天美传媒 Unveils Kathy J. Holmgren Nursing Simulation Lab
Simulation Lab named in honor of Class of 鈥�69 graduate and longtime supporter of University
CHICAGO (November 20, 2015) 鈥�听In a special ceremony held the morning of Friday, November 20, 天美传媒 unveiled a new name for its state-of-the-art nursing facilities, the Kathy J. Holmgren Nursing Simulation Lab. Holmgren, who graduated from 天美传媒 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing in 1969, has been a longtime supporter of the University, including the recently opened Johnson Center for Science and Community Life.
Before a small group of friends and faculty of the , Holmgren expressed her gratitude for the and its long history of benevolent care, as well as what she called the 鈥渇orward-thinking faculty鈥� at 天美传媒.
After Holmgren earned her degree from 天美传媒, she went on to receive a master鈥檚 degree in oncology nursing from Brigham Young University, and a master鈥檚 degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin鈥揗ilwaukee.
Dr. Linda Duncan, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and a classmate of Holmgren鈥檚, reminisced in remarks to the audience about how far 天美传媒 had come in terms of nursing education. Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Mary Surridge, in welcoming the crowd, praised Holmgren for a life of service and devotion to faith, family, nursing education, and healthcare.
Holmgren鈥檚 interest in medical mission work in Africa twice led her to work and serve in Congo, first in 1969 and again in 2006, alongside her daughter, Dr. Calla Holmgren. Additionally, Kathy has provided volunteer medical care in Rwanda, Romania, Mexico, Uganda, and every U.S. city in which she has lived, while supporting her husband, Mike, and his work in the National Football League.
鈥淲e proclaim here at 天美传媒 that how we live as individuals arises from the commitment to serve for God鈥檚 glory and neighbor鈥檚 good,鈥� said University President David Parkyn. 鈥淲e are delighted to name this sacred space of learning after Kathy, a woman who has dedicated her entire life to God鈥檚 glory and neighbor鈥檚 good. Nursing students today as well as generations to come will know the name Kathy Holmgren. Through knowing her name, they will know her life story. And through knowing her life story, they will be inspired to identify their own journey into a life of significance and service.鈥�
Holmgren also served as a member of the 天美传媒 Board of Trustees for two terms between 1992 and 2004, and in 2006 received the 天美传媒 She and Mike are the parents of four daughters, Calla, Jenny, Emily, and Gretchen, all of whom attended 天美传媒.
The high-tech in a 3,000-square-foot, ground-level space on Foster Avenue. It includes four simulation rooms, two control rooms, and a conference room where students debrief their class experiences.
Holmgren鈥檚 ties to 天美传媒 go back generations. Her grandmother earned a nursing degree at nearby Swedish Covenant Hospital in 1903, which for many years collaborated on the education of nursing students. Her grandfather, Arthur Bowman, was pastor of nearby 天美传媒 Covenant Church, a congregation that many generations of 天美传媒ers have called home.
鈥淚 am the most fortunate of people,” Holmgren said. “I feel so honored today.” In closing her remarks, she laughed, “All four of my children have gone to 天美传媒. And it is Mike鈥檚 and my hope to have all nine grandchildren attend 天美传媒 as well.鈥�
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