Faculty member, Pam Fordham with Professor emeritus, Dr. Jean Kelley at Lamp of Learning Ceremony
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School of Nursing Lamp of Learning Ceremony
First , second and third semester students at the School of Nursing were welcomed into their nursing profession at the school’s annual “Lamp of Learning” ceremony on Tuesday evening, November 7, 2006. The event, sponsored by the University of Alabama School of Nursing Alumni Chapter of the UAB National Alumni Society, was well attended by students, their families and friends, as well as numerous faculty and alumni
Sandra Bryan MSN 2002, President of the UASON Alumni Chapter, welcomed everyone to the event and introduced School Dean, Dr. Doreen Harper, who gave the assembled group some facts and figures about the school’s growth from its founding on the Tuscaloosa campus to its move to Birmingham and its merger with the diploma schools at the Hillman, Jefferson and University Hospital programs. She reminded the students of the great legacy of the School of Nursing and challenged them to continue that tradition as they begin their nursing careers.
Dr. Doreen Harper, UASON Dean pins student at the Lamp of Learning Ceremony
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Alumni officer, former faculty member and current school archivist, Pat Cleveland BSN 1973, MSN 1975, shared a short presentation on Florence Nightingale and her importance to the profession of nursing and the significance of the lamp as a symbol of enlightened and compassionate care. UASON Alumni Chapter Incoming President, Patrick Hubbard BSN 2003, then introduced each student as they came forward and received a pin in the shape of a lamp to be worn as a reminder of their special call into nursing. Alumni chapter members Jeannie Sherlock BSN 1973, Sandy Morgan MSN 2000 and Mildred Hamner MSN 1965, joined the Dean in pinning each student.
The evening concluded with a special message from alumni member and Associate Vice President of UAB Hospital, Debbie Ragan BSN 1973, MSN 1997, who encouraged the students to be committed to doing their best and reminded them of the role they would play in the lives of all their future patients. The ceremony ended with alumni chapter members and faculty lighting candles held by the students signifying the light they would bring to the lives of others they would touch as professional nurses.