LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Former nursing students gathered Thursday to reconnect, share memories and support the next generation of healthcare professionals during the annual Lima Memorial School of Nursing Alumni meeting.
The event brought together graduates from different generations for a day of fellowship and reflection on their experiences in nursing school and throughout their careers.
“Ruby Kreher was really the person that did so much for this alumni and she taught me and it was quite a bit when I took it over, but I have enjoyed it. It's a family. When we were in nursing school, we were a family. We knew everybody very, very well. Because it's a profession where you get you get down to some nitty-gritty,” said Pamela Bowsher of the Lima Memorial Hospital School of Nursing Alumni.
In addition to celebrating their shared history, the alumni organization invested in the future of the profession by awarding two $4,000 scholarships to aspiring nurses.
One of the recipients, Bluffton graduate Bella Ellerbrock, said the scholarship will help her continue pursuing a career in nursing.
“I feel incredibly lucky. I've definitely worked hard for this, but it's just a blessing that all these people could provide this opportunity for me and especially just coming out here and being a part of something to help continue nursing grow and just give young people the opportunity. It's just amazing,” said Ellerbrock.
Alumni members said the annual gathering remains a cherished tradition, giving former classmates the opportunity to reconnect while helping future nurses achieve their educational goals.
