On September 22, 1957, our college opened with six students enrolled. Since that time, more than 7,600 students have graduated from our programs. This fall semester, nearly 1,800 undergraduate nursing students will study at four campuses, while our graduates continue to address healthcare needs of our community and the nation.
During the academic year, 2007-2008, Arizona State University College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation alumni, faculty, faculty emeriti, staff, students, and friends of the college will celebrate 50 Years of Dreaming, Discovering, and Delivering! We want to give everyone an opportunity to take part in the events to celebrate our 50 years of excellence and achievement.
Since 1957, we have made significant strides in expanding our curricula, promoting research, and serving our community. We have introduced the most innovative curricula in the country, including a cutting-edge doctoral program and creative masters programs, such as the Master in Healthcare Innovation. We remain in the top 40th ranking of graduate programs in the U.S. Our five academic clinics provide practice opportunities for both faculty and students, while serving the most underserved communities in Maricopa County. We now operate three Centers for scholarship, service and mentoring: The Center for the Advancement of Evidenced-based Practice, the Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, and the Center for Improving Health Outcomes in Children, Teens and Families.
Our achievements in the past 50 years belong to all of us. We invite you to share memorabilia, stories and cherished memories of your nursing educational and clinical experiences at Arizona State University. Beginning February 5, 2007, our web site will compile your ASU College of Nursing memories, comments and ideas. Our history is a “living history” so we want to tell it through your educational and careers experiences.
Faculty also has started work on a second volume of the history of our college that will be available for purchase.
Special celebrations planned for the anniversary include:
- 50th Anniversary Alumni Reception at Homecoming, October 2007
- National Evidenced-Based Practice Conference, February 2008
- The 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner, April 25, 2008
- Also, see Anniversary Events calendar
Our goal is to celebrate the 50th Anniversary with representatives from every graduating class of the College of Nursing! Mark your calendars to join us now.
Your 50th Anniversary Leaders,
Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, RN, CPNP, NPP, FAAN, FNAP
Dean and Distinguished Foundation Professor in Nursing
Joey Ridenour, Executive Director, Arizona State Board of Nursing; Co-Chair 50th Anniversary Steering Committee
Colleen Keller, PhD, RN, FNP, Professor; Director, Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence; Co-Chair 50th Anniversary Steering Committee
