The Thompson Rivers University School of Nursing is marking a significant milestone this year as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of its first graduating class.

To commemorate the occasion, TRU Nursing is inviting the public to join a special day of activities designed to honour the school’s past, present, and future contributions to the healthcare sector.

The event will begin at the Chappell Family Nursing & Population Building for the open house and continue in the OLARA building for the social gathering on Saturday, May 10. 

The celebration will feature a historical exhibit tracing the evolution of nursing education at TRU over the past five decades. Attendees will have the chance to explore the journey of the program and reflect on its impact on shaping health care in the region and beyond.

Tracy Christianson, Interim Associate Dean for TRU’s School of Nursing, reflected on the advancements of the program throughout the 50 years, where it began as a diploma that required students to go to Victoria to finish their studies, and has now become a Bachelor and Graduate Degree.

“One of the big milestones for me was having our own Bachelor of Nursing,” Christianson said. “Having that autonomy after our partnership with UVic really showed the growth of the program.”

The event also shines a spotlight on TRU nursing alumni, recognizing the achievements of graduates who continue to make meaningful contributions across the healthcare system. Current nursing students will also be featured, with presentations of their latest research and projects aimed at tackling today’s health challenges.

“Alumni are our advertisements,” Christianson said. “They emulate what we hope they take away from the program and into their practice, so really, they are the showcase of what our program is.”

Industry leaders are scheduled to provide insights into the future of nursing and health care, offering a forward-looking perspective on what lies ahead for the profession, in hopes of inspiring the next generation of nurses.

The day will also include opportunities for guests to reconnect with former classmates, faculty and fellow professionals in a relaxed social setting.

Founded in 1975, the TRU School of Nursing has grown into one of British Columbia’s leading nursing education programs. Over the past 50 years, it has graduated thousands of nurses who have gone on to serve in a wide range of roles across the healthcare system.

While this program has stayed on par with the advancements of the health care system like the introduction of their new building five years ago, and state-of-the-art mannequins, there is still much to come for TRU School of Nursing.

“I hope we can continue to provide quality education for future nurses and that we can reach more communities of people interested in nursing,” Christianson said.

The anniversary celebration offers a chance to reflect on that legacy while looking ahead to the next generation of nursing professionals. More information on the program and the event can be found on their website.