Traveling from locations across the country, the golden graduates will return to Colorado Springs where they will participate in a behind-the-scenes tour of Memorial Hospital at 10 a.m. May 24. Each graduate spent at least one year studying at the hospital in fields ranging from labor and delivery to surgery, yet many have not set foot on the site in almost 50 years. The Beth-El College of Nursing was previously part of Memorial Hospital before it merged with UCCS in 1997.
During the tour, the golden graduates will visit some of the locations where they worked as students, most of which are now unrecognizable due to renovations and technological advances. Following the tour, the graduates will enjoy a private luncheon with Memorial Hospital CEO Mike Scialdone.
“Memorial and Beth-El have served this community together for generations and share a common and proud history,” said Memorial Hospital CEO Mike Scialdone. “It is a privilege to welcome these wonderful nurses back after so many years and show them the many exciting things happening here today under University of Colorado Health.”
Additionally, the golden graduates will participate in the UCCS Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony at 10 a.m. May 23 and in the UCCS commencement ceremony at 3:30 p.m. May 24, where they will wear gold commencement gowns to honor their 50th anniversary.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences Class of 1963 back to UCCS and to Memorial Hospital,” Jennifer Hane, director, Alumni Relations, said. “The contributions that these women have made to health care during the last 50 years is incredibly far-reaching. We are pleased to honor them for their service.”
Laura Schwab, a Beth-El graduate, said: “In my 44 year career as an RN, I will always be grateful to Beth-El and Memorial Hospital for a wonderful education. I have always felt confident in my career due to such a complete educational foundation.”
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