Fond Memories

The School of Nursing is celebrating 90 years of excellence in education. Graduates of the program have excelled in a variety of careers. Today, alumni look back at their memories from the program.

Billye J. Brown, R.N., M.S.N. (’58), Ed.D., F.A.A.N.

Retired dean and professor, University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing

"Three-fourths of my classmates were sisters. When our teachers called roll, they referred to me as Sr. Billye, which didn’t bother me one bit. I’m a Baptist, always have been and always will be, but I developed a real appreciation of the Catholic faith while I attended Saint Louis University. I went to church a couple of times with the sisters and I learned how their faith informed their lives. SLU was a very friendly place and the teachers cared about us. I received an exceptional education."

Michelle Madison, B.S.N. (’88), M.S., C.N.S., H.C.S.-D.

Certified coder, hospice quality educator, Columbus, OH

"Our SLU instructors were tough but fair. We wore white uniforms back then with a dark blue swatch of material on our name tags that identified us as student nurses. If we showed up for clinicals and didn’t dress the part, or were unprepared in any way, we were sent home. I had one instructor who was brilliant, but she scared me to death. I froze even when I knew the answers to her questions. One time she said, 'Michelle, I know you know this. What’s wrong?' I finally admitted to her that she terrified me, and that broke the ice. I fondly remember enthusiastic lectures from Anne Perry, Ed.D., F.A.A.N. I enjoyed my pediatric clinicals at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and my psychiatric rotation at the VA on a locked unit where I came face to face with schizophrenia and observed ECT treatments. The caliber of SLU faculty in the classroom and in the clinic was just outstanding. When I went on to teach at The Ohio State and Capital University in Columbus, I modeled what I learned at SLU. I have high expectations for my students because that’s what was expected of me. Another strong memory for me was the day classes were canceled because the St. Louis Cardinals were in the 1987 World Series. Our instructors knew no one would show up."

Philip Graul, B.S.N. (’71)

Retired nurse anesthetist

"Even though it wasn’t acceptable at the time, my OB-GYN instructor, Marguerite Roby, R.N., made sure I had the full clinical experience. It was unheard of to have a male student sit in on vaginal exams or be present during live childbirth, but she went to bat for me several times with hospital administration. She was one of the first nurses in the St. Louis area to push for having fathers in the delivery room and that shaped me. When my children were born, I fought to be in the room with my wife. I got that courage from Mrs. Roby. I appreciate greatly what she did for me."

Judith Carlson, R.N., M.S.N. (’72)

Associate professor emerita, SON faculty for 45 years

"It is with much humility that I embrace this opportunity to thank the many colleagues with whom I’ve worked. These colleagues have been models of dedication to what we have accomplished together at the School of Nursing. These accomplishments have been achieved through the leadership of Sr. Theresa Noth – I clearly remember the day some 45 years ago that Sr. Theresa stood in the hallway of old Glennon Hall and asked if I would be interested in teaching – and to deans Joan Hrubetz and Teri Murray. Their leadership fostered a strong sense of togetherness and helped each of us to use our talents to the fullest. Also, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to teach. Students have a special way of touching our lives. They can be challenging, frustrating and intellectually stimulating but above all, students represent the future of nursing. I feel very privileged to have taught so many of them. The students have given meaning to my life in so many special ways –especially as a wife and mother of five children who hold seven different degrees from SLU. Teaching at a Jesuit institution has made me the person I am today. I savor this moment as an opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude and great appreciation for being part of the School of Nursing faculty."

Jackie Bangert, R.N., B.S.N. (’67), M.S.N

Expert witness on wound ostomy and long-term care, retired nurse educator

"I remember registering for classes with punch cards in the gym, going to mass every day and traveling from north campus to south campus on street cars. If we missed the car, we’d have to hitchhike between campuses. It was safe to do that back then and we never had trouble getting a ride. I also remember Sr. Anita (Sr. Agnita Claire Day, S.S.M., dean) who taught pathophysiology. She was so dynamic. The concepts and theories she taught us back then have stayed with me throughout my nursing career."

Mae Timmons, R.N., B.S.N. (’64), M.S.N., Ed.D.

Semi-retired associate professor, Clarkson College Department of Graduate Nursing

"I was one of the many fellowship nurses who earned their B.S.N.s by working as
registered nurses three to four days a week at Firmin Desloge Hospital (SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital). At that time, SLU was one of only two academic settings in the country that was savvy enough to offer a program that provided an exceptional work and educational setting designed to expand the pool of well-educated nurses. Working and attending classes with my peers for two brief years made impressions on me that remain to this day. We were able to work, study, play and pray together in situations that we never would have experienced in other educational settings. After graduation, we went our separate ways, but we’ve kept in close contact. We’ve attended many alumni reunions and celebrated our 50th reunion in 2015. Karen Hausfeld (’65) is our 'main point person' who keeps us abreast of the happenings of our classmates, as well as important events at SLU. Without this family, I wouldn’t have remained as close to my friends as I have. I thank God daily for providing me the opportunity to know and enjoy my SLU family and our continued time together."

Marlene Kramer, R.N., B.S.N. (’53), M.S.N.,
F.A.A.N., Ph.D.

President, Health Science Research Associates; author, Reality Shock: Why Nurses Leave Nursing; faculty member at three schools of nursing

"At SLU, I learned the principle that 'all men are created equal' translates to 'all patients deserve and must be given the best care possible.' Two months after graduation, I was working as night supervisor at Charity Hospital in New Orleans where one tower of the hospital was for 'white' patients only and the other tower for “black” patients only. Equipment could not be shared between the two. I was responsible for the pediatric units and premature nurseries at night for both the 'black' and 'white' towers. One night, a nurse from the 'black' tower called to say that she and a 3-pound preemie were in desperate need of an incubator, and all of the “black” tower incubators were filled with infants. The nurse was crying and holding the baby to keep it as warm as possible. I thought, 'How would my SLU faculty guide me in a situation like this?' I got the nurse’s attention by looking hard and straight into her eyes while I gently put my keys to the 'white' tower storage room on the floor. I told her I was going to take a coffee break with the nurse on duty in the “white” tower nursery. She nodded her head slightly and I could tell that she received the message to discretely go over and get an incubator from the 'white' tower for her preemie. I didn’t want to ask the nurse on the 'white' side to get involved in this because what I was suggesting was illegal. I also didn’t want more people involved than necessary. After my break with the "white” tower nurse, I returned to the “black” tower nursery. The nurse smiled and said the newborn she was so worried about was getting warmed up a bit and doing a little better in the incubator. She had rearranged the incubators in the nursery so the additional incubator she'd taken from the 'white' nursery blended in. The nurse then handed me my keys and said, 'Oh by the way, you left your keys here.'"

Founded in 1928, Saint Louis University School of Nursing has achieved a national reputation for its innovative and pioneering programs. Offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral nursing programs, its faculty members are nationally recognized for their teaching, research and clinical expertise.