In March, Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College announced the Bemidji School of Nursing. The two programs, led by Dr. Jeanine Gangeness, founding dean, have joined together as the School of Nursing while retaining their distinct missions. Northwest Technical College will continue to provide practical nursing and associate registered nursing programs, while Bemidji State University will continue to provide a four-year, baccalaureate nursing program.

Administrative offices for the School of Nursing are in Sattgast 324; Tammy Mayer is the school’s senior administrative assistant. Her office is located in Sattgast 322 and can be reached at ext. 2528.

Grand opening activities
The nursing school is planning a series of grand opening events in conjunction with Homecoming activities later this month. An interdisciplinary discussion panel will be held at 10 a.m. on Sept. 27, featuring Lee Norman, vice president and chief medical officer in the hospital executive offices at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. Norman is also a BSU alum, graduating with a social work degree in 1974.

At 7 p.m. on the 27th, the school will host a screening of the film “Pink Ribbons, Inc.” a documentary examining the fund-raising activities surrounding the “Think Pink” breast cancer awareness campaign. On Sept. 29, the school will hold a brunch with alumni, faculty and members of its various advisory boards. The brunch will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the American Indian Resource Center’s Gathering Place.