School celebrates 115th anniversary

The School of Nursing is celebrating its 115th anniversary this year. Founded in 1909, the University of Minnesota School of Nursing was the first nursing program established within a university. Richard Olding Beard, MD, led the efforts, forever establishing nursing’s place in higher education. Beard passionately advocated for the advancement of nursing believing that educating nurses, rather than training them in hospital-based apprenticeship programs as was the practice, would help society recognize the worth of human life, conserve human health and provide for social justice.

As part of the celebrations the book Igniting Transformational Change: The University of Minnesota School of Nursing Journey will be published. It is authored by Joanne Disch, Mary Jo Kreitzer, Marie Manthey and Connie White Delaney. It shares insights into the school’s transformative journey, particularly its past 20 years, and provides recommendations to schools experiencing challenges. This book informs and inspires change by inviting readers to reflect on the key cultural priorities and transformative practices of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.

Additionally, events celebrating the school’s 115th are scheduled throughout the year.