UB School of Nursing Celebrates its 75th Anniversary

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- In 1936, at a time when 125 out of every 1,000 Americans were high school graduates and 23 out of every 1,000 Americans were college graduates, the Division of Nursing within the University at Buffalo's School of Medicine was established. Four years later, it became independent, making it the university's 12th school.

UB's School of Nursing is marking its 75th anniversary with a year-long celebration that includes a number of guest speakers and events throughout the fall and spring, culminating with an anniversary cocktail reception in May at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society.

Over the course of 75 years, much has been accomplished that can't be captured in celebratory events only. To commemorate some of those outstanding milestones, accomplishments and individuals, Jean Brown, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor and dean of the UB nursing school, turned to a member of her faculty, Janice Cooke Feigenbaum, PhD, RN, clinical nursing professor.

Feigenbaum has completed two of seven posters with photos and facts that illustrate the School of Nursing's journey, from its founding on High Street in Buffalo as part of the then-private "University of Buffalo," up to its current, state-of-the-art home on UB's South Campus.

Appointed as dean in 2008, Brown presided over the March grand opening of the school's new clinical facilities in historic Wende Hall, which underwent a $7.1 million renovation. She noted that the entire school -- faculty, staff, students and alumni -- are very proud to be a part of the 75th anniversary celebration.

"Our history demonstrates a strong and continual commitment to excellence and leadership," said Brown. "This is evident in the national ranking of our programs, continuous national accreditation, the seven faculty and many alumni inducted in the elite American Academy of Nursing, numerous alumni who have become deans of schools of nursing, and the more than 6,000 graduates of our programs.

"We look forward to celebrating with our nursing community and UB colleagues at several events during the upcoming year."

The celebratory events -- from presentations by pioneering nurse educators to recognition of alumni who have served in the armed forces -- reflect the school's rich legacy of service, education and research, Brown said.

The anniversary events include:

• Nov. 11 -- Veteran's Day Luncheon recognizing alumni veterans with UB Pillars Society in the Center for Tomorrow on UB's North Campus. Guest speaker will be Rosemary Neidel-Greenlee, RN '63, author of four books chronicling the experiences of nurse war veterans from WWI to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

• March 4 -- Inaugural Margaret A. Nelson, BS '54, MS '58, Lecture at UB School of Nursing. UB alumna Anne Skelly, PhD, RN, from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, will speak on diabetes management and self-care.

• May 25 -- 75th Anniversary Cocktail Reception at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.