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First nursing class honored during community celebration

Published on Jul 23, 2024

By Megan Smedley

Live music, bouncy houses, face painting, and free ice cream was just part of the fun that guests had at ������ý Community & Technical College’s 50 Years of Caring event.

The event, held Saturday evening, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first graduating nursing class at ������ý Community College with several members of that pioneering class in attendance.

“This event is a testament to the dedication, compassion, and excellence that has characterized the nursing program for half a century,” ������ý President/CEO Dr. Laura McCullough said during opening remarks.

McCullough also shared that since that class, ������ý has graduated over 6,500 nurses who have gone on to touch countless lives.

“This event is a celebration of not only the past achievements of our nursing program, but also a testament to the bright future that lies ahead,” she said. “As we honor the past fifty years of caring, let us look forward to the next fifty years and beyond, where our graduates will continue to make a positive impact on those to which the provide care.”

Also making remarks at the event was Dr. Jim Shires, who served as the president of ������ý Community College from 1969 through 1999.

“I think it is important for our first nursing students and all those who have walked the halls sense to understand the beginning of the program,” he said. “Our first students worked hard against strong odds. This was a fledgling program. We were feeling our way and doing our best in spite of many obstacles. It was a time and opportunity for women of all ages in our community to receive a collegiate level degree and become professionals in the nursing field.”

During the celebration, the college also held a gift basket raffle with proceeds benefitting the Nursing Next Gen scholarship. Funds from this scholarship support the cost of the licensure exam for nursing students.

The baskets were donated by ������ý faculty and staff, as well as the MCC Nursing Class of 1974.

The Huff/Lindsey Band performed throughout the event and Shadowbird Café’s food truck was also on site.

John Sims of Flemingsburg Dairy Queen also donated Dilly Bars for guests to enjoy.