Simulation Lab Groundbreaking: A Day to Remember
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Nearly 100 alumni, faculty, staff, colleagues and friends of UIC Nursing gathered on Sept. 9, 2017, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the simulation laboratory in the Chicago campus building’s lower level. The guest of honor was alumna and donor M. Christine Schwartz, whose $5 million gift has enabled the project.
“Chris has the passion for the best education for our students,” noted Nursing Dean Terri Weaver. “She has the vision for a space that will provide for students to learn, to connect, and to explore; and she has the commitment to the mission of our college and university.”
Robert Barish, UIC’s vice chancellor for health affairs, is a physician whose career in practice and academia has given him unique perspective on nursing and on simulated experiential learning to educate of heath care professionals.
“Quality nursing is what ultimately makes the difference in successful outcomes for our patients,” said Barish. “That’s why this lab is crucially important: to ensure there are future generations of patient success stories.”
At last the room got to hear from Christine Schwartz, who said, “I was asked to talk about what motivated me to make this gift, but what I want to talk about is what I’m really excites me about the renovation.”
She went on to name the technology that will allow regional UIC Nursing campuses to benefit from the lab, and the student lounge, where students, especially those who live far from campus, can find community and comfort on busy days.
When the remarks concluded, nine of the people most involved in shaping the vision for the lab and facilitating the gift from Schwartz gathered around a topsoil-filled garden box for, appropriately enough, a simulated breaking of new ground. Afterward the whole crowd adjourned to the lobby for a champagne and cake reception.