On Thursday, May 2, 2024, Southwestern Adventist University nursing faculty and staff gathered in the Larry Moore Nursing & Administration building lobby to bid a fond farewell to two long-standing nurse educators. Both current and former educators attended the luncheon celebrating the retirement of Professors Joyce Melius and Jean Alway, who have both dedicated many years of service to nursing and nurse education. The two professors have graduated hundreds of students who now practice in both local and national hospitals. Many of their colleagues prepared food, and Dr. Kerrie Kimbrow, the Department Chair, expressed her gratitude to these women’s life-long contribution to the university:

“We are so grateful for the many years of service you two have given, not only to us but to the Lord. You’ve both made the department a better place to work and learn; from the laugher in the hallways (which is always contagious!) to the practical jokes, to the many classes and tests that brought our nursing students through. Thank you so much, Joyce and Jean!” 

Donna Berkner, Vice President of Academic Administration and long-time friend of Joyce and Jean, also had words of remembrance and encouragement for the two professors. “I have spoken to students who have told me how much you two changed their lives…but I will miss their wit!” 

One of the distinguished guests at the celebration was Dr. Laurice Durrant, one of the namesakes of the Durrant-Pinterich Pioneers of Nursing Education Endowment. Her vibrance and enthusiasm for the SWAU Department of Nursing was on full display as she congratulated Joyce and Jean on their retirement. A pioneer of Adventist Nursing education, Durrant has been instrumental in sponsoring endowments in the U.S and Egypt (her home country) to make sure students receive a quality education.  She also expressed her excitement that so many good things were being said and written about the university and the Nursing program. “I am always happy to hear good things about the university,” Durrant said. “Whenever I read the Record, I always look to see if they are talking about Southwestern!” 

Dr. Melius and Ms. Alway are the newest members of a group of nursing educators who have faithfully served SWAU and its mission and are now entrusting their legacy to those who come after them. All the educators gathered at the luncheon have had a profound and lasting influence, not only on the students they taught, but on their colleagues, coworkers, and community members. Though their parting is bitter-sweet, Joyce and Jean’s contribution to Christian nursing education will be felt for many, many years to come, and on to Eternity, when the fruits of their faithfulness will be acknowledged by the Great Physician.