Retired U.S. Army general to share her story of success during visit to Syracuse University

Retired U.S. Army general to share her story of success during visit to Syracuse UniversityNovember 28, 2001Nicci Brownnicbrown@syr.edu

The School of Nursing at Syracuse University’s College of Human Services and Health Professions will play host to General Clara Adams-Ender – inspirational speaker, retired military nurse and author of “My Rise to the Stars,” on Monday, December 3. Adams-Ender will give a public address in Room 113 of the Heroy Geology Building at 4 p.m. Following the lecture she will also participate in a book signing and reception in the Heroy atrium.

Born in Wake County, North Carolina, Adams-Ender rose from a staff nurse in the Army Nurse Corps to become chief executive officer for 22,000 nurses, a brigadier general and director of personnel for the Army Surgeon General. She was vice-president for nursing at the prestigious Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the largest health care facility for the Department of Defense, and she was the first female to be awarded the Expert Field Medical Badge. She also commanded an army base and was responsible for a $90 million budget while providing customer services to 85 different constituent groups.

Adams-Ender is now president and chief executive officer of Caring About People With Enthusiasm (CAPE) Associates, Inc., a management consulting and inspirational speaking firm. The agency specializes in health care management and health care reform, leadership issues and leader development, cultural diversity, women in the workplace and conflict management and resolution.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell describes Adams-Ender as “a dynamic leader and superb motivational speaker” who brings to her civilian career 34 years of Army service where she “excelled as a commander and leader.”

William Pollard, dean of the College of Human Services and Health Professions, says Adams-Ender serves as an outstanding model for human service professionals. “She has leveraged her caring and concern for others in a manner that brings attention to professional behavior that is so infrequently recognized and cited. I am also especially pleased to have her visit with us because I also was born in Wake County.”

Adams-Ender has both a B.A. and M.S. degree in nursing and a master of military art and science degree. She has been awarded 10 honorary doctorate degrees in law, public service, humane letters and science. In addition, Adams-Ender has received numerous awards for her community work and service, including the Roy Wilkins Meritorious Service Award of the NAACP and the Gertrude E. Rush Award for Leadership from the National Bar Association. In 1996 Working Woman Magazine named Adams-Ender as one of 350 women who changed the world from 1976-1996.