On this special episode recorded live during Penn Nursing Alumni Weekend, you’ll hear from Dean Antonia Villarruel and Director of Alumni Relations Maddie Nicol as they share exciting updates about the School’s upcoming 75th anniversary as a standalone school and plans for next year’s 140th anniversary of nursing at Penn. You’ll also meet passionate alumni, including Dr. Nancy Tkacs (NU’75), who reflects on five decades of Penn Nursing excellence and her legacy as a beloved educator. Current students and staff highlight student engagement, community initiatives like Nurses for the Vote, and the growing influence of civic health advocacy. From cherished clinical memories to future-facing efforts in design, democracy, and innovation, this episode captures the heart of the Penn Nursing community—past, present, and future.

Timestamps:

00:00-01:05: Maddie Nicol and Dean Villarruel

01:05-03:13: Nancy Tkacs

03:13-05:04: Vicky Vo

05:04-09:28: Sydney Edelson

09:28- close: Susan Dickey