After several years of anticipation and planning, it is hard to believe that our centennial year is now behind us. Celebrating the history and impact of the School of Nursing through events, communication, storytelling, and commemoration projects was a truly meaningful experience, and one I still reflect on often!
This significant milestone provided opportunities to gather in new ways and focus on the connection between our past, present, and future. It was wonderful to see that while we often affiliate in subgroups based on many factors—such as graduation era or the nature of our career paths—we are truly united as a community.
Witnessing these ties across our Badger nurse family has given me a surprising perspective on the duration of a century. On one hand, 100 years has been enough time for the School to establish a high standard of excellence, advance the discipline of nursing science, evolve to meet changing needs, and become recognized leaders and innovators in nursing education. By building on the vision of our early leaders, we have changed lives and improved health in ways they could never have foreseen.
Yet, 100 years is only a few generations. When I consider this, it underscores the closeness of our relationships despite the span of time. And, it adds even greater meaning to the idea of our legacy as ongoing. It is what we continually build on, knowing those who follow us will do the same. Our centennial buildup, yearlong celebration, and especially Centennial Weekend events in November allowed us to foster this interconnection.
Throughout our planning, programming, and celebrations in the past few years, I asked for many things from you: input via surveys, personal stories, participation in special events, and financial support. In response, you showed up for the School of Nursing by sharing, supporting, and giving generously to reinforce the strength of our community and family. Thank you!
In the transition from our first century of impact to the start of our second, we are building on our first century of impact to our next 100 years, fueled by momentum from the nurse leaders, innovators, and advocates of our present day.
I am grateful and equally inspired by our successors. They have deep passion, unique experiences, and valuable perspectives. They are unafraid to call for and lead change. I believe they will discover new paths to improve health, build equity, and advance the nursing profession.
What a gift it is for us to provide such a strong culture of connection and a support system for the next generations of nurse leaders. Thank you for sustaining our legacy! Together, we have created the foundation from which Badger nurses will transform the future.
With gratitude, pride, and hope,
Linda D. Scott