Pinstripes remembered at nursing reunion

Oct 23rd, 2013

Marcia Porter

Rebecca Puddester with SON alumna Siobhainn Lewis
Pinstripes remembered at nursing reunion

It's not every day that fourth year Bachelor of Nursing student Rebecca Puddester gets to wear a vintage uniform.

But wear it she did during a welcome reception to celebrate Reunion 2013 at Memorial's School of Nursing. The event brought together alumni from the Classes of 1973, 1988 and 2003, along with faculty, staff and retirees from the School of Nursing.

Rebecca's uniform was a topic of conversation for the alumni, particularly for the Class of '73, whose 26 graduates wore a uniform that was almost identical.

The uniform of '73 originally featured a long-sleeved pin-striped tunic worn with dark panty hoes and brown oxford shoes.

"We petitioned to have pantyhose and shoes changed to white, and we were successful in bringing about this change," said alumna Marilyn Andrews.

"We were a small class and we were really close. We had lots of fun together."

Students had all their classes in a temporary building near the Arts and Administration building.

Jeannette Piper from the Class of '88 was thrilled to see retired faculty member Marilyn Marsh at the event.

"She was such an inspiration," said Jeannette, a nurse at the Janeway, who is proud of the education she received at the School of Nursing. “I loved my time at Memorial and there’s not a day goes by that I have regrets about becoming a nurse.”

“Being a Memorial graduate is very special,” said Class of ’88 alumna Florence Budden, who teaches nursing at the Centre of Nursing Studies. “When you go to Memorial you develop leadership skills that give you the ability to work in the community, and as part of a team.”