As part of the University of Virginia School of Nursing's 125th anniversary,

the School recently hosted a special afternoon tea honoring faculty emeriti whose teaching, scholarship, and leadership have shaped its community across generations. Held April 30 in McLeod Hall, the gathering brought together distinguished former and current faculty for conversation and reflection.

Guests included Linda Bullock, Dorrie Fontaine, Mary Gibson, Doris Glick, Doris Greiner, Catherine Kane, Arlene Keeling, Pam Kulbok, Elayne Phillips, Sharon Utz, Richard Westphal, and Ken White. Dean Marianne Baernholdt and senior faculty and administration, including Jeanne Alhusen, Ruth Cassell, Gina DeGennaro, Louise Fleming, John Teahan, and Erik Williams, hosted the celebration. The tea was organized by Diane Washington, who carefully planned and coordinated the event.

In her welcome, Dean Baernholdt reflected on the School’s 125‑year history and the role faculty leadership has played in shaping its growth and culture over time.

The afternoon drew on a tradition deeply rooted in the School’s past. From the 1920s through the mid 1960s, housemothers in McKim Hall hosted regular afternoon teas for nursing students, often between hospital shifts. Originally designed as part of students’ preparation for professional life, these gatherings introduced them to customs and expectations they were likely to encounter in private duty roles in patients’ homes.

Over time, the teas also became a valued part of daily life for students. They offered a welcome pause in demanding schedules and created space for conversation, camaraderie, and connection. As the profession and nursing education evolved, these formal rituals gradually gave way to new forms of community building, reflecting a shift in both professional expectations and daily practice.

That layered history was thoughtfully represented at the anniversary event through a curated table of artifacts from the Bjoring Center for Nursing Historical Inquiry. Displayed items included pieces of a historic School of Nursing tea set, a nursing kit, a traditional nurse’s cap, and a fanoos lantern in the style used by Florence Nightingale. The objects highlighted earlier eras of nursing education and practice, prompting conversation among faculty whose careers span decades of change.

While afternoon tea no longer structures daily life at the School, many of the values they fostered have endured. Connection, mentorship, and a strong professional identity remain central principles at the School of Nursing today, expressed in ways that reflect the breadth, depth, and leadership of modern nursing.

Save the Date!

For 125 years, UVA School of Nursing has shaped healthcare, strengthened communities, and advanced the profession with integrity, compassion, and leadership. Join us at an upcoming event to network, share experiences, and celebrate:

Learn and Connect Alumni Events - 5:30-7:30 pm

• Richmond, VA | Wed, Jun. 17
• Roanoke, VA | Wed, Sep. 2
• Hampton Roads, VA | Wed, Sep. 16
• Fairfax, VA | Wed, Sep. 30

Celebrate the School of Nursing’s 125th anniversary with accredited education followed by a reception.

Homecoming and Alumni Awards

• Charlottesville, VA | Sat, Oct. 10

Visit the 125th Anniversary event website for additional details on all events.

Questions? Email mblosser@virginia.edu