Marion University - 100 Years

THE REPORTER | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010

Marian University- Celebrating 100 years of nursing! | 1

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2 | Marian University- Celebrating 100 years of nursing!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010 | THE REPORTER

St. Agnes School of Nursing School Song Verse 1: The halls of St. Agnes, For many a year, Have called to the ardor Of hearts without fear, That love might be wakened And hands trained to care For suffering and anguish With kindness and prayer.

The healing ministry of Jesus Christ Nurses educated here serve patients around the world

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Verse 2: The halls of St. Agnes, May no stain defile, May all in their keeping E’er serve with a smile.

And ne’er be forgotten The friends we made here Whom love brought together From far and near.

The fledgling group of women religious was pioneering in the teaching and healing ministries of Jesus Christ. Through combined efforts of the St. Agnes School of Nursing and Marian University, we have been educating nurses to serve our communities for 100 years.

CSA met a growing need at St. Agnes Hospital in 1910 by establishing the St. Agnes School of Nursing (SASN). Nurses graduating from the program were well trained, caring and devoted to patient care.

Courtesy of St. Agnes School of Nursing

SUBMITTED PHOTOS - COVER: The St. Agnes School of Nursing was housed in this building from 1931 to 1966. The building later became the St. Agnes Convent until it was demolished to make way for hospital expansion.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Traditional graduation photo; Bertha Maluka, Class of ’39, in her training uniform; members of the Cadet Nurse Corps in the 1940s; and June Strobel Nell, Class of ’48, with the traditional cap and pin.

Hundreds of nurses walked the halls of SASN until the program became part of another CSA sponsored ministry, Marian University, in 1967.

The Marian University School of Nursing began educating nurses in 1964 and continues to be one of the nation’s top-rated nursing programs.

SASN and Marian graduates have served the physical and mental health needs of patients not only in Fond du Lac, but across the globe as well.

We, the Sisters of St. Agnes, celebrate this year with the women and men alumni of both SASN and Marian University and their families. One hundred years of nursing education is a monumental milestone and a testament to the presence and grace of God at work.

On behalf of the entire Congregation, I gratefully acknowledge the religious and lay women and men who have devoted themselves to serve the health-care needs of others throughout Fond du Lac and surrounding communities.

Additionally, we most sincerely appreciate the dedication of those who guide and instruct nursing students — faculty, clinical instructors, supervising nurses and physicians — because your support continues the original efforts started 100 years ago at the St. Agnes School of Nursing.

We wish continued success to Marian University and the School of Nursing.

May you continue to serve, educate and inspire many more generations of nurses and guide them to be outstanding clinicians, devoted humanitarians and loyal practitioners of the healing ministry to which we are all called.

Continued blessings, Sister Joann Sambs General Superior | The Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes

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Marian University- Celebrating 100 years of nursing! | 3

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Chorus: The halls of St. Agnes, To us they are dearer Than mansion or palace Of wealth e’er could be.

For there our young hearts are Made ready for serving In love and in gladness, St. Agnes, for God and thee.

rom the inception of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes (CSA) just over 150 years ago, the Sisters were called to serve the communities in which we live.

TOUCHING THE FUTURE OF HEALTH CARE N Nursing education d at Marian M continues to grow in size, degrees and training

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BY MONICA M. WALK | SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER arian University’s School of Nursing has “good bones.”

rics and nursing homes, ensuring graduates’ ability to work in all of these areas.

Birthed from the St. Agnes School of Nursing at a time when the Sisters saw economic and educational value in merging their nearly 60-year-old training program with a degree-granting institution in 1966, Marian’s nursing graduates can trace a lineage that runs locally deep and nationally wide.

Programmatic growth culminated in restructuring the Nursing Studies Division into the School of Nursing in 2005; enrollment includes students from 14 states and 13 countries. Annual summer camps for high school students considering nursing as a profession were launched in 2006.

And while course content may look considerably different a century after the Sisters of St. Agnes began teaching nurses in Fond du Lac, much about the character of current classes feels the same.

High-demand major

In the complex and changing world of medicine, this locally administered nursing education program continues to produce nurses who care for patients physically and emotionally, both body and soul.

“Our students learn to treat their clients as individuals, assessing the needs for each client and family—rather than grouping clients into illness or surgery categories, like ‘gallbladder patient,’” said Professor and School of Nursing Interim Dean Pat O’Connor, an alum who joined the faculty in 1981. “I think the founders would be proud to see how their commitment and dedication lives on through the nursing students and graduates of Marian University.”

Making the transition After the forward-thinking Sisters and administrators encouraged the transition to a nursing program culminating in a college degree, Marian educators further expanded degree and program offerings.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bill Daley, far right, director of oncology and diagnostics at Agnesian HealthCare, addresses members of Marian’s nursing camp. Participants include Nicole King, Jennifer Beiswenger, Courtney Krueger, Samantha DeRidder, Erin Stonecipher, Erika Griffith, Marie Tobianski and Katelyn Ritchie.

Students know the school’s educational offerings, and nursing is a high-demand major at Marian. It’s also tough. Rigor is necessary because health care has become so complex, noted Associate Professor Nancy Noble.

Clinical Site Coordinator Katie Hughes knows every Marian nursing student, matching each with hands-on clinical placement sites all over the state for real-world nursing experience.

“We place high demands on our students from day one,” she said. “Not because we want to set anyone up to fail, but because we want them to succeed at the highest level possible. They end the program with a huge sense of accomplishment for getting through such a rigorous program. They are proud to represent Marian in their workplace, and we are proud of them for taking their journey with us.”

Assistant Professor and alum Karen Roberts recalls her own formative student clinical experiences on the medical/surgical floor of St. Agnes Hospital.

“There was a lot of camaraderie when I was a nursing student, and I think that still holds true today. There are tough courses and it helps to have the support of your fellow students,” she said. “We have a responsibility to do the best for patients at all times; integrity was, and is, expected.”

Graduate degrees include a master of science-nursing (MSN) degree with a focus as adult nurse practitioner or nurse educator, and a registered nurse-bachelor of science-nursing/master of science-nursing (RN-BSN/MSN) degree for registered nurses who want to complete baccalaureate or master’s degrees.

Partnership thrives

Certificate programs focus on palliative care, parish nursing and an online nurse educator option. Along with a full liberal arts foundation, undergraduate nursing clinical sites provide training in medical/surgical, psychiatric, public health, critical care, obstetrics, pediat-

“We have partnered with Marian for a long time and work very closely to provide clinical experiences for students on a regular basis,” said Agnesian HealthCare Human Resources Director Tammy Pitts. “Because we are both founded by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes

4 | Marian University- Celebrating 100 years of nursing!

(CSA), the values taught at Marian make their graduates well-prepared for a career in a mission-based organization like Agnesian HealthCare. Marian is a direct partner with us in developing nursing professionals for the future.”

The performance of Marian nursing graduates on the licensure exam has consistently been at or above the national mean, and employment rates have been just as strong. A recent Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel section featured area nurses nominated for exceptional practice: First runner-up Jessica Gelhar (BSN 2008) and third runner-up Julia Means (BSN 1996) are Marian alums.

New leader’s view “The strong performance of graduates lies in the outstanding work of the faculty to ensure that the curriculum is current and relevant, reflecting the needs of the health-care environment,” said Dean of the School of Nursing Julie A. Luetschwager, who arrives on campus July 1. “I am looking forward to becoming a part of the Marian University School of Nursing culture, and being part of carrying the history we bring with us into the future of nursing education.”

Though still a female-dominated field, with roots in religious sisterhood, nursing is diversifying.

“We have nursing students from many different backgrounds,” noted Janet Wermes, secretary to the dean, “and all stages of life…from new high-school graduates, to people seeking a second degree, to older students seeking a change in their life path.”

In this centennial year of nursing education in Fond du Lac, residents can celebrate the benefits of “good bones” and longevity.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010 | THE REPORTER

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Marian University- Celebrating 100 years of nursing! | 5

WARTIME CADETS

St. Agnes helped fill 1940s nursing shortage with accelerated program

FOR THE REPORTER

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orld War II brought about many changes in nursing and nursing education.

Shortages of professional nurses when registered nurses went to serve in foreign lands created pressure on schools to admit and train more students.

St. Agnes School of Nursing played a significant role in assisting with this need for more trained nurses. At the St. Agnes School of Nursing, two classes a year were admitted in 1945, 1946, 1947 and 1948.

A total of 240 cadet nurses graduated before the program ended in 1948. They helped to accommodate the rising need for nurses by accelerating their threeyear program, as well as giving student nurses the ability to gain experience in military and federal hospitals during their training.

With more than 20 percent of the nation’s nurse power in the armed forces, the Cadet Nurse Corps was established through the provisions of the Bolton Act, enacted into law June 14, 1943.

Through this act, federal funds became available for tuition and fees, books, a monthly stipend and official Cadet Nurse Corps uniforms so as to encourage young women to enter schools

of nursing to ease the shortage of nurses for the duration of the war.

Between 1943 and 1945, 179,000 women joined the Cadet Nurse Corps, including Lorette LaLonde Wambach, ’47, and Frann Leonard, ’47, who is now Mother Miriam Leonard, OP Prioress, of the Dominican Sisters of the Perpetual Rosary.

Both Lorette and Mother Miriam chose to join the Corps because of a strong sense of patriotism for their country and also for the financial benefits it offered to their families.

As they progressed through their training at St. Agnes School of Nursing, Lorette and Mother Miriam vividly remember huddling around the radio in the floor lounges and in patients’ rooms to hear the news of the war.

Mother Miriam and Lorette knew classmates, neighbors and friends from Fond du Lac and the surrounding farms who were serving overseas, including Lorette’s future husband, Bill. Mother Miriam especially had an abiding concern for the safety of her loved ones and came to realize the power and need for a prayer life, which ultimately led to her decision to enter religious life.

As student nurses, Mother Miriam and Lorette recall the challenges of wartime, including saving tin foil to give back to

the government, dealing with shortages of sugar, meat, butter and cigarettes, and rinsing and reusing gauze for dressings.

Also, because gas and tires were rationed, driving was only done for essentials. Mail coming from overseas was censored by the government, with large areas of letters being blacked out, making it difficult to read and comprehend.

Although the war ended before Mother Miriam and Lorette were called to serve their country, they value their experience as members of the Cadet Nurse Corps.

“I sure am glad that I was a part of the Cadet Nurse Corps,” Lorette commented.

“I also know that nursing gave me more than nursing skills. I raised a family with my husband Bill and know that the tolerance, patience and perseverance were just some of the things that I learned in my training days. Nursing helped me to weather the stormy times in my life and helped me to enjoy the good times.”

Mother Miriam stated, “As I attended to the dying after doing all that was physically possible to sustain life and restore good health, I learned that the best I could do was pray for the patient and families that God’s will be done and accepted it with a generous grateful heart.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS These nurses from the St. Agnes School of Nursing joined the Cadet Nurse Corps to help ease the nursing shortage in World War II and for a few years after the war. TOP: These cadet nurses were members of the Class of 1946. MIDDLE: These members of the St. Agnes School of Nursing are shown in Cadet Nurse Corps outfits at Camp McCoy in 1944. BOTTOM: Lorette LaLonde Wambach, Class of ’47, is shown on the St. Agnes grounds.

6 | Marian University- Celebrating 100 years of nursing!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010 | THE REPORTER

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Marian University- Celebrating 100 years of nursing! | 7

PRESERVING THE LEGACY: celebrating 100 years of n ST. AGNES SCHOOL OF NURSING, MARIAN UNIVERSITY FILL CRUCIAL NEEDS

FOR THE REPORTER

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or the past century, nurses in the Fond du Lac area have provided care for local families, ministered to the sick and helped the injured.

At the bedside, in time of war, in the hectic ER, nurses have comforted and cared.

Since its beginning, the St. Agnes School of Nursing has proudly pioneered the way for the nursing profession. It was in October 1910 that the St. Agnes School of Nursing became an integral part of St. Agnes Hospital.

St. Agnes School of Nursing, 1910

Beginning with 18 nursing staff, the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes opened the St. Agnes School of Nursing and pioneered the way for future nurses with its

was developed to prepare the students for the next two years of their diploma program with a liberal arts education.

two-year nursing program.

Although it was only available to sister students, by 1918, lay students were admitted and the educational endeavor grew into a three-year program, at a time when the majority of nursing programs were either one or two years long. In June of 1921, the St. Agnes School of Nursing graduated the first class of lay students.

Growth and expansion of the program would continue, with the increase of students and rising need for educational facilities. With the assistance of the Sisters, a five-story School of Nursing was constructed in 1931, creating ample room for educational and social activities.

The Nursing Pin/Logo Symbolic meaning of the pin of St. Agnes School of Nursing is a cause of pride for those who wear it.

On the face of the pin or logo is a book secured with seven seals, and on the book rests a lamb. This is the book and the lamb spoken of by the Evangelist St. John in his Apocalypse.

Nursing uniforms depicted by dolls All of the styles of St. Agnes nursing students’ uniforms worn through the course of half century are displayed in a glass bookcase located in the St. Agnes Room in Regina Hall on the Marian University Campus.

By August of 1960, the St. Agnes School of Nursing had graduated 119 Sisters and 1,199 lay women. However, in 1963, the St. Agnes School of Nursing accepted its last class of students into its threeyear program.

St. Agnes School of Nursing’s relationDolls depicting three nuns and 10 ship with Marian was strengthened in 1964 to nurses display uniforms of the past. allow Marian to absorb The dolls were presented to the the program after the school through the generosity and last class at St. Agnes labor of the St. Agnes Hospital Auxgraduated, in addition A shortage of nurses and iliary. The designer, historian and to allowing St. Agnes nurse aides during the 1940s coordinator of the project was Miss School of Nursing graduincreased the school’s enrollEmily Hadley, Class of 1929. ates to take additional ment, and the School of Nursgeneral and educational ing helped meet the mountcourses to earn a Marian ing need and eventually graduated a total of 240 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education degree. cadet nurses.

The pin also may be interpreted as a symbol of St. Agnes who always is represented with a lamb that has reference to the Latin word, “Agnus,” from which her name is derived.

By accelerating their program, student nurses were able to receive experience in military or federal hospitals.

The lamb always has been a symbol of meekness, gentleness and purity, an apt symbol for St. Agnes and the nurses who are trained at St. Agnes School of Nursing.

Collaboration between the St. Agnes School of Nursing and Marian College, now Marian University, began in the 1950s, when a first-year program

Although the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes closed the School of Nursing with the Class of 1966, Marian continued to promote the school’s goals of developing knowledgeable and experienced professionals dedicated to care for the sick, prevention of disease and promotion of quality health.

Courtesy of the St. Agnes School of Nursing

8 | Marian University- Celebrating 100 years of nursing!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010 | THE REPORTER

Historic letter marked transition in nursing education in Fond du Lac

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The following letter written by Sister Mary Agreda Touchett, CSA, director of the St. Agnes School of Nursing, signaled a major change in the nursing program provided

by St. Agnes Hospital and Marian College. This year marks 100 years of nursing education supported by the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes and Marian University.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Minnie Meyer and Nora Hammill were members of the Class of 1927.

Transitioning to Marian

Saint Agnes School of Nursing 475 Gillett St. Fond du Lac, Wis.

With the original goals and plans set forth by the sisters, Marian College, now Marian University, continued the St. Agnes School of Nursing legacy, helping to train and prepare student nurses for the future.

Enrollment continued to grow in what was then Marianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nursing Studies Division, and the increasing numbers of students and faculty necessitated a move in the mid-1960s to the current Marian campus, bounded by South National Avenue and East Division Street.

By 1970, Marian became co-educational and graduated its ďŹ rst class of male nurses in 1974.

Program growth, facility enhancements and curriculum improvement included the development of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Track for registered nurse students within the traditional day schedule, the initiation of the Evening/ Weekend BSN Completion Track, which meets the needs of working adult nurses in the Fond du Lac area, as well as library enhancements that linked the campus library to nationwide computer networks, establishing a comprehensive library network for commuting and outreach students.

Throughout the 1990s, Marian achieved 100 percent pass rate of nursing graduates on its RNNCLEX Boards for three consecutive years. Student enrollment continued to increase, as outreach sites were started to accommodate students across Wisconsin.

Also, as new courses were implemented, new clinical sites were utilized to give students handson experience.

Saint Agnes School of Nursing will accept the last class of students into its three-year program in September 1963.

By the 2000s, Marian continued to grow. It implemented the Master of Science in Nursing Program and relocated the nursing skills lab from Regina Hall to a remodeled facility off-campus, named the Agnes Center.

Marian continues to encourage the education of area students, whether it is through promoting the nursing profession through its annual summer nurse camp or in the legacy that continues by way of dedicated students at Marian University.

Nursing today

Today, Marian Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Nursing program has grown to more than 580, with students coming from 14 states and 13 countries.

Marian is a forerunner in the state for its parish nursing and palliative care programs, as well as with their BSN to MSN Completion program.

In May of 2010, Marian graduated more than 80 undergraduate nursing students and seven graduate nursing students.

Graduates of St. Agnes School of Nursing and Marian University strive for excellence in promoting the health and well-being of the Fond du Lac community, as well as encourage the education of area students who desire to continue this legacy of care and compassion.

THE REPORTER | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010

However, we are happy to be able to announce that in September 1964, Marian College of Fond du Lac will inaugurate a four-year basic collegiate nursing program using the clinical facilities of St. Agnes Hospital.

Saint Agnes School of Nursing will continue as a fully accredited diploma program until 1966 when the currently enrolled students will have been graduated. The facilities of the school will be utilized by the college program when the time arrives.

We believe that this transition into a collegiate nursing program will serve the best interests of society as well as nursing, since Marian College and St. Agnes Hospital are both in a position to provide leadership in education and nursing. The need today for better and more broadly educated nurses is becoming more and more evident and we believe we have an obligation to assume a leadership role in helping to accomplish these goals.

Students seeking admission to the four-year program that will be conducted by Marian College of Fond du Lac are advised to apply directly to: Director of Admissions Marian College of Fond du Lac 400 E. Division St. Fond du Lac, Wis.

Sincerely yours, Sister Mary Agreda, CSA Director, School of Nursing

Marian University- Celebrating 100 years of nursing! | 9

This letter was written by Sister Judith Schmidt, CSA, who was the general superior of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes at the time of the death of Sister Digna Desch. Sister Digna, a member of the St. Agnes School of Nursing Class of 1918, served as director of the School of Nursing from 192244 and 1947-51.

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hat a glorious feast on which to be called home!

Let us rejoice with Sister Digna as in eternity she celebrates the Feast of Christ the King. Sister died this morning (Oct. 26, 1999) of congestive heart failure just a few minutes after Mass had ended at Nazareth Heights.

Sister Digna came to the Heights on Aug. 12, 1979, and since that time had been able to participate in the Mass in chapel only a few times. During practically this entire period she was conďŹ ned to her room. Only within the last two weeks had she seemingly begun to improve. Much more alert, she was being wheeled all around the premises.

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Saturday morning, however, at 3 a.m., Sister suffered much difďŹ culty in breathing, accompanied by pain in the chest. But, after being given oxygen, she recovered noticeably.

Yesterday, as Father was to anoint one or two of the other Sisters, Sister Digna was also anointed. At that time she was very alert and thanked everyone for being present. She had a good night and received Holy Communion before Mass this morning. At 7 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock she asked the nurse to turn up the volume on the sound system in her room so that

she could hear the Mass better.

Then, just after Mass as Sister Angelica brought her breakfast to her, Sister apparently was just breathing her last quietly and peacefully.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strong is His love for us; He is faithful for ever,â&#x20AC;? we prayed at the ďŹ rst Evening Prayer of the Feast.

Sister is experiencing His strong and faithful love as never before.

One of the most recent honors accorded Sister Digna was that of being named â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nurse of the Yearâ&#x20AC;? in 1976 by the Winnebagoland District of the Wisconsin State Nurses Association.

At that time she recounted much of her career. After graduation from the School of Nursing in 1918, Sister acted as staff nurse and supervisor until 1922.

Then, and we quote from the article in the Fond du Lac Reporter of 1976: â&#x20AC;&#x153;One day I came off of night duty and was told I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be working the next nightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I had all of the next day to get ready to take over as director of the school!...they promised me itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d only be for one yearâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

Sister continued in that position for 26 years. There were a few interruptions: one for further education, another when she was called back to Catholic University as an instructor of nurses being trained for World War II, and a third time when she was asked to survey schools of nursing and health services in Brazil.

Sister established St. Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Nursing at Hays, Kansas, served as director of nursing services and personnel at St. Clareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and taught nursing at Marian College for 12 years. Then from 1970 until August of this year, Sister was a member of the St. Agnes Hospital Pastoral Care Team. She strove to live as she urged her alumnae: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do all the good you can; by all the means you can;â&#x20AC;Śas long as ever you can.â&#x20AC;?

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10 | Marian University- Celebrating 100 years of nursing!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010 | THE REPORTER

Remembering Sister Mary Agreda Touchett, Class of â&#x20AC;&#x2122;42

Sister Mary Agreda Touchett, 86, passed away Feb. 27, 2008, at her home.

She was born April 21, 1921, in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

As a child, Adice Julienne often played at being a nun. The step from make-believe to reality was taken at her profession on Aug. 15, 1944, when she became Sister Mary Agreda. Her religious profession, combined with the nursing diploma Sister Mary Agreda had received from the St. Agnes School of Nursing (SASN) in 1942, launched her on a lifetime of service in the nursing ďŹ eld.

Her ďŹ rst experiences in nursing at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac and St. Thomas in Colby, Kan., were quickly followed by appointment as a nursing instructor at SASN in 1948, when she also received her bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in nursing education from Marian College. She earned a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in administration of nursing education from Catholic University of America.

Upon her return to Fond du Lac and a year as director of nursing services at St. Agnes Hospital, Sister Mary Agreda became the administrator of SASN and remained in that position until Marian College inaugurated the baccalaureate program in nursing in 1964.

The following year Sister became head of the Marian College nursing division. Under her leadership, the program became one of the premier programs in the state.

served on its board of directors.

Additionally she was named Nurse of the Year by the District Nurses Association in the late 1960s and one of the Women of the Year by the Fond du Lac Business and Professional Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organization in 1977.

Marian recognized her contributions by awarding her professor emeritus status in 1981 and bestowing on her the MagniďŹ cat Award in 1993.

After 15 years at Marian, Sister Mary Agreda pioneered yet one more venture, becoming one of the founders of Hospice Hope in Fond du Lac.

Sister Mary Agreda was also active in professional organizations. She served on the Wisconsin Board of Nursing and was its chairperson for 12 years; she was secretary for the Wisconsin Nurses Association and

She was a professional, a humanitarian, an administrator par excellence. But she was, above all, a â&#x20AC;&#x153;nun.â&#x20AC;? It was the role she had played as a child and the title she loved most: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sister.â&#x20AC;?

THE REPORTER | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010

Sister Mary Agreda served as the th hee last director of the St. Agnes School of Nursing and one of the ďŹ rst faculty members in the Marian nursing program.

Now the very people who were inďŹ&#x201A;uenced by her have established this endowed scholarship to help more people pursue their dream of a career in nursing.

Sister Mary Agreda touched many lives through her service to SASN and Marian.

Sister Mary Agreda died in February 2008.

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Sister Mary Agredaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inďŹ&#x201A;uence on students and colleagues was deep and lasting.

Some of her students followed her into religious life. Many others became colleagues and lasting friends.

As Sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health declined in her ďŹ nal weeks, those friends were there for her. In spite of all her achievements, of accolades bestowed, of admiring friends, Sister Mary Agreda was a self-effacing person. She gave credit to others who believed in her and gave her a helping hand.

She served as the bridge between the St. Agnes School of Nursing and Marian.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

In her early retirement years, she continued her role as coordinator of Bereavement Services for Hospice Hope.

As long as her health permitted, she served on Congregational committees and those of the sponsored institutions. The achievements of this professional woman religious are even more remarkable in that they were accomplished in spite of a chronic problem with lymphedema, from which she suffered all her adult life, requiring that her legs be elevated whenever she was seated.

In 2001, three alumnae from the St. Agnes School of Nursing (SASN) Class of 1959 established the Sister Mary Agreda Touchett Endowed Scholarship.

Sister Mary Agreda Touchett of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes was a member of the St. Agnes School of Nursing Class of 1942. She served as director of the St. Agnes School of Nursing from 1951 to 1964.

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he following obituary and remembrance appeared in the Spring 2008 edition of the St. Agnes School of Nursing News, a publication of Marian University.

Scholarship named in honor of Sister Mary Agreda Touchett

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Marian University- Celebrating 100 years of nursing! | 11

Paying her dues

Agnesian nurse of 62 years shares words of wisdom, encouragement

T

hese thoughts were written Jan. 8, 2010 by Sister Mary Christopher Esler, CSA, at the conclusion of her 62 years in nursing.

When in the 6th grade, I knew that I wanted to be involved in the health profession. This goal never wavered in my life.

In 1948, I was able to realize my dream as I graduated from St. Agnes School of Nursing. That same summer, in Milwaukee, I took the State Board exams for my RN (registered nurse designation). By midOctober I had in my hand a letter saying

Sister Mary Esler

that I had passed the exams, which was to my delight.

to be of service to those in need.

is simple. Just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay your dues.â&#x20AC;?

In 1954, at St. Agnes Hospital, there was a need to set up an occupational therapy department. I was interested and was sent to school to be educated in that line of work. The health ďŹ eld was still in my sights. There were new challenges, new problems to be conquered.

It has been 62 years since I ďŹ rst paid my registration dues.

In the mail the other day I got an ofďŹ cial notice saying that my registration fee was due for the next few years.

Wow! I asked her, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there a form to ďŹ ll out or anything?â&#x20AC;?

Along in my career, I promoted rehabilitation with our retired geriatric sisters at Nazareth Heights.

Then Hospice loomed on the horizon. I was still in the health ďŹ eld and was able

Now that I am an octogenarian plus, I decided not to renew my registration and not pay my dues. How was I to terminate my long career as a registered nurse properly?

(This career, which was so dear to my heart. The ministry in which I had given my all, blood, sweat and tears; the ministry in which I observed patients recovering from surgery; being rehabilitated after polio; teaching aphasic patients to talk again in occupational therapy; helping patients to die in peace in hospice.) All these thoughts were going through my mind.

On the card I received in the mail from the Department of Regulation & Licensing from Madison, a phone number was available to answer my questions.

I dialed the number. I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure if I had a real, live person or not. After ďŹ&#x201A;oundering on the phone, I realized that I had a tape on the line and the sound of my voice was to connect me to the proper desk in Madison.

The automation system was frustrated with me. I could tell because she kept asking me to repeat what I said. After complete frustration, I was connected to the operator, a live person.

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I asked the lady who answered the phone what was the proper procedure in reporting my resignation (after all these years of my ďŹ delity to the profession and care of the sick) and she said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;That

12 | Marian University- Celebrating 100 years of nursing!

Nothing more! I felt deďŹ&#x201A;ated at that moment.

Somehow, I wanted my associate nurses to know that I was really hanging up my shingle. Or was I taking it down? What I wanted to say to my comrades in arms was: s #ARRY ON "E PROUD OF YOUR PROFESsion. s "E LOYAL TO THE NURSING OATH YOU TOOK when you were a young nurse. s "E EAGER TO LEARN MORE AND APPLY IT IN your daily healing work. s 9OU HAVE A SPECIAL CALLING AND HAVE been graced each day in your ministry to reach out to those less fortunate than yourself. s 9OU ARE A SPECIAL ANGEL TO MANY OF your patients. s 9OU CARRY A HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY ON your shoulders. s 4HE GOOD NAME OF OTHER NURSES AND the nursing profession are not to be marred by you or any future nurses. s ) PRAY THAT YOU WILL CARRY THE TORCH onward.

Even though my shingle is gone, may you wave your ďŹ&#x201A;ag high and thank God that you can serve as you were called to do. There is no form for me to ďŹ ll out, but this message to you says it all. I am proud to be one with you in serving.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010 | THE REPORTER

What are your favorite memories as a student at SASN? “My favorite memory is that of checking the bulletin board to find out my next rotating nursing service and on which floor or unit I would serve. It was always exciting.”

- Erna Rojan Horn, ’43

CLASS NOTES Memories of St. Agnes School of Nursing It is tradition for alumni of the St. Agnes School of Nursing to submit class notes and memories prior to their annual reunion celebrations. Here are selections from the submissions for the reunion event on June 27, 2010.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

TOP LEFT: Nurses gather on the steps for a group photo. TOP RIGHT: Mary Gersbacher Brachman, Class of 1957, was featured in a story about a day in the life of a student nurse. MIDDLE: This house near the hospital served as the student nurses’ residence from 1919 to 1932. LOWER LEFT: Mary Beth Brown Serwe, left, Class of ’63, and Patricia Heaney Schonbok, ’61, study skeletal structure. LOWER RIGHT: Dorothy Sauter McCullough, left, and Jeanne Sweet Gaenslen, members of the Class of ’43, stand on the base of the flag pole donated by their class.

THE REPORTER | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010

“My favorite memory was after Christmas, on the feast of the Epiphany, when the names of the three kings were baked into the muffins. If you got one, you helped burn evergreens in the fireplace on the Second Floor during assembly night.”

- Madonna Kurkowski Booher, ’55 “My favorite memory of SASN was wearing my nursing cap, starched white uniform and clean white shoes. Also, the close relationships groups of students developed while living in the dorms.”

- Carol Schnabl Seim, ’60 “I have so many wonderful memories of SASN. Some that come to mind are: close friendships; singing ‘Let’s see who can do the hoola’ on orientation night; freshman year first floor dorm living; proudly wearing my white uniform and the nurse’s cap; having a blue wool cape (how often did we wear it?); making popcorn in the bathroom; Sister Mary Agreda saying, ‘The door swings both ways’; and sitting by the creek studying.”

- Kathy Berenz Lang, ’65

How has your education at SASN affected your life?

“Because of my education, I was never without employment. This was very useful as my husband and I raised a large family.”

- Lorette LaLonde Wambach, ’47 “The education at SASN promoted in me the desire to strive for excellence involving personal commitment and discipline.”

- Eunice Moe Brennan, ’50 “My education has made me who I am and led to how I live my life. For the military I served in four states and Japan, France, England and Thailand. I was a staff nurse, change nurse, clinic nurse, hospital supervisor and chief nurse. I took away the total experience and still have an active nursing license!”

- Patricia Zuffa Murray, ’56 “I still can’t believe I made the best decision of my life in my teen years, but I knew when I was in 8th grade that I wanted to go to SASN! I have learned compassion for all, no matter what religion, face or station in life.”

- Gayle Helsdon Rosenberg, ’62

Who was the most influential person during your nursing education at SASN?

“The most influential person for me was Sister Digna Desch for whom I had a great respect (in spite of a little fear that I think we all experienced).”

- Virgina Dhein Bartelt, ’43

“The most influential person to me was Sister Mary Corrine — she was devoted to her students and helped them to achieve their dreams of serving others.” - Margie Petrich Spradau, ’50

“I was influenced by Sister Mary Lee Spielbauer who taught A&P and introduced life skills needed as a young woman…thought provoking.”

- Louise Baillod Barnett, ’60

“I cannot name only one person. Those who stand out are: Sister Mary Agreda for her vision as to the future of the nursing profession, Sister Mary Lee Spielbauer for giving us the right pushes when needed, and Joan Kramer, who was the best example of what a head nurse should be.”

- Mary St. Peter Gilmore, ’60

What ‘one thing’ did you take away from your education that you continue to cherish or that has served you best?

“I cherish the caring atmosphere of being with the Sisters of St. Agnes during my years of study.”

- Bernice Burckle Conrad Hill, ’40

“The thing that I cherish to this day is the lifelong friendships of my classmates. Six of us have been widowed and vacation together one week each year. People are amazed by the ‘Six Merry Widows’ for not only our age but the number of years we have been good friends.”

- Joyce Steinbarth Borndahl, ’49

“I learned the importance of TLC at SASN. Tender, loving care comes from you; it is not something you find in the medical closet. I also learned that caring for others is what God wants of you.”

- Margie Petrich Spradau,’50

“My SASN education taught me to follow through, punctuality, ethical standards and empathy for others. I took away from my education my leadership abilities and my spiritual commitment.”

- Mary Rudersdorf Roesch, ’66

Marian University- Celebrating 100 years of nursing! | 13

The Nursing School: The patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physical, spiritual need always came ďŹ rst FOR THE REPORTER

S

t. Agnes Hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Nursing was inaugurated on Oct. 3, 1910.

But its rich, colorful history actually started in 1897 when four pioneering sisters undauntedly accepted the challenge to become trained in, and later to teach others, the fundamental principles of nursing.

Dr. Frank Wiley escorted Sisters Amanda, Evarista, Charitas and Clotildis to Chicago, where they studied nursing at St. Joseph and Elizabeth hospitals.

Eight months later, they returned to Fond du Lac to begin their new careers and to help in the healing of bodies, mind and souls.

This devoted band of sisters possessed undying faith and a zealous desire to educate.

The nursing service in the early days of St. Agnes Hospital was performed entirely by the sister nurses. Through the untiring efforts of Sister Seraphia â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the ďŹ rst director of the St. Agnes School of Nursing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and Dr. Wiley, the school was accredited by the State of Wisconsin in 1912.

lic hospital where nursing students traded in their black wool uniforms for more sanitary, white silk ones.

In 1940, St. Agnes became one of the ďŹ rst nursing schools to receive national accreditation.

During World War I, the Red Cross enlisted nurses from many hospitals, including St. Agnes. This resulted in a nursing shortage, and on May 1, 1918, the ďŹ rst lay students were enrolled at St. Agnes School of Nursing.

As the 1940s began to unfold, the school felt the social pressures and demands of a nation preparing for World War II. Demands for nursing increased, and the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps was established on June 15, 1943. From 1943 to 1948, a total of 240 cadet nurses graduated from St. Agnes, and served in various army, navy and veteran hospitals throughout the nation.

In 1919, St. Agnes became the ďŹ rst Catho-

The AGNESIAN, the ofďŹ cial school paper,

published several stories of courage, honor and an adventurous spirit displayed by St. Agnes alumnae during World War II. Wherever the U.S. ďŹ&#x201A;ag was unfurled after Dec. 8, 1941, St. Agnes graduates could be found.

A total of 108 alumnae, representing every class from 1928 to 1944, served in every branch of the U.S. military and the United States Public Health Service.

In 1966, St. Agnes School of Nursing closed, but its heritage was preserved through Marian Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nursing Studies Division, and through the alumnae association. This association remains devoted to preserving the spirit of St. Agnes, and to keeping nursing education alive in the Fond du Lac area.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010 | THE REPORTER

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Marian University- Celebrating 100 years of nursing! | 15

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16 | Marian University- Celebrating 100 years of nursing!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2010 | THE REPORTER