The Indiana University East School of Nursing will honor three individuals with Nursing Excellence Awards during its upcoming gala “Celebration of Caring: Toasting a Legacy” from 6-10 p.m. on September 28. The nursing gala will be held at J&J Winery.

The Nursing Excellence Awards will honor Kay Cartwright, recipient of the Lifetime in Nursing Award; Matthew Starr, recipient of the Outstanding Nursing Alumni Award; and Mary Hoppe, recipient of the Friend to Nursing Award.

The nursing gala is a night of wine tasting, dinner, music, and celebration of nursing. The wine tasting begins at 6 p.m.

Reservations are needed by September 15. The cost is $60 per person. Contributions will benefit the School of Nursing. The goal is to enhance the teaching and learning for all IU East nursing students.

Kay Cartwright is the vice president and chief nursing officer at Reid Hospital & Health Care Services. She joined the hospital in October 2004 where she has centered her career on patient care and leadership. Cartwright received a diploma in nursing from Miami Valley Hospital School of Nursing, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Master of Science in Nursing Administration from Wright State University. She is affiliated with the American Hospital Association, American Organization of Nurse Executives and the VHA CNO Regional Group. Cartwright volunteers as a member of the Ivy Tech Community College Board of Advisors, IU East School of Nursing Advisory Board, and is the secretary for the Richmond State Hospital Board of Directors.

Matthew Starr is an alumnus of Indiana University East School of Nursing. He received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from IU East and his Master of Science in Nursing Administration from IUPUI. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Nursing Practice through Indiana University. This May, Starr joined the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., as the executive director of the Emergency Medical Trauma Center. Previously, he was the administrative director at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis from November 2010 to May 2012. He was also formerly the assistant clinical director of operations at Riley Hospital for Children. He is affiliated with the Society of Pediatric Nursing Sigma Theta Tau, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, and the Indiana Organization of Nurse Executives. He is also a founding member of the American Assembly for Men in Nursing. He is a former board member of the Indiana University School of Nursing Alumni Association.

Mary Hoppe has owned and operated Hoppe Jewelers in Richmond, Ind., since 1951. Hoppe was born and raised in Colorado. She moved to Richmond with her late husband, Bob Hoppe, following his service to the country during World War II. Bob Hoppe began his career as a watchmaker until the Hoppes opened their first shop on South 8th Street. The business grew and eventually in 1975, the Hoppes located their business in the old Tivoli Theater on Main Street. The family-owned business is now located in the East Side Plaza on U.S. 40. Mary continues working full time, directing the family business and works with her children, Scott and Lyn. The Hoppes have been long-time supporters of the IU East School of Nursing and have given to the school through in-kind donations and contributions.

For more information or to make reservations, contact the IU East School of Nursing at (765) 973-8213.