North Park University Unveils Kathy J. Holmgren Nursing Simulation Lab
Simulation Lab named in honor of Class of ’69 graduate and longtime supporter of University
CHICAGO (November 20, 2015) — In a special ceremony held the morning of Friday, November 20, North Park University unveiled a new name for its state-of-the-art nursing facilities, the Kathy J. Holmgren Nursing Simulation Lab. Holmgren, who graduated from North Park with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1969, has been a longtime supporter of the University, including the recently opened Johnson Center for Science and Community Life.
Before a small group of friends and faculty of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Holmgren expressed her gratitude for the Evangelical Covenant Church and its long history of benevolent care, as well as what she called the “forward-thinking faculty” at North Park.
After Holmgren earned her degree from North Park, she went on to receive a master’s degree in oncology nursing from Brigham Young University, and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
Dr. Linda Duncan, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and a classmate of Holmgren’s, reminisced in remarks to the audience about how far North Park had come in terms of nursing education. Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Mary Surridge, in welcoming the crowd, praised Holmgren for a life of service and devotion to faith, family, nursing education, and healthcare.
Holmgren’s interest in medical mission work in Africa twice led her to work and serve in Congo, first in 1969 and again in 2006, alongside her daughter, Dr. Calla Holmgren. Additionally, Kathy has provided volunteer medical care in Rwanda, Romania, Mexico, Uganda, and every U.S. city in which she has lived, while supporting her husband, Mike, and his work in the National Football League.
“We proclaim here at North Park that how we live as individuals arises from the commitment to serve for God’s glory and neighbor’s good,” said University President David Parkyn. “We are delighted to name this sacred space of learning after Kathy, a woman who has dedicated her entire life to God’s glory and neighbor’s good. Nursing students today as well as generations to come will know the name Kathy Holmgren. Through knowing her name, they will know her life story. And through knowing her life story, they will be inspired to identify their own journey into a life of significance and service.”
Holmgren also served as a member of the North Park Board of Trustees for two terms between 1992 and 2004, and in 2006 received the North Park University Distinguished Alumni Award. She and Mike are the parents of four daughters, Calla, Jenny, Emily, and Gretchen, all of whom attended North Park.
The high-tech Simulation Lab opened during the summer of 2011 in a 3,000-square-foot, ground-level space on Foster Avenue. It includes four simulation rooms, two control rooms, and a conference room where students debrief their class experiences.
Holmgren’s ties to North Park go back generations. Her grandmother earned a nursing degree at nearby Swedish Covenant Hospital in 1903, which for many years collaborated on the education of nursing students. Her grandfather, Arthur Bowman, was pastor of nearby North Park Covenant Church, a congregation that many generations of North Parkers have called home.
“I am the most fortunate of people,” Holmgren said. “I feel so honored today.” In closing her remarks, she laughed, “All four of my children have gone to North Park. And it is Mike’s and my hope to have all nine grandchildren attend North Park as well.”
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