UCSF School of Nursing to Celebrate 100 Years of Nursing Excellence

The roots of the UCSF School of Nursing are 100 years deep, growing out of the spirit of renewal that rebuilt San Francisco after the great earthquake of 1906. Now the school, consistently ranked among the best in the nation and No. 1 in grants from the National Institutes of Health, is internationally renowned for research that advances health and for educating the next generation of leaders in nursing practice and policy worldwide. The School of Nursing will celebrate that century of excellence throughout the 2006-2007 academic year, honoring the accomplishments of alumni and faculty and the leadership of nurses throughout the University. UCSF Nursing began April 12, 1907. In 51 weeks after the 1906 earthquake, the University of California had converted its still-standing College of Medicine on Parnassus to include a 42-bed hospital on two floors. In addition to providing care for San Franciscans and clinical experience for medical students, this precursor to UCSF Medical Center was home to UC's first nursing education program. UCSF nurses began earning their diplomas in 1907; the University initiated one of the nation's first nursing bachelor's degree programs in 1917. In 1939, the University of California Regents reorganized the nurse education program to establish the UCSF School of Nursing, the first such autonomous school in any public university. The school was the first in the West to offer a doctoral degree in nursing. Celebrations will begin with a Centennial Kickoff for the campus community on Wednesday, Sept. 13, in Saunders Court. The first of a series of lectures celebrating nursing scholarship is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28. UCSF Medical Center also plans to commemorate its 100th year in 2007 by recognizing the achievements of UCSF nurses and other staff. Nursing events throughout the academic year will include lectures and symposia featuring some of the world's most distinguished nurse-scholars, and a Wall of Fame, where the UCSF School of Nursing Alumni Association will honor the achievements of 100 leaders from every era and discipline associated with the school. On Alumni Day, April 28, 2007, UCSF Nursing Press will launch the first complete history of the school. The celebrations will culminate in June 2007 with graduation day, a doctoral graduate reunion, symposia and an evening gala at the historic St. Francis Hotel. To learn more about the School of Nursing Centennial: http://nurseweb.ucsf.edu/centennial.html Upcoming Events - UCSF School of Nursing Centennial Centennial Kickoff: A Campuswide Celebration Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006 Nursing Scholarship Lectures Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006, and Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007 Dean's Centennial Lecture Wednesday-Friday, Dec. 6-8, 2006 Helen Nahm Lecture and Community of Scholars Friday, April 27, 2007 Nursing Alumni Day Saturday, April 28, 2007 Doctoral Graduate Reunion Thursday-Tuesday, June 7-12, 2007 Centennial Gala Saturday, June 9, 2007 For a complete Centennial calendar, visit http://nurseweb.ucsf.edu/centcalendar.html.