Bloomsburg University Foundation Receives $200,000 Commitment from UPMC for Nursing Simulation Center

Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg is pleased to announce a generous $200,000 gift from UPMC, which will be used to name the Peri-Operative Suite within the new Nursing Simulation Center at the Breiner School of Nursing on Bloomsburg’s campus. This gift supports the creation of a state-of-the-art facility that will significantly enhance the clinical training experience for nursing students, preparing them to meet the growing demands of the healthcare industry.

"We are incredibly grateful to UPMC for their commitment to the future of nursing education," said Latha Ramakrishnan, Dean of the College of Health, Science, and Technology. "This gift ensures that our students will have access to the highest quality training facilities, allowing them to develop the critical skills needed to excel in their careers and serve our communities with excellence."

The Nursing Simulation Center, part of the upcoming McCormick Hall renovation, is set to be completed in 2025. It will provide a high-performance clinical practice environment where students can hone their skills in a setting that emulates a real hospital. The center will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including advanced simulators and AV capture systems, enhancing the learning experience for students at Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses.

"UPMC’s generous support of our Nursing Simulation Center is a testament to their dedication to advancing healthcare education in our region," said Kim Olszewski, Senior Associate Dean, Breiner School of Nursing. "This investment will enable us to continue attracting and retaining top-tier students, ensuring that we are preparing well-trained, confident professionals ready to make a significant impact in the healthcare field."

Jerome Dvorak, Executive Director of the Bloomsburg University Foundation, expressed his gratitude for the partnership with UPMC, noting, "Our ability to fulfill our mission to provide students with the resources they need to succeed, starts with partners like UPMC. The naming of the Peri-Operative Suite is a fitting recognition of UPMC’s commitment to our students and the future of healthcare."

“Nursing is a hands-on, practical skill career, and having access to such a robust simulation program like what’s available at Bloomsburg University is going to be a game changer for the nurses who complete the program,” said Patti Jackson-Gehris, president, UPMC in North Central Pa. “Nurses are an essential component of our health care system, and we value our partnerships with the universities and colleges who are committed to advancing programs so that students are graduating into fulfilling careers with limitless potential.”

This partnership between Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg, the Bloomsburg University Foundation, and UPMC exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing the critical need for well-educated and well-trained nurses in the region. As healthcare continues to evolve, investments like this ensure that Bloomsburg University remains at the forefront of nursing education, contributing to the health and well-being of communities across Pennsylvania and beyond.