"May our TWU nursing graduates be blessed with the wisdom to think deeply, the courage to act justly, and the compassion to care generously. May God’s presence in the world be known through each of you."
—Dr. Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham, Dean and Professor, TWU School of Nursing
TWU School of Nursing hosted meaningful virtual celebrations for the Class of 2021 nursing graduates on May 1. The Class of 2021 is a special group, not just on account of completing their last year of nursing studies during the global pandemic, but also as Trinity Western's 25th Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduating class.
This year, TWU honoured 53 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates and 17 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduates. The MSN graduates with their families and friends joined in for a virtual reception prior to the TWU Graduation Convocation, and the BSN Pinning Ceremony followed. The pinning ceremony is a centuries-old tradition for welcoming nurses into the profession, practiced around the world.
Over thirty years ago, the Registered Nurses Association of British Columbia approached Trinity Western University to develop a baccalaureate program in nursing. Although there were numerous hospital-based programs in the province, there was only one university (University of British Columbia) that offered a 4-year degree in nursing. Starting a nursing program was a bold undertaking for TWU, and after years of preparation and prayer, TWU opened its doors to its first class in 1993 in the new Neufeld Science Centre at TWU's Langley campus. On May 1, 2009, with the advent of the MSN program, the Department of Nursing stepped out from under the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences to become the TWU School of Nursing. Over the years, leadership has been provided by a sequence of forward-looking, inspiring nurse leaders:
- 1992 – 2001: Dr. Julia Emblen, Chair
- 2001 – 2007: Barb Pesut, Chair
- 2007 – 2013: Dr. Landa Terblanche, Chair/Dean
- 2013 – 2019: Dr. Sonya Grypma, Dean
- 2019 – current: Dr. Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham, Dean
Throughout this time, our outstanding faculty, staff, students, and graduates have built a reputation for excellence.
The benchmark of 25 graduating classes was celebrated during the Pinning Ceremony with congratulatory comments from Dr. Julia Emblen, the developer and first Chair of the program. Dr. Emblen established a forward-looking nursing curriculum that integrated health promotion and community-based care throughout the four years, and laid the groundwork for Christian nursing scholarship, with parish nursing courses, as well as publications on nursing and spirituality that are still cited. To equip TWU nurses for culturally-responsive care to local communities, she conducted research on Sto:lo Coast Salish health, and Sikhism and health. Barb Pesut, the second Chair of the program, developed a model for spiritual nursing care of patients experiencing suffering. In these ways, she was building the distinctives for what TWU Nursing would stand for, even now, 25 graduating classes later. In her remarks, Dr. Emblen reflected on the early work of establishing partnerships for clinical practice education, the dedication of the students and faculty, and God’s provision at each step.
"Although the virtual Zoom format of the Pinning Ceremony was different from previous years, we were able to carry forward many of our honoured traditions," said Dr. Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham, Dean and Professor of TWU's School of Nursing. BSN graduating students, Rachel Johnson and Jillian Sader, offered student reflections through a video prepared by Chloe Alkema. Professor Anne Redmond was invited by the Class of 2021 to give the Charge to the Graduating Class. Professor Redmond was awarded the 2021 Provost Award for Innovative Teaching at the convocation ceremony just an hour previous to the Pinning Ceremony – congratulations, Anne! After each graduate was presented, they each had their pins fastened on by their family members and friends, in their respective homes.
"May our TWU nursing graduates be blessed with the wisdom to think deeply, the courage to act justly, and the compassion to care generously." said Dr. Reimer-Kirkham. "May God’s presence in the world be known through each of you."
See also — Why I became a nurse: TWU Public Health Nurse Kristen Klassen shares on National Nursing Week:
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About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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