College of Nursing focuses on holistic nursing for Reunion Weekend celebration

College of Nursing focuses on holistic nursing for Reunion Weekend celebrationMay 25, 2001Nicci Brownnicbrown@syr.edu

The theme of Reunion Weekend celebrations at Syracuse University’s College of Nursing is reflective of changes both within the college and the profession. “Nursing: A Holistic Approach,” a panel presentation and discussion covering such areas as spirituality, humor and complementary therapies, will be held June 1 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in The Underground of the Schine Student Center.  The panel will include nurses Annette Becker, Larry Brennan, Sue Lamanna and Cathy Kelly. And American Holistic Nurses Association representative Sonya Simpson will give a video presentation. Anne Carlson, director of development and public relations for the college, says the event’s organizers wanted to explore various modes of alternative nursing therapies. “We were trying to pick a topic that would be relevant whether you were currently in practice or not, or whether you were a nurse or not, because often spouses attend,” she says. The focus on holistic nursing is also in keeping with changes the college is about to undergo. On July 1, it will become a school within Syracuse University’s new College of Human Services and Health Professions. The move is designed to foster stronger links between those disciplines covered by the new college, including social work, nutrition and child and family studies, and marriage and family therapy, as well as nursing. For nursing students, the changes will allow them the opportunity to experience these disciplines with which they may have further involvement in their future careers.  About 50 alumni are expected to attend the weekend Reunion activities, with some coming from as far away as California, Florida and Illinois. A luncheon at noon on June 1 in The Underground of the Schine Student Center will honor the Classes of 1951 and 1976. Of the original 25 members of the Class of 1951, 16 will be attending the Reunion. They’ll each receive a “memory book” compiled by the college using photographs and biographical information. A champagne reception at the College of Nursing at 4 p.m. June 1 will feature a display of old photographs and publications prepared by former faculty member and emerita professor Bobbi Harris.  The theme for Friday’s dinner, to be held at 6 p.m. at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel and Conference Center, is “Celebrating Our Past–Embracing Our Future.” “We want the event to be a celebration of our history and our accomplishments, and to generate excitement about what the future holds for nursing at Syracuse University,” Carlson says.