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INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana University School of Nursing is marking its 100th anniversary, June 20-21, with a series of events in Indianapolis. The celebration includes a distinguished lectureship conference, alumni reunion and centennial gala.
Established in 1914, the IU School of Nursing was originally called the Indiana University Training School for Nurses. Five students participated in the school’s first commencement ceremony in 1917, receiving a graduate nurse diploma from IU. The name of the school was changed in 1956 to its current name.
Since its founding, it has become the largest nursing school with undergraduate to doctorate and doctor of nursing practice programs in the country. It is ranked 13th among all schools of nursing for National Institutes of Health funding and 15th in the nation by the U.S. News & World Reports in its 2013 graduate school rankings.
Much has changed in the nursing profession in the last century, with nurses now holding roles as scientists, leaders and collaborators forming interdisciplinary, technologically-savvy healthcare teams, said Marion Broome, dean of the IU School of Nursing. “This isn’t, as they say, your grandmother’s nursing profession.”
Looking forward, Broome said, two things that will remain absolutely constant over the next hundred years are the quality of the nurses the school educates and the school’s alumni. “Those IU nurses who came before us would surely be proud of the legacy of leadership we continue to uphold. They left us a clear vision, always focused on our students and patients, and together we carefully pass that along to future generations of IU nurses.”
As part of its 100th Anniversary Celebration, Indiana University School of Nursing will honor the first recipients of the school’s Alumni Legacy Leaders award. The award recognizes the contributions of 100 of the school’s more than 30,000 living alumni.
Their contributions have made a deep and lasting impact on the profession of nursing and in the healthcare system, continuing the tradition of excellence and leadership at IU School of Nursing, Broome said.
Throughout its history, the Indiana University School of Nursing has pushed the boundaries of education and research and has nurtured the pursuit of excellence in all areas through innovation and partnerships. A Distinguished Lectureship Series conference will contribute to this vision by bringing thought-provoking and engaging leaders in the field of nursing to the 100th Anniversary Celebration weekend. This day-long series of lectures will provide a unique look into the future of nursing in the areas of practice, internationalism, diversity, research, and education.
The centennial weekend concludes Saturday with a gala at the Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral.