SchoolNurses18Apr1925NCDP0822
Edmonton Bulletin
18 April 1925
NCDP0822
GRADUATING NURSES REALIZE DREAM OF THREE LONG YEARS
Commencement exercises-- diplomas, flowers, music, speeches
of congratulation-- a dream of three long years was realized last night by the
thirteenth graduating class of the Edmonton General Hospital, when Memorial
hall was packed to the doors with interested friends and relatives for the
memorable occasion.
Graduation Address
"For three years you have been preparing yourselves for one of the
most deserving professions the human life can be devoted to," said His
Grace Archbishop O'Leary in his address to the graduation class who reminded
them that they had received their training in the oldest institution of the
city and had as their example through life that of their devoted teachers, the
Sisters of Charity, who have devoted their lives whole heartedly to the care of
the sick and suffering and who see in every sufferer the image of the Divine
Master.
Bidding them to remember their Alma Mater which would share their joys and
triumphs as well as their trials, His Grace gave as is concluding advice that
they always bear in mind the example of self sacrifice and devotion which they
had received from the Sisters of the good old General Hospital.
Lieut.-Governor Presents Diplomas
On all occasions a warm and sympathetic friend of the nurses, His Honor the
Lieutenant Governor congratulated the class in the choosing of the noblest of
professions and dwelt on the happiness of giving service which was theirs, and
as a few days before, when addressing another graduating class he referred to
the school of nursing as being first and foremost in training of young women
for wives and mothers and paying tribute to the hospital which gave them their
diplomas he also urged them to remember that they held in their keeping that
institution's good name.
Receiving diplomas were the Misses Ena Holbrook, Margaret Boyd, Mildred
Sheehen, Ardis Wood, Lillian Rogers, Edna Smith, Jennie Jasenchuk, Ethel
Loutit, Marie L. Lawrence, Mary McCrea, Eva Streeter, Elsie Prebus, Doris Raymond,
Olga Dykan, Margaret Ritchie, Esther Chambers, Martha Gabel, Katherine Mohr,
Selma Degen, Hazel McMillan, Pascaline Vandersegan, Ellen Borregard, Nellie
Brown and Clara Ries.
As each nurse descended from the platform baskets and boquets of flowers
were presented by the little Misses Jean and Bunty Chatham, and the stage
literally banked with carnations, roses, Easter lilies, palms and ferns, made a
charming background for the spotless white uniforms.
Dr H. E. Chatham presided throughout, and in the absence of Mayor Blatchford
called on the deputy Mayor, Alderman East, who in a humourous address brought
the city's greetings to the graduates, feeling assured he said that they would
acquit themselves like Edmonton nurses, and nurse of the General Hospital.
Dr. J. L. Petitclerc spoke briefly to the class stating that they held in their
hands a key to a new life, and warned them that in the profession they had
chosen that they must not look for reward for their deeds. "Every good
action carries its own reward," he said.
Dr. H. H. Hepburn in an address sparkling with humor dealt with
"Commencement," and said that the farther one gets from
graduation day the more truly it seems, "commencement."
The program opened with a piano duet by Nurses Genevive and Bernadette Lemay as
the graduates entered, followed by "O Canada," with Nurse Laura Roy
at the piano. A beautiful chorus in parts was sung by the class, and Nurse J.
Jasenchuk sang in a charming contralto voice, "Love's Old Sweet
Song," and a vocal duet by Miss Barnett and Mr. Smith also received a
hearty encore.
Extracted by J. Kynman 2009-11-06
