More than 3,100 nurses have graduated from NDSU since the program’s inception in 1969. Alumni and friends gathered over Homecoming to reconnect, reminisce, tour the new Aldevron Tower and celebrate 50 years of nursing on October 11 and 12.
“It’s so beautiful. It makes me wish I was 18 and starting school all over,” said Jo Burdick (Nursing ‘79) after touring new facilities under construction to educate future nurses. “The labs, classrooms and all the materials they’re going to have, it’s beautiful,” said Burdick.
Nursing Advisory Board member Brian Goodroad (Nursing ‘84) noted the spaces for interdisciplinary education after touring Aldevron Tower. “The interprofessional opportunity space for teaching and learning that’s going to occur here is outstanding. I’m really impressed. The focus has been on students and student learning,” said Goodroad.
Attendees to the event learned of the high points and challenges in nursing program history, as well as plans for the future. NDSU’s nursing program is ranked as Top 8 in the Plains region, Top 40 among public school programs in the nation, and Top 78 nursing school in the nation out of more than 3,000 programs.
NDSU’s online programs are also recognized. The online LPN to BSN program is ranked first in the nation and its RN to BSN online program is listed as fourth in the nation. NDSU is also an ROTC Nursing Center of Excellence. Its family nurse practitioner program is named among the Top 15 in the country.
NDSU Nursing Chair Carla Gross thanked alumni, friends, faculty and students for helping to build and sustain a program that invites continued excellence. “Your contributions to the profession help to carry forward our mission for the next 50 years, inspiring highly-skilled and compassionate care for patients. You are always part of the Bison family,” said Gross.
To learn more about NDSU’s nursing history and plans for the future, view the Nursing 50th Celebration program. We also invite you to be part of Giving Day on Tuesday, December 3. Go to https://www.ndsugivingday.com and select College of Health Professions to donate to Aldevron Tower Fund and the profession of your choice.