Every year, the College of Nursing’s reunion brings hundreds of alumni and friends to campus to share in the festivities. Although the activities could not be held in person this year, alumni and friends were given the opportunity to meet and connect virtually on Sept. 11 for some of the annual events.

Jane Gannon, DNP, CNM, CHSE, assistant dean of simulation-based learning, shared an update on the renovations of the Kirbo Innovation and Learning Lab during the Dean’s Campaign Council, a group of about 10 alumni and friends who are committed to the college’s success in the current Go Greater capital campaign.

The Alumni Council is a group of about 30 of the college’s most loyal and involved alumni. This year, the group awarded $500 Book Award scholarships to 15 BSN and Accelerated BSN students. During the virtual meeting, members heard updates from the college, and Assistant Dean of Diversity, Inclusion and Global Affairs Jeanne-Marie Stacciarini, PhD, RN, FAAN, shared the college’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.

The virtual Alumni Mentorship Meet-and-Greet that afternoon had great interest, with about 140 students and 25 alumni mentors who participated. Students logged in to various virtual rooms hosted by alumni mentors from specific specialties to hear about their experiences and receive advice.

Normally, the Donor Recognition Event would have been held that evening to thank the college’s most loyal supporters, but instead a special video was shared. It featured messages from Dean Anna McDaniel and Samantha Markham, a student and scholarship recipient who shared her inspiring journey to the PhD program.