A Word From Dean Lorie Wild

The end of the academic year always brings memorable times of celebration and reflection. This year we are honored to launch into new or continuing practice: 48 prelicensure BSNs; 24 RN-to-BSNs from Group Health, Valley Medical Center, and other area medical centers; and 22 graduate program students (19 MSN graduates and three earning post-master's Nurse Practitioners certificates). All worked hard to reach their goals and will continue a long tradition of SPU nurses making a difference in our world. Many of our new grads have already been hired into new or expanded positions around the Puget Sound region. I know you join me in celebrating their accomplishments!

The end of the school year also brought a time for deep reflection and remembrance. We mourned the unexpected loss of our dear friend and colleague Jim Mitre, nursing instructor, on May 26. To know Jim was to love him! He touched each of our lives in so many ways — through his teaching and scholarship, his support of students both in SHS and across campus, and his mentorship of the “Men in Nursing” group.

Just as we were beginning to regain our footing following Jim’s death, the tragic campus shootings occurred. Yet, God is faithful. Through these unspeakable losses, our students, faculty, staff, and alumni came together in community to cry, pray, and move forward when it seemed impossible to do so. The Holy Spirit was at work among us, as evidenced by the strength of character, fortitude, and resilience shown by all.

On behalf of all of us in the Lydia Green Nursing Program, thank you for your steadfast support. Your prayers for us — for healing and strength — have been answered, and we are grateful.

Blessings,

Lorie Wild, PhD, RN, NEA-BC