A woman described as “the conscience,” “the torch bearer,” “the strongest ally to faculty,” and “the ultimate nurse” will be leaving City College.

Nursing Department Professor Karolyn Hanna both pioneered the political system and prepared students for nursing during her 30 years at City College. She will be retiring at the end of this year.

“There are many that come and go, but not many leave a mark like Karolyn has,” said Kathy O’Connor, associate professor and chair of the physical education department. “She is a huge loss to this college.”

Hanna, one of the primary writers of the Senate Constitution, served two terms as Academic Senate President from 1989-1991 and 1997-1999 as well as on many committees after.

“It becomes addicting,” said Dr. Hanna. “You feel like you’re really making an impact. I really enjoyed it.”

Her resume spills onto four pages with a master’s degree in nursing, a doctorate in education, 21 committees, and eight awards. Last year, she was given the college’s prestigious ­honor of Faculty Lecturer of the Year.

“I’ve been blessed with good health and a lot of energy,” she said. “My husband was very supportive of my career, and I had spiritual support from my church.”

Looking back on her influential term as Academic Senate President, she said, “Before the Senate Constitution, not all of the faculty from all of the departments were represented. I wanted to move toward something similar to our own government. Now, it is truly representative.”

“It’s a real strength to have a close relationship between faculty and administration,” she said. “We work together. Faculty have rights. I’m not afraid to say ‘speak up on this.'”

Growing up in Minnesota

“I’ve been giving demonstrations since I was 9 years old,” she said.

She recited the 4-H mantra as if it was tattooed on her heart: “I Pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living.”

Hanna is just as involved in the college’s Nursing Department. Twice a week, she runs around Cottage Hospital teaching students from 3 to 11 p.m.

“She is the matriarch of our department,” said Evan McCabe, associate professor in the nursing department. “She’s the type of nurse everyone aspires to.”

“Karolyn is key in our community for nursing be it at the bedside or at the national level,” she said. “She’s definitely a hard act to follow. No one could replace her.”

Hanna now faces the possibilities of retirement.

“I’m a little nervous,” she said. “It was a hard decision, because I like what I do. I’ll have a whole different identity, like a kid starting kindergarten.”

Besides visiting her grandchildren in Minnesota, she plans to travel to Brazil for three weeks as part of the Friendship Force, which promotes world peace through cultural understanding.

Even if her identity may change, her commitment to the community will not.

“I’m already signed up to be on the Board for the Friendship Center,” she said. “And there’s always part-time nursing work. That’s the great thing about nursing, you’re always needed.”