Hartwick College Nursing Program Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Day-long Symposium on the Future of Nursing
In 1943, World War II was at its height. A new federal government program was enacted that year to bolster the number of available nurses both at home and abroad. The Cadet Nurses Corps offered women the opportunity to train for duty in either the armed services or public health. The government offered paid tuition, books, uniforms, and even a stipend to students willing to pursue the field.
Hartwick was one of a handful of colleges across the country that jumped at the opportunity to train students for the Cadet Nurses Corps. That first year, a small group of students took advantage of the program. Five years later, the College awarded its first two Bachelor of Science degrees in nursing.
Today, nursing is the most popular major at Hartwick College. More than 1,500 men and women have gone into the profession, readied by a Hartwick education.
“Insightful, well-educated, and compassionate nurses are needed in our community, around our country, and throughout the world,” said Hartwick College President Margaret L. Drugovich P’12. “For 75 years, Hartwick nurses have filled this need and exceeded expectations. I am enthusiastic about what the future holds for our program, and eager to witness the growing impact our graduates will have across cultures and communities. I am so proud of every one of our students and alumni.”
On Friday, October 5, 2018, the College will host an all-day symposium celebrating the 75th anniversary of its nursing program. Regional and national practitioners, researchers, and educators in nursing, psychology, healthcare administration, and public health will offer their experiences and insights. Many of the speakers will be Hartwick alumnae.
After a welcome at Yager Hall, four seminars will be offered throughout the morning on pressing issues in healthcare. “Holistic Approaches to Wellness,” “New Perspectives on Pediatric Mental Health,” “The Silvering of Society,” and “Innovation in Times of Crisis” will each be presented twice.
A luncheon will feature a keynote address by Maria Vezina ’79, chief nursing officer of Mount Sinai Saint Luke’s Hospital in New York City. She will discuss “Transformation and Innovation: The Journey to Successful Professional Practice.”
President Drugovich will convene a CEO panel discussion on the nurses’ role in the future of heathcare. Special guests Jeff Joyner, president of A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta; Betsy Tanner Wright ’79, president of UPMC Chautauqua WCA Healthcare in Jamestown, NY; and Mark Webster, president and CEO of Cortland Regional Medical Center, will address the issue.
At 3 p.m., the College will unveil a new 11-bed nursing simulation unit housed in Smith Hall and funded by grants from the Clark Foundation and an additional private foundation. A naming and dedication ceremony will take place, with tours of the facility offered immediately following.
“The Hartwick College Department of Nursing is thrilled to be celebrating 75 years of baccalaureate nursing education at Hartwick College,” said Clinical Associate Professor of Nursing and Department Chair Patricia Grust. “Hartwick nurses are exceptional professionals and remarkable people who are highly qualified to meet healthcare needs in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. The Nursing Symposium promises an exciting day of timely and diverse educational offerings on healthcare topics by content experts.”
The anniversary celebration is co-sponsored by the Hartwick College Department of Nursing and Hartwick’s Griffiths Center for Collaboration & Innovation, with generous support from the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Foundation and Hartwick’s Office of the President.
For registration information and the full event schedule, visit the website.