Dr. Henrietta (Enriqueta) Bernal, UConn Nursing alum and Professor Emeritus, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024, after a short illness.
Dr. Bernal earned her Bachelors ('68), Masters ('74), and Doctorate ('84) degrees from UConn. She is remembered as a trailblazer in community health nursing and diabetes research; her scholarship focused on cultural-relevant care in the community. During her tenure at UConn, Dr. Bernal was known as a stellar educator and mentor for nursing as well as other disciplines, a pioneer in interprofessional education. Dr. Bernal served as the Community Health Nursing Track Coordinator in the school of nursing. One of her many significant contributions to nursing was the CareLink program, a unique program that fostered continuation of nursing services for vulnerable families and facilitated enhanced outcomes of care.
Dr. Bernal's passion as an educator and scholar, and her dedication to public health and cultural diversity influenced the careers of many at UConn Nursing. She mentored many Hispanic and Latino students who have become successful nurse leaders in Connecticut and beyond.
Dr. Bernal's generous service to Nursing and commitment to UConn Nursing continue through the Dr. Henrietta Bernal Endowment Fund Scholarship.
Details on Dr. Bernal's life and legacy along with details on services can be found here: Henrietta (Enriqueta) Bernal - 2024 - Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin (tributearchive.com).
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Bernal's family.
~Dean Dickson
Victoria Vaughan Dickson, PhD, RN, FAHA, FHFSA, FAAN
Dean and Professor, University of Connecticut School of Nursing
Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
For more information, contact: UConn School of Nursing at ashley.o'connell@uconn.edu