On September 4, four years after the University announced plans for a nursing program, Â鶹ŮÀÉ celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting for its new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. More than 100 supporters, Â鶹ŮÀÉ employees, and regional partners joined the inaugural class of BSN students for the occasion.

“Today is a momentous occasion for Â鶹ŮÀÉ, celebrating the grand opening and ribbon cutting for our university’s new nursing program. Nursing is more than a profession, it’s a calling. It demands someone who is compassionate, intelligent, and committed to serving others,” Â鶹ŮÀÉ President Dr. John R. Porter said. “Launching this program is a direct response to the critical need for more nurses to support our healthcare systems and invest in the future of care.”

Nursing Program Director Dr. Meridith Vogeler offered her thanks to the many clinical partners and hospitals who have partnered with Â鶹ŮÀÉ. Vogeler expressed the importance of real experience for nursing students and thanked the many medical partners in attendance.

Saint Charles Mayor Dan Borgmeyer presented Â鶹ŮÀÉ with a New Horizons Award, celebrating the University’s commitment to the city. Borgmeyer also congratulated the students and recognized their important contributions to the profession. Nursing students Louis Berkbigler of Saint Charles and Amya Wren of Saint Louis also offered remarks to the event attendees.

Â鶹ŮÀÉ’s BSN program was made possible through the vision and dedication of many. Mercy established a foundational partnership in 2021. Additional gifts were made by Omni Cell, Shirley Wipfler, Mark and Donna Steele, Ron and Jane Puszkar, Duane, Linda, and John Flowers, and former board member Ron Ohmes. Their generosity enabled the University to establish scholarships for nursing students and construct hands-on learning facilities to promote student success.

The University’s BSN program is approved for cohorts of 48 students, and applications for admission are available through .