Homecoming 2009

A Roaring Success!

~ Homecoming, May 2, 2009 ~

“Awe inspiring, impeccably planned, filled with happy memories, delicious food, and plans to keep in touch with classmates”. These are a few of the comments received after our tremendously successful Homecoming held May 2, 2009.

The day’s activities began with a brunch and Annual Meeting of the Membership at the Synod House early Saturday morning. The hospital site (including the Historical Room and the St. Luke’s Chapel) was visited by legions of returning graduates. While individual classes reunited and nurses across classes reconnected throughout the day, there were souvenirs for purchase and graduates were treated to a thoughtful display of St. Luke’s School of Nursing archival materials proudly displayed by the Foundation of NYS Nurses archivist, Trudy Hutchinson.

A truly beautiful Evensong with Dean of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine officiating was attended by more than 500 participants. The Reverend Margaret Muncie, our former St. Luke’s Chaplain, returned to New York City to give the sermon. Graduates present renewed their commitment to the ideals of nursing by reciting, en masse, the Nightingale Pledge. One of the highlights of Evensong was the beautifully rendered Pie Jesu from Faure’s Requiem.

A sumptuous cocktail hour and dinner followed Evensong. Presentations to Rev. Muncie, acknowledgement of our distinguished guests and the Homecoming Planning Committee, a reading of Mayor Bloomberg’s letter to the Association and a moving tribute by our keynote speaker, Rev. Kowalski, brought our Homecoming to a close. The chocolate chip cookies presented to us by the wait staff were an enjoyable surprise for those exiting the cathedral.

These are just a few of the highlights. The Summer Bulletin and subsequent issues will have additional comments, a copy of the mayor’s letter and information regarding ordering souvenirs, DVDs of our Evensong and class photos.

You may also order photos and DVDs prior to the publication of the Bulletin. Please see the links below detailing procedures.

We would like to recreate details of the memorable day for all graduates and will be dedicating our Summer 2009 Bulletin to Homecoming. Please continue to send your memories, thoughts and importantly, photos to Peg Fox.

~ Instructions for Purchasing Photos & the Evensong DVD ~

To purchase or view pictures: You will find direct links here on our home page to the professional photographer’s website: Millerphotos.com. On the photographer’s website you can view and purchase both Class Pictures and other Homecoming pictures. Many more pictures and detailed coverage of the day’s events will be forthcoming in our upcoming Bulletin.

To order a copy of the Evensong DVD: Please send a note with your name, mailing address & phone to: Charles Dennis Productions, 599 20^th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11218. Phone: 718-437-7972 & email:  info@charlesdennis.net. The cost of the DVD is $20 and the checks should be made payable to: Charles Dennis Productions.

Happy Memories,

Homecoming Planning

A view of the Rose Window in the Cathedral and tables for the Gala Dinner in the foreground.

The High Altar in the Cathedral adorned in lights for the occasion.

Graduates lined up for procession into the Cathedral for the Evensong service.

Guests gather in the Cathedral before the Gala Dinner.

Nurse graduates prepare to process from the High Altar following the Evensong service.

The Procession departing the High Altar.

Nurse graduates resting after tour of the Cathedral.

Graduates view archival materials in the new Historical Room at SLH.