School of Nursing set to celebrate 100 years of service
The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is turning 100 during the 2008-2009 academic year, and will hold a series of activities to celebrate its rich history. The school has developed a yearlong calendar of special events designed to highlight both the past and future of nursing.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the Vanderbilt School brand of Nursing — where we've been and where we are heading,” said Colleen Conway-Welch, Ph.D., dean of VUSN. “We have special events, lectures and activities scheduled throughout this upcoming academic year, and hope that everyone will participate in some way.”
In late August, the school will host a daytime Centennial Kickoff Celebration for nursing students, faculty and members of the greater Vanderbilt community. The free event will feature food, fun and games.
The School of Nursing Centennial lecture series gets under way in mid-September with Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, best known for leading the Department of Defense response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and follows with nationally recognized speakers throughout the fall who will discuss different aspects of nursing such as technology, public health, policy and emergency preparedness. Additional speakers and dates are being added for the spring semester.
The Centennial Gala is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23, in conjunction with Reunion Weekend. The evening dinner and dancing event will honor the school's Top 100 leaders and include a special after-party for students.
“This is going to be a wonderful year with something for everyone,” said Betsey Usher, VUSN's Centennial coordinator.
Centennial events
• Kickoff Celebration
Aug. 27, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Heard Library Lawn
• Russel Honoré lecture/reception
Sept. 18, 6-8:30 p.m.
Langford Auditorium
• Gala and after party
Oct. 23, 6-10 p.m.
Loews Vanderbilt Plaza
• Homecoming Brunch
Oct. 25, 9 a.m.-noon
University Club
• Bill Frist lecture/reception
Oct. 30, 6-8:30 p.m.
Wilson Hall
• Don Berwick lecture/reception
Dec. 5 (tentative), location/time TBD
• Martha Hill lecture/reception
Jan. 15, 2009, 3-4 p.m.
Location TBD
• Clay Christensen lecture/reception
March 12, 2009, 6-8:30 p.m.
Langford Auditorium