CSU, Chico School of Nursing is 60! (1953-2013)

Join us in celebrating our 60th anniversary!   Carol Huston, Director School of Nursing Jan. 2010 - Present

Attention - If you are participating in the Run/Walk on Saturday, please pick up your race packet on Thursday, May 2 or Friday, May 3 on Mansion Avenue. There will be a table on the lawn behind Holt Hall from 12 - 6 p.m. both days.

May 3-5, 2013, the School of Nursing will be celebrating its 60th anniversary and commemorating the annual observance of National Nurses Week. National Nurses week is celebrated annually from May 6 through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Attention everyone! We've extended the deadline for sending your RSVP forms! Please submit them by April 24, 2013! Thanks!

Reunite with your classmates! - We have multiple activities planned for the 3-day celebration. We are looking for alumni to serve as the contact person ("champion") for their graduating class. The champions coordinate communication between their classmates and help in the planning of any Friday evening get-togethers your class might want to do. If you are willing to take on this role, please contact Carol Huston via e-mail, chuston@csuchico.edu

Hotels in Chico - The School of Nursing has reserved blocks of rooms in local hotels for our guests. Group rates will be offered May 2-4, 2013. View hotel information and rates.

Alumni Champions, you do not have to contact your classmates. We will list your name and e-mail address and your classmates will contact you!

Download the RSVP form if you wish to attend any of the events above.

Alumni, we need your help! - Do you have a photo of your graduating class? We are gathering photos of the graduating classes to post here and on our Facebook page. If you have any photos to share, please scan and e-mail to jhowell@csuchico.edu. We appreciate your input.

The Beginning...

Normal School, Chico - 1889-1921	President Kendall	Normal School Postcard

In 1951, President Glenn Kendall formed a committee of faculty along with concerned citizens to explore the need and feasibility of establishing a nursing program at Chico State College. Only one other nursing program, in San Francisco, existed in the state college system. The committee was concerned with a shortage of nurses in Northern California, the increasing population, increasing need for health care, numerous small hospitals being built, and an understaffed, underdeveloped health department.

The 1952-1953 course catalog carried the statement that "a four-year program is being developed in cooperation with Enloe Hospital. The program leads to a A.B. degree and eligibility for certification as a registered nurse (R.N.).

President Kendall appointed Miss Agnes Dix coordinator for the Department of Nursing in the division of Natural Sciences in 1953. The first curriculum consisted of two years of liberal arts couses and two years of nursing courses. Offered for the first time in the Fall of 1954, the program opened with seven students. Miss Dix and Miss Elizabeth Lingren taught the original class. On June 6, 1956, the first three students graduated from the CSC nursing program.

The Nursing Cottage

1959 - In front of the Nursing Cottage	1967 - At the Nursing Cottage

1953-1975 - The Nursing Cottage, a converted home, held the CSC nursing school until 1975. Located on Warner Street adjacent to the football field, the house stood on the site which now holds the Student Health Center. The front of the house held the reception area and faculty offices with the classroom and lab in the garage. Eventually, a temporary building was added which provided a large classroom and additional faculty offices.

1975 - Nursing moved to Tehama Hall (later renamed Ayres Hall), a classic old brick building, facing First Street.

1977 - The Aymer Jay Hamilton building (a converted elementary school) became home and nursing is under the School of Health and Human Services. Since the inception of the B.S. degree program, 914 graduates have taken their place in this vital world of community service.

1981 - Present, Holt Hall
Nursing moved to Holt Hall,a visible sign of its integration into the College of Natural Sciences. All faculty offices were finally consolidated within one building, and with heated bathrooms! Dean William Stephens was so proud to have all his flock brought together that he personally supervised the move.

More to come...

National Nurses Week is one of the nation's largest health care events, recognizing the contributions and commitments nurses make and educating the public about the significant work they perform. The American Nurses Association (ANA) supports and encourages National Nurses Week through state and district nurses associations, educational facilities, and independent health care companies and institutions.

National Nurses Week was first observed in October 1954, the 100th anniversary of Nightingale's mission to Crimea. National Nurses Day, also known as National RN Recognition Day, is always celebrated on May 6.

California State University, Chico
School of Nursing
Chico, CA 95929-0200
Phone: 530-898-5891

If you see discrepancies, please contact jhowell@csuchico.edu