A Celebration of Thirty Years of Academic Nursing at Thomas Jefferson University's Jefferson College of Health Professions

 View photos from the Celebration!

Thomas Jefferson University's Jefferson College of Health Professions (JCHP) commemorates thirty years of academic nursing this year. To celebrate, the College has invited all nursing graduates from 1974-2004 to a thirty-year celebration at the National Constitution Center on Sunday, November 21.

A fun-filled evening of mingling, food, drink and entertainment will augment the reuniting of alumni, faculty, and administration. Special guest Robert L. Barchi, MD, PhD, President of Thomas Jefferson University, will address the guests prior to a showing of “Freedom Rising,” a multimedia presentation by the National Constitution Center.

Jefferson's strong reputation in the field of nursing education dates back to 1891 when the first two-year diploma course in nursing education began at Jefferson Hospital. Diploma and practical nursing programs were both well-established when the Board of Trustees of Thomas Jefferson University approved a proposal to develop a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in November 1970.

The first students enrolled in the baccalaureate program in 1972 and were graduated in 1974. Thirty years later, more than 600 nursing students are enrolled at JCHP, and the college's Nursing program has expanded to include a full spectrum of nursing education, from associate to master's degrees.

“Jefferson has always been characterized by talented students, and our graduates are in demand by all the hospitals in the area,” shares Margaret (Peggy) Griffiths RN, MSN, a faculty member since 1981.

Mary Schaal, RN, EdD, Chair of the Department of Nursing, believes that JCHP's strong reputation naturally leads it to a successful future. “The Department's outstanding history lays the foundation for its future potential,” she shares. “My vision is that the JCHP Department of Nursing will take the lead in establishing the model for nursing education based on integration and collaboration with nursing practice and medical education.”

Photo Opportunities:

Dr. Robert L. Barchi, President of Thomas Jefferson University
Dr. James B. Erdmann, Dean of Jefferson College of Health Professions
Dr. Mary Schaal, Chairman, Department of Nursing, Alumni of the Department of Nursing

Note: Professional photos will be available the week following the event.

Media Contact:
Jane A. Clinton
Marketing and PR Manager
Jefferson College of Health Professions
Thomas Jefferson University
130 S. 9th Street, Ste. 710
Philadelphia, PA 19107

phone: 215-503-9865
fax: 215-503-9834
jane.clinton@jefferson.edu

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