Changes in Center for Integrative Science in Aging

As many of you know, the Center for Gerontologic Nursing Science transitioned in the fall of 2009 to the Center for Integrative Science in Aging (CISA). Under the leadership of Director Dr. Kathy Richards and Associate Directors Drs. Lois Evans and Mary Ersek, CISA has created an exciting new strategic vision for aging science. In addition, the CISA houses the Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence (HCGNE), which was directed by Dr. Neville Strumpf until 2008, when she retired, after which time, Dr. Richards became Director, with Drs. Strumpf, Evans and Ersek as Associate Directors. On July 1, Dr. Strumpf will continue with her role as a faculty member in both Centers, continuing to work with pre- and post-doctoral scholars, and to consult on ongoing projects in the CISA and HCGNE.

Dr. Richards and I are pleased to announce that Dr. Eileen Sullivan-Marx has agreed to become an Associate Director for both the CISA and HCGNE. We look forward to her able guidance, mentorship, and future contributions to both Centers.

I, along with the leadership and faculty of CISA and HCGNE, thank Dr. Strumpf for her outstanding leadership, devotion, mentorship of students and faculty, and for her future contributions and consultations to the CISA, HCGNE, and School of Nursing.

In addition, I am also most grateful to Neville for agreeing to continue with the most critical role of facilitating our mentorship program which is vital for the school.

Legacy Walk on Guardian Plaza

I am thrilled to share that Legacy Walk on Guardian Plaza, located between Fagin Hall and Stemmler-Chance, is now open. The space was formally dedicated by Rosemarie Greco, chair of Penn Nursing’s Board of Overseers, on Friday, June 4th, with the following language:

Legacy Walk on Guardian Plaza

This plaque proudly dedicates Legacy Walk,
a tangible reminder of those who laid the groundwork
for the future of nursing at the University of Pennsylvania.
Built on the legacy of both Philadelphia General Hospital
and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing,
may Legacy Walk be a steadfast representation of
Penn Nursing’s stalwart tradition
of excellence in nursing and healthcare.

Dedicated June 4, 2010

Along with Penn Nursing alumni, donors and friends, many of our staff and faculty have purchased or contributed to an engraved paver in Legacy Walk. The pavers were installed earlier this month and honor many loved ones, colleagues and friends. I invite you to spend time reading the pavers and benches. Being in the space is a wonderful reminder of the history of the location and carries a deep sense of legacy and strength for our future.