The “50 Years of Gustavus Nursing” reunion was held on the 4th-5th and 6th of June this year. Approximately 100 Gustavus Nursing Alumni attended the event which included a run/walk on Saturday morning, buffet breakfast, CEU sessions by Barbara Cobb St. Marie ‘78 on Pain Management, Tiffany Holmes, ‘98 and Cheryl Olson ‘78, posters and pictures from each decade of nursing, an audio interview with Doris Stuckey recorded by Ruby Monson ‘64, demonstration of human patient simulation, reunion photo, tours, a luncheon, evening banquet, and a beautiful sending service on Sunday morning. Of course, much socializing also took place and the event. During the social hour prior to the evening banquet, music was provided by the Rick Orpen Jazz Combo. Entertainment after dinner included the Magic Barbershop Quartet and Comedian Kevin Smith, FNP, MSN, RNC.
A generous alumni gift from Kay (Wold) and Bob Moline was announced at the luncheon which will provide funding for a human patient simulator much needed for the department of nursing lab. Simulation learning is now the standard in nursing education as it allows for increased experiences for critical thinking and provides students with a safe yet realistic opportunity to intervene in a variety of patient situations.
Alumni and the current nursing department faculty participated in the sending service in Christ Chapel on Sunday. An audio link of the service is provided here. While the rainy weather was not conducive to many outdoor activities, the warmth and friendship, renewing of old friendships and the discussions about the future of Gustavus nursing was abundant in the Jackson Campus Center and Alumni Hall.