April 25, 2016
Eleanor Sturt
[email protected]
Colorado Springs is littered with pictures of the past life it led as a mining town, but also as a center for health and healing from tuberculosis.
Former nursing instructor Jo Ruth will present her book, “We are Beth-El Nurses: A Heritage of Caring at the Foot of Pikes Peak,” on April 29 from 2-3 p.m. in the third floor apse of the Kraemer Family Library.
The book is a collection of stories and pictures explaining the history of Beth-El nurses, according to Ruth.
The Helen and Arthur B. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing is an important part of UCCS history because the Beth-El nurses were among the first students at UCCS, according to Ruth.
“Beth-El’s nursing students were here on campus in 1965 when we started as a university. Here, on this campus. So they were among the very first students on the very first day,” said Ruth.
The book was a collaborative effort that included nursing alumni.
Ruth began writing the book in 1983 when a group of student alumni wanted to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Beth-El nursing program.
With only a small file on the entire 75 years of history, Ruth said she compiled all the information in one book with the help of different departments, Beth-El students, alumni and faculty that supplied the content.
Slowly, over the expanse of 33 years, she collected enough stories for her now published piece of work.
“This is our book, and I always refer to it as our book,” said Ruth, explaining that she put all of the information together, but it was a massive collaboration of different departments and Beth-El students, alumni and faculty that supplied the content
Archives librarian Mary Rupp coordinated the event with the archives department. Rupp explained that while there will be tables with pictures, records and historical artifacts, Ruth’s presentation is the main focus of the event.
“Not only is it the history of the school of nursing, but it’s also very integrated into the history of Colorado Springs,” said Rupp.
The Lowdown
What: ‘We are Beth-El Nurses: A Heritage of Caring at the Foot of Pikes Peak’
When: Friday, April 29 at 2 p.m.
Where: Kraemer Family Library – Third Floor Apse
Cost: Free to students