individuals facing life-limiting illnesses and equip health professionals and informal caregivers to provide high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care.”

The Rev. Dr. Julie Pennington-Russell, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Decatur and a Mercer Trustee, will be speak at the opening session. Dr. Pennington-Russell’s presentation is titled “Spiritual Dimensions/Care of Those in the Final Stages of Life.”

The conference is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and consists of five sessions in addition to Pennington-Russell’s opening presentation.  The morning sessions include: Dr. Robyn Mowery, assistant professor of family therapy in Mercer’s School of Medicine, presenting “Grieving with Hope:  Anticipatory Loss through Bereavement” and Dr. Susan S. Gunby, professor of nursing, presenting ‘“Being There’ and ‘Being Here’ During the Phases of Suffering.”

The three afternoon sessions include: Dawn Keller, staff nurse in a cardiovascular intensive care unit for Wellstar Health Systems, presenting “It's a Roller-Coaster Ride:  The Lived Experience of Critical Care Nurses Caring for Patients during the Dying Process;” Dr. Denise Massey, associate professor in the James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology, presenting “How Pastoral Care Giver can Contribute to Palliative Care;” and Elaine Harris, associate professor of nursing, and Ann Keeley, associate professor of nursing, co-presenting ‘“Can You Help Me Find My Bus Ticket?’ Understanding the Communications of Those Who Are Dying.”

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Uga VII passes away unexpectedly Thursday in Savannah

Uga VII, the legendary Georgia mascot who roamed the sidelines at Bulldog football games, died unexpectedly Thursday morning in Savannah.

He died of heart-related causes according to owner Frank W. “Sonny” Seiler.He was four years old and finishing his second season as the team’s mascot. His given name was “Loran’s Best” and his first game was Aug. 30, 2008, vs. Georgia Southern.

“We are all in a state of shock,” said Seiler.“We had no warning whatsoever.”

There will be no live mascot at Georgia’s game on Saturday but a wreath will be placed on Uga VII’s doghouse on the north sideline.

“He was 10-3 last year which is not bad for a ‘freshman,’” said Seiler.“Uga VII was not as active or mischievous as his father but more distinguished.He realized his role when he put his shirt on.He was well-behaved and always appreciated the significance of his role.”

“This is a very sad day for the Seiler family but also for all Georgia people,” said Damon Evans, UGA Director of Athletics.“Just as his ancestors, he had captured the hearts of college football fans everywhere as the country’s number one mascot.He had been truly embraced by all those who follow the Georgia Bulldogs across the country.We will miss him dearly.”

Seiler said there were options available for Uga VII’s replacement but no final determination would be made until sometime next year.

“Our hearts go out to the Seilers and the entire Bulldog Nation at this unexpected loss,” stated University of Georgia President Michael F. Adams.“Uga VII was both a family pet and a symbol for millions of fans, and besides that he was just a sweet dog.We will miss him.”

The College of Veterinary Medicine is saddened by the sudden loss of our dear friend and mascot,” Uga VII,” said Dr. Sheila W. Allen, dean of the College, and Dr. R. Bruce Hollett, personal faculty veterinarian for Uga VII. “His playful personality and winning spirit will be missed by all of us at the veterinary college, and all of us at the University of Georgia. The Seilers are long-time friends of the University, and we share in their grief.”

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