Edna P. Langholz — 1931–1993
1993; Elsevier BV; Volume: 93; Issue: 8 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/0002-8223(93)91538-2
ISSN1878-3570
Autores Tópico(s)Dietetics, Nutrition, and Education
ResumoEdna Page Langholz, 1981–1982 president of The American Dietetic Association, passed away on June 16, 1993, in Tulsa, Okla. She will be remembered for her innovative thinking, her visionary role in the education of dietetics professionals, and her enthusiasm for the profession. Edna received her bachelor's degree from Florida State University and completed her dietetics internship and master's degree at the University of Iowa. She worked in a variety of positions including clinical dietitian at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa; instructor, School of Medicine and Health, University of Oklahoma; and nutritionist, Oklahoma Regional Medical Program. She ultimately formed her own company, Langholz Consultants, Inc, which provided services to multifaceted clients in business and industry as well as to long-term-care facilities. In addition to her business, she coauthored two books, Over 50 and Still Cooking and The Nutrition Game. At the time of her death, she was working on a children's nutrition manuscript that is scheduled for publication this fall. In her statement of goals in the ballot for president-elect, Edna wrote: “Unless we strive for the very best in our profession, we will never know how good we could have been” (1.Watson Edna Page Langholz Donna R J Am Diet Assoc. 1981; 79 (R.D., President, 1981–1982): 575-579Google Scholar, p 575). Through her many Association activities she exemplified this philosophy. Her career was filled with leadership challenges, including president of the Tulsa District Dietetic Association; president, treasurer, and delegate of the Oklahoma Dietetic Association; president and director-at-large of The American Dietetic Association; and president of the ADA Foundation. In 1987, she received a Medallion Award in recognition of her professional commitment and numerous accomplishments within the Association. When Edna took the office of ADA president, Kathleen Zolber, PhD, RD, who was president-elect, commented, “Her time devoted to Association activities has appeared unlimited, yet she always makes time for family, friends, and professional associates. She is a very gracious hostess and has a healthy self-confidence which is an inspiration in this fast-moving world” (1.Watson Edna Page Langholz Donna R J Am Diet Assoc. 1981; 79 (R.D., President, 1981–1982): 575-579Google Scholar, p 575). Friends and colleagues always marveled at the apparent ease with which she accomplished her goals. Edna had a way of finding practical solutions for complex problems. If she saw their potential, she didn't give up easily on anyone or anything even in the toughest of circumstances. Audrey Wright, MS, RD, who first met Edna when they served as delegates, remembers, “She was committed to excellence for herself and those who surrounded her. She was always generous with her time and talents and made significant contributions to the professionalism of the registered dietitian. She especially loved her family, who always came first in her life, yet she gave of herself to her many, many friends. To reflect on the years that spanned this special friendship, I realize how fortunate I was to have known and loved this dear friend.” Edna also excelled at being active in her community with her husband, Robert, and her three sons, Robert, Jr, Laurence, and Kristofer. She served on the boards of the Tulsa Philharmonic Society, Oklahoma Arts Institute, and the Philbrook Art Museum. Even with all of her personal achievements, Edna was inspired by youth she met through the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute. She told her fellow associates, “These young people give their all—their heart and soul—to the development of their art. It is a source of joy and pride for me to be able in some small way to help them to make their dreams a reality.” Taking action was one of her hallmarks. In the early 1980s, she and other leaders, such as Anita Owen, MS, RD; Kathleen Zolber; and COL Katherine Manchester, MS, RD, USA Ret, that nutrition education for the public was an essential ingredient for the profession's success. Thus, the National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics was born. Recognizing that the profession's greatest strength is in its members, she spearheaded an unorthodox member fund-raising campaign to support this idea and raised $3.5 million to make the Center a reality. Sandy Nissenburg, MS, RD, who worked with Edna on numerous fund-raising activities, stated: “Edna had an ongoing drive to try new ventures and make them fun along the way, which was an inspiration to me. She was a terrific mentor, colleague, and friend.” In 1990, Edna received the Marjorie Hulsizer Copher Award, the Association's highest honor. Her special gift for mentoring young professionals was highlighted in her acceptance speech:To the young dietitians who will…create and mold our profession's future, I share the following message: ‘You are the living link through which will be passed the best of our heritage to those that follow. Always remember that it is the members of a profession who make or break it, who make it respected or ridiculed, and who ultimately build its image. Do not be afraid to venture out and try the untried…Your expectations must be great. Frustrations there will be, but it takes great expectations to make great careers, and it is that measure of greatness you must seek as you work with your dietetic colleagues toward common goals’ (2.Langholz Edna P J Am Diet Assoc. 1990; 90 (MS, RD receives 1990 Copher Memorial Award): 1594-1595Google Scholar, p 1595). In 1992, Edna combined her love for foods and nutrition with her extensive international business and social experiences and established the Robert and Edna Langholz International Nutrition Award. The first presentation, to Elsie Mae Widdowson, PhD, DSc, was a highlight of the Association's 75th Anniversary Annual Meeting. To depict the award, Edna commissioned a bronze sculpture. It is fitting that she and the artist combined her many interests in one piece. A young child holds a basket of fresh produce in front of a world diorama. Dietetics, youth, and a love for exploring new opportunities were all a special part of Edna's life. The sculpture is part of the permanent display at the National Center of Nutrition and Dietetics in Chicago, Ill. In her memory, contributions to this fund are being accepted by the ADA Foundation. Those who knew Edna personally will never forget her leadership, integrity, guidance and “can do” spirit. The profession will miss this remarkable woman, but she left us a legacy that will move us toward an optimistic future.
Referência(s)