For the past 50 years, the School of Nursing at UNLV has educated new nurses, strengthened the careers of experienced nurses, and prepared innovative nurses to become leaders in health care.
What began as an associates program at a fledgling, rebel university in southern Nevada has grown into one of the state’s most successful and progressive nursing schools.
Join the faculty, staff, and students throughout 2015 as they celebrate a history of growth, innovation, and leadership. Alumni can share their accomplishments by completing class notes, and support can be made during the Nurse Leaders of Tomorrow campaign.
Members of the first graduating class have been recognized during two athletic events, and will be during a third event during the fall:
- November — UNLV Men’s Football game
The school hosted a celebratory dinner on September 17 that featured a performance by comedian magician Mac King. The event was 50 years and one day after the first cohort started classes, and brought together faculty, staff, alumni, UNLV executives, and community partners. Four members of the original graduating class attended — three in person, and one by Skype. If you know the names of the attendees in the photographs, email the picture number and the name(s) to kevin.dunegan@unlv.edu.
Pictures and updates will be added to this page. And look for students and faculty in the community as they deliver 50 Gifts of Nursing, which highlights their involvement throughout the Las Vegas Valley.
The Clark County Commission recognized the School of Nursing's 50th anniversary during its September 15 meeting and presented a proclamation extolling the program's successes. Representing the school were (from left) Dr. Nancy Menzel, Dr. Rebecca Benfield, Dr. Carolyn Yucha, Annette Mullis, Vaune Kadlubek, Dr. Mary Bondmass, and Dr. Susan VanBeuge.
The winning team from Level 4 presented “Zap VAP! Oral Care and Infection Prevention in the Critical Care Unit” during the Leadership and Evidence Based Practice poster presentation at Summerlin Hospital. The team members, posing (from left) with Preceptor/Unit Manager Tracey Krebs, are Emily Qian, Wendy Magana, Paola Purisma, Arsine Abramyan, and Gabrielle Baria.
The winning team from Level 3 presented “Prevention of Bruising Associated with Heparin Administration” during the Leadership and Evidence Based Practice poster presentation at Summerlin Hospital. The team members, posing (from left) with Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Rebecca Benfield and Assistant Professor Dr. Reimund Serafica, are McKenzie Hoy, Andrew Agustin, Emily Durham, and Adrianna Mills.
50th Anniversary Grads: BSN graduates Elmer Ben Gomez and Remaleen Matute displayed super creativity with their caps during spring’s graduation ceremony. Gomez’s “Murse” salutes male nurses.
Keep an eye out for our anniversary message on Reagan digital billboards.
Serving the Community: Nursing students (from left) Monica Mueller, Chelsea Page, Danielle Fletcher, Janel Filipe, Carissa Hayes, David Duenas, Amanda Podovich, and Toni Cisneros helped Three Square Food Bank prepare meals for those in need.
Channel 13 Action News aired a story about the faculty-student event at the SlotZilla attraction on Fremont Street.
UNLV's Studio G interviewed Carolyn Yucha and Carolyn Sabo, current and former School of Nursing deans, about the school's 50th anniversary.
Two students from the school's first graduating class were recognized during the March 4 men's basketball game.
Serving the nation's heroes: Nursing students provided blood pressure checks and health information to attendees at the Veterans Stand Down event, hosted by U.S. Vets - Las Vegas. The school has participated in the event since 2008.
Learning in the field: Second–year nursing student Alison Rants discusses medications and their uses with Chris Fitch and Josh Ross on board a City of Henderson Fire Department ambulance. For the past three years, UNLV nursing students have participated in ride-alongs with the Henderson Fire Department, witnessing first hand how emergency medical personnel treat patients before they are transported to hospitals and medical centers.