Saving the Best for Last
On Saturday April 18, Alumni from the Classes of 1953 to 1976 gathered to celebrate an especially momentous reunion. The last cohort to graduate, the Class of 1976, celebrated its 50th reunion! Twelve class members traveled from all over the country to be there. Special thanks to the Class of ’76 for its generous contribution of $1,200 to the Freda Creutzburg Scholarship.
The annual tradition of a Class Poem and Gold Gift Bags were presenters to the new golden honorees.
Also in attendance were six members of the Class of 1966—a 60th reunion! The bonus attendee was Joyce Dallmeyer Ness, ’53, our oldest living alumnus (who stays active teaching tai chi).
Everyone enjoyed the student uniform display, Miss Creutzburg’s dolls—a student and graduate dressed doll—and group photos from 2004 to 2025. In addition, the items on the first floor of the Pinkard Building were taken in by all: the grandfather clock once was housed in the Church Home lobby, the stunning Quilt, Beacon of Hope Award, and Plaque. So many wonderful memories and icons that we hold dear.
The Church Home & Hospital School of Nursing existed for 84 years. The hundreds of nurses who graduated will always respect and value the education they received and will honor the lasting motto “Ego Servo.”
Distinguished Alumni Award
The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award was proudly awarded to Michelle “Shelley” Burdett Taylor, ’76. Shelley’s distinguished career includes an educational advancement of a BSN, MS, and PhD. Shelley’s remarkable career is known nationally and internationally, especially in the field of wound and foot care. A retired lieutenant colonel from the Army Nurse Corps, Shelley has published numerous articles, served as a keynote speaker, received multiple awards, and is currently a full university professor. Congratulations to Shelley, who was overwhelmingly nominated for this award.
Freda Creutzburg Scholar
Congratulations also to Sara Nasserzare, the latest recipient of the scholarship. Sara, in her letter of appreciation, stated that she was inspired to become a nurse because of her love of health care and giving back. Sara holds a degree in biology and physiology and plays the violin. Sara also shared that she has enjoyed crabcakes, the Ravens and the Orioles since moving to Baltimore from California.
Deborah Corteggiano Kennedy, ’73, is Church Home and Hospital alumni president.
In Memoriam
Lynne Teuteberg Connelly, ’69
Margaret L. Armstrong, ’55