Celebration marks 100 years of nursing excellence, honors star nurses

Nearly a century after the University of Rochester opened Strong Memorial Hospital and welcomed its first class of nursing students, the School of Nursing and URochester Medicine's Celebration of a Century brought together hundreds of nurses, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to honor 100 years of nursing excellence.

"One hundred years ago, this University made a bold decision: to open a hospital that would not only provide care to the community, but would educate, in a university setting, the doctors and nurses of the future," said Kathy Parrinello, PhD, RN, president and CEO of Strong Memorial and Highland hospitals. "From the very beginning, nursing was front and center, recognized as a critical profession grounded in a distinct body of science."

The University of Rochester School of Nursing was founded in 1925 alongside Strong Memorial Hospital and the School of Medicine and Dentistry, helping pioneer a university-based, science-driven model of nursing education that united classroom learning, clinical practice, and research.

"Our centennial year is a reminder that Rochester nursing started as an agent of change – and that spirit of innovation is still with us," said Dean Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN. "The next 100 years will ask our nurses to do what they've always done here – adapt, innovate, and advocate for patients – but in new settings and with new tools. That's the future of nursing we're preparing for."

The celebration blended history, storytelling, and reflection with moments of joy. Guests heard stories of nurses whose work has shaped care across the region and beyond, and rose to their feet as every nurse in the ballroom was recognized with a standing ovation.

"What makes Rochester nursing special is how closely education and practice are intertwined here – we teach, learn, and lead side by side," said Chief Nursing Executive E. Kate Valcin, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CCRN, CNL, FCCM. "This celebration was really about honoring the entire nursing community and the patients and families we serve."

The program also celebrated 10 nurses across several career stages for their work as clinicians, scholars, leaders, and educators.

Future of Nursing Scholar Award

Rising Star Award

Clinical Excellence Award

Humanitarian Award

Scholarship Innovation in Practice Award

Resilient Leadership in Healthcare Award

Distinguished Alumnus Award

Legacy Award

Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Award

Dean's Medal

Visit our Centennial Awards page to read more about each recipient and their impacts spanning nursing education, research, practice, and leadership.

You can explore more stories from the School of Nursing's first century – and the future it is helping to shape - on URochester Medicine's centennial site.

Get the latest School of Nursing news in your inbox