Lewis University Dedicates New Nursing Addition

Submitted by Lewis University.

More than 100 Lewis University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and invited guests gathered Wednesday, Sept. 24 to participate in the open house and blessing ceremony for an addition to the College of Nursing and Health Professions.

The 24,000 square-foot expansion of the College of Nursing and Health Professions’ facilities includes three new state-of-the-art simulation labs, high fidelity simulated manikins, a viewing room to provide an opportunity for faculty to observe student performance, four classrooms, additional faculty offices, conference rooms, several student gathering spaces and a café. Wight & Company designed and constructed the addition. Lewis University staff collaborated with Wight & Company, by completing most of the renovations and some of the preparatory work for the construction project.

“This addition signifies our commitment to providing our students in the College of Nursing and Health Professions with exceptional facilities, state of the art technology and highly competent faculty that work together to provide a quality educational experience,” said Brother James Gaffney, FSC, President of Lewis University.

The undergraduate nursing program at Lewis University is one of the largest among private, not-for-profit schools in Illinois.

Barbara Martin, a member of the University’s Board of Trustees who holds two degrees from Lewis University, spoke at the ceremony. Now President and CEO of Vista Health System, Martin praised the dedication of those majoring in Nursing: “Quite simply, these students do excel. They prove it year in and year out,” she declared. “I always refer to Lewis University as my roots for my career successes,” she added.

Lewis University nursing graduates have achieved excellent results in the NCLEX national nursing exam, earning marks well over the national averages and posting a 98 percent pass rate this year after two straight years at 100 percent pass rate.

Current students expressed their gratitude for the addition, noting new space for gathering, studying and networking. Margaret Webber, a senior nursing major and President of the Student Nursing Association, said, “It is clear to us that Lewis supports us in our mission. The education we receive here truly allows us to do what we love most, provide the best possible care for our patients.”

“The student gathering spaces have created welcoming areas for students to gather and are in constant use. Having the additional classrooms and simulation labs make it so much more realistic for our students when they are learning,” said Dr. Peggy Rice, Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions.

The College of Nursing and Health Professions offers bachelor’s and master’s programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Doctor of Nursing Practice program began two years ago and also is offered online. College of Nursing and Health Professions faculty promote Lasallian and Catholic values while the curricula and experiences integrate the concepts of person, health, environment and the healthcare professional.

“Passing through these doors each day are students and faculty engaged in significant research. The work being done right here is advancing the national agenda in health care as well,” added Dr. Stephany Schlachter, Provost.