The University of Colorado College of Nursing has been commemorating 125 years of teaching students, new nursing practices, innovative research, and overall excellence in 2023. Dozens of CU Nursing faculty, staff, and former faculty came together to honor the college’s accomplishments on Thursday, September 21 for a 125th Anniversary Celebration.
CU Nursing Dean Elias Provencio-Vasquez, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAANP addresses faculty, staff, and former faculty during CU Nursing's 125th Anniversary Celebration |
One former CU Nursing faculty member who attended Thursday’s event is retired Professor Marilyn Krajicek, EdD, RN, FAAN. She retired in March 2022 after working at the college since 1968.
“It’s great to see people and reconnect with them. I always look forward to coming here,” Krajicek said.
Krajicek said she is excited for the college’s future. “I try to keep up with things (going on at CU Nursing). The college is growing, and it needs to grow, and it’s all very exciting.”
CU Nursing Dean Elias Provencio-Vasquez PhD, RN, FAAN, FAANP spoke at the celebration. He highlighted the college’s practice innovations, clinical enterprise including Sheridan Health Services and Midwifery Practices, research, and academics, including the creation of Nurse Practitioners. Loretta Ford, BS, MS, EdD, FAAN, FAANP co-founded the Nurse Practitioner program in 1965.
He concluded that one of the greatest impacts through the past 125 years has been the college’s staff and faculty, who have supported the college in advancing nursing, training new generations of nurses, and bringing new ideas to the college.
“I have been and continue to be in awe of all of you and the amazing things we accomplished together,” he said. “I know my Dean predecessors must have felt similar appreciation for the faculty and staff during their tenure. It is this enduring link between the generations of staff and faculty these past 125 years that has brought our amazing college to where it is today.”
CU Nursing has been profiling the college’s 125-year history all year. The articles are posted to the college’s newsroom webpage.
