The Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences
Presents
LaVerne Tolley Gurley, PH.D.,
Fellow of the American Society of Radiologic Technology
On June 11, 2008, Dr. LaVerne T. Gurley attained another level of achievement in her prestigious career in imaging and radiologic sciences. After consideration of her many contributions to education and research in the field of radiology, Dr. Gurley was named a Fellow of the American Society of Radiologic Technology.
LaVerne graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center with a degree in what is now known as Radiologic Technology. She was employed by UT immediately upon her graduation and remained on staff continuously for 30 years. During those years, she worked to increase her own knowledge and skills and was certified in Nuclear Medicine in 1963 and in Radiation Therapy in 1964. Her steadfast commitment to continuing education earned her a doctorate in 1976.
From UT, LaVerne transferred to what is now South West Tennessee State Community College to direct the Radiologic Technology program there. She completed 8 years of full time service followed by 5 years of part time service and retired with the status of Professor Emeritus.
LaVerne has authored numerous publications and co-authored (with William Callaway) the text "Introduction to Radiologic Technology," now in its 6th edition. She has contributed to other text books and professional publications in the field of Radiologic Technology, and served for several years on the editorial board of the Journal of Medical Imaging and Therapy. She is also a life member of the most elite organizations and associations in her field.
In addition to the classroom setting, where she is renowned for her excellence, LaVerne has lectured frequently at seminars for radiological educators and professionals throughout the country sharing the results of her research with her peers. Her research on developing a technique for "Baseline Mammography" resulted in her collaboration with representatives from the E.I. du Pont Company to lower and refine the amount of radiation needed in mammography imaging. She says that her most important research project was her work with scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on computer assisted radiographic film analysis.
In October of 2007, LaVerne was selected by the UT Health Sciences Center, College of Allied Health Sciences, as one of the "Outstanding Alumni, 35 Who Made a Difference."
Though she is now officially retired, LaVerne still enjoys meeting with former students and colleagues encouraging them with her enthusiasm for learning. LaVerne stated, "I retired from teaching but I did not retire from living, and living is continuing the associations with those I respect and care for, and continuing to support a cause that is worthy."
Worthy indeed - we congratulate Dr. LaVerne Gurley and join with her peers in honoring her life long pursuit of excellence in all her endeavors.
[Please understand as you read comments about the Japanese in this story that Jack does not hold any animosities toward the Japanese now. As he said, "That was another generation." We are gratified at the wonderful relationship our nation has now with Japan and her people.]
Over the last few years, history students at the University of Memphis Oral History Research Office have been involved in a project to preserve the stories of our World War II veterans and the people from what has been called "The Greatest Generation."
What follows is the result of an interview between UM student, Mr. Sean Armbruster, and Mr. Jack Downs, a long time member of Central Church, and veteran of combat service in the Pacific Theater in World War II.
Jack was asked where he was when he learned about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He replied, "I was a senior in high school. I was playing touch football with neighbors at a park near our home. We were surprised to hear about it. We all ran home to listen to the radio and find out about it. We didn't even know where Pearl Harbor was or anything about it!" Of course they knew of the war in Europe, but people hoped the U.S. could stay out of it. The Pearl Harbor attack dashed those hopes.
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