Penn Nursing Professor Emerita Named a 2022 Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania

A passionate advocate for frail older adults, her leadership as researcher and educator at Penn Nursing brought about significant changes in standards of clinical practice in geriatric care, most notably, reduction in the use of physical restraints in hospitals and nursing homes. Author of more than 100 articles, books, and book chapters, and the recipient of numerous federal and foundation grants, she has spoken and consulted widely both nationally and internationally. In retirement, she chairs or serves on several boards of non-profit organizations devoted to enhancing the quality of life of vulnerable and underserved older adults in Philadelphia.

“Pennsylvania Distinguished Daughters have a long history of going above and beyond to lead in tough times and find ways to meet the needs they see in their communities. The commonwealth is proud to claim each of these women as our own, as each of their stories reflect Pennsylvania’s rich past and herald the promise of a bright future,” said Governor Wolf.

“The last few years have been challenging ones for Pennsylvania, and for the world. It takes a special brand of courage and determination to step up and take on the mantle of leadership in times like this,” said First Lady Wolf. “These women have shown that leadership, determination, and steadfastness, and have made our commonwealth a better place.”

“This is a well-deserved honor for Dr. Strumpf. Her incredible contributions to gerontology research make us proud at Penn Nursing every day, and to see her recognized by Pennsylvania’s Governor for her accomplishments in this area and beyond is fantastic,” said Penn Nursing Dean Antonia Villarruel. “Dr. Strumpf’s work as a nursing leader have made Pennsylvanians safer and healthier—and the echoes of that work have rippled out far beyond our Commonwealth, impacting families and communities around the world.”

Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania was first instituted under Governor James H. Duff in October of 1949 to honor women who have shown distinguished service through a professional career and/or voluntary service. The women are nominated to receive the honor by non-profit organizations within Pennsylvania. They do not need to be natives of Pennsylvania but must have lived in the commonwealth at some point. Since the first group was named in 1949, over 500 women have been recognized as Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania. There are approximately 200 Distinguished Daughters living today. The last class of Distinguished Daughters was inducted in 2019.