School of Nursing 60th Anniversary Part of Celebration of MuleNation Homecoming

By Jeff Murphy, October 8, 2019

Nursing student participating in clinical experience at Bothwell Hospital in Sedalia, MO, 1965.

WARRENSBURG, MO – While the 2019 Homecoming features a number of traditional events to bring thousands of alumni and visitors to the University of Central Missouri, special activities also will center around an academic unit that has achieved a historic milestone. The School of Nursing invites alumni and friends of the university to join its faculty, staff and students to commemorate 60 years of producing graduates who serve in the nursing profession.

This and other special activities exemplify the spirit of this year’s Homecoming theme, “A Celebration of MuleNation,” as the university continues to build momentum in creating connections between alumni and their alma mater. The nursing program began at UCM in 1959. Nursing alumni are invited to connect with classmates, share stories about their professional careers and memories of their experience at UCM during an open house and reception at the Missouri Innovation Campus (MIC) in Lee’s Summit from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11. Those attending will have an opportunity to view progress made in UCM’s educational facilities to help train today’s nurses. Many of those attending this event also will participate in the annual Homecoming parade at 9 a.m. Saturday in downtown Warrensburg, and are invited to an open house coordinated by the School of Nursing from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday on the second floor of the Dockery Building.

While Homecoming is a week-long event, several additional activities are scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 11-13 that will draw many visitors to campus and to the local community. Among these events are the pep rally and cheering competition at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, in the Multipurpose Building, followed that evening by the Distinguished Alumni Dinner from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the ballroom of the Elliott Student Union.

Traditions continue Saturday with the parade featuring floats, marching bands, walking entries, cars, equestrian units and much more beginning at 9 a.m. This will be followed by the football game at Audrey J. Walton Stadium at 1:30 p.m. Saturday featuring the Mules against the University of Central Oklahoma. Immediately after the game, there will be a Step Show at 5:30 p.m. in Hendricks Hall. UCM alumni can get jump start on Saturday festivities by stopping at the Auchauer House at 8 a.m. to enjoy free food items such as donuts.

To view the official Homecoming schedule, visit ucmo.edu/homecoming.