St. Mary’s School of Nursing to celebrate 100th anniversary May 27

The Marshall Health Network-St. Mary’s Medical Center School of Nursing will honor its 100-year history of being a vital piece of the nursing profession in the tri-state community with an anniversary celebration at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, at the St. Mary’s Conference Center, 2853 Fifth Avenue in Huntington. 

On May 26, 1926, the St. Mary’s School of Nursing was chartered by the state of West Virginia, beginning a century of nursing education that would serve the residents of Huntington and beyond. Established by the Pallottine Missionary Sisters to support their newly opened and ever-growing hospital, the School of Nursing has trained more than 5,100 nurses and is the oldest nursing program in West Virginia. 

“The St. Mary’s School of Nursing continues to help meet the ever-increasing need for skilled, compassionate nurses,” said Angie Swearingen, president of St. Mary’s Medical Center. “Many of our own clinical and administrative leaders at Marshall Health Network began their journeys in this program, which speaks to the strength of its education and the lasting impact it has on our hospitals, our workforce and the patients we serve every day.” 

Alumni, students and others impacted by the St. Mary’s School of Nursing are invited to attend the anniversary celebration, with a reception following a short program. 

“Celebrating 100 years gives us an opportunity to reflect on the thousands of graduates who have carried the mission of this school into hospitals, clinics, classrooms and communities across the region,” said Joey Trader, EdD, MSN, RN, vice president of St. Mary’s Schools of Nursing and Health Professions and director of the School of Nursing at Marshall Health Network. “Seeing our alumni care for patients, mentor the next generation of nurses and lead within the profession is a source of tremendous pride for our faculty and staff. Their dedication and compassion are the true legacy of this school.” 

To learn more about the St. Mary’s School of Nursing, visit st-marys.org/careers-and-education/school-of-nursing. For more information about the event, contact Joey Trader at 304-526-1416 or email joseph.trader@mhnetwork.org.