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Lifespace Communities Leadership Receives University Honors

May 30, 2018

DES MOINES, IA–Lifespace Communities congratulates Senior Vice President of Successful Aging and Health Services Sara Elizabeth Hamm, DNP, RN, as she is awarded the 2018 Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholar Award and receives her doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) with specialization in executive leadership from Loyola University New Orleans.

The faculty and professors of the Loyola University School of Nursing selected her as the recipient of the award in May 2018. It is presented to the top student in the executive leadership program who consistently demonstrates a scholarly approach to coursework and who is especially respected by faculty and students alike for excellence in academic achievement and leadership.

Dr. Hamm completed the post-master’s doctor of nursing practice program with a 4.0 GPA and was also inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society on May 9.

Hamm has spent the last two years working to achieve her goal of completing her doctoral degree, which comes 30 years after receiving her master’s degree in educational psychology and community counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Marquette University.

“Dr. Hamm is a key member in developing and implementing Lifespace Communities’ new and innovative resident care programs,” said Sloan Bentley, president and CEO of Lifespace Communities, which serves more than 4,100 residents in 12 continuing care retirement communities in seven states. “We’re thrilled to hear about her achievement, as we know the hard work she has put into managing her career here at Lifespace Communities and being a full-time student.”

Hamm joined the Lifespace Communities leadership team in 2015 after working as the executive vice president of care and compliance for Chicago-based senior living provider Enlivant. Throughout her career at Lifespace Communities, she’s provided leadership and strategic oversight for all the clinical and resident care programs in the licensed health care entities, including the health centers, assisted living, memory care and private-duty home health programs.

Hamm said her career in nursing was inspired by her mother, Elizabeth. She was a pioneer in senior living and long-term care beginning in the 1960s. She also worked as a director of nursing and an executive director for more than 30 years before her retirement.

“This is a monumental stepping stone in my educational pursuits and my career in senior living and post-acute care,” said Hamm. “My colleagues and team members at Lifespace Communities have worked with me to achieve this goal, and I’m forever grateful to them. It’s an honor and a privilege to work with our dedicated team to change the face of aging and positively impact the ageism that remains pervasive in our society. I’m so blessed to provide care to thousands of aging adults who have really taught me that aging can be an incredible journey of continued discovery and learning.”

 

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