A Look Back at Bay College's Nursing Program: Then and Now

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In response to a critical nursing shortage in the mid 1980’s, officials from Marquette General Hospital, Bay College and Northern Michigan University collaborated to produce an accredited nursing program. This program was offered to 21 Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s) in 1988 who then went on to graduate from Bay College in December 1989. After passing a national nursing exam, these graduates eventually became Registered Nurses (RN’s) and went on to distinguished careers in their field.

Fast forward 30 years later, a reunion of most of the classmates and one of the instructors occurred at the Holiday Inn in Marquette, Michigan. Over the past three decades, most have retired, some are still working, only one moved out of the area to work, and three are deceased. These nurses contributed toward positions in many areas of the hospital from Family Birthing, Emergency, Oncology, Intensive Care, Medical, Endoscopy, Cardiac, Orthopedics, Wound Care, Behavioral Health, Operating Room and Surgical. Some stayed at the bedside, some pursued management, and others became state and nationally- recognized labor experts. What they do have in common however, is the instrumental part Bay College played in their careers and lives. To share your success story as a Bay College Alumni, Email Vicki%20DeGrand.