On a bright Tuesday afternoon on the IU South Bend campus, the sentiments were even sunnier at a large gathering to celebrate the grand opening of the 20,000 square-foot Dwyer Healthcare Simulation Center.
The ribbon is cut during the Dwyer Healthcare Simulation Center Grand Opening celebration on campus at IU South Bend. (Photo by Michael CateRepresentatives from the university and community expressed their enthusiasm and awe for the technical wonders to be found inside the building. All in attendance were encouraged to tour the facility and see the equipment up close after a ribbon-cutting.
Chancellor Susan Elrod read a statement from IU President Pamela Whitten, who was unable to attend in person but sent a warm message of sincere congratulations. Elrod saluted Michigan City resident Vera Z. Dwyer, whose wish to bequeath the community with meaningful healthcare improvements set the entire project in motion. The chancellor also praised Indiana Trust Wealth Management and its representative David Kibbe, who implemented the lead gift over $5 million.
People tour the Nursing Labs during the Dwyer Healthcare Simulation Center Grand Opening celebration on campus at IU South Bend. (Photo by MElrod also acknowledged the contributions of the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and help from the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership for assistance in applying for the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) funding from the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA). Funding from those sources allowed IU South Bend to acquire much of the center’s state-of-the-art equipment. Elrod said the new facility will provide real-life simulations of the types of scenarios students will face in their careers in nursing, radiography and medical imaging. She said not only do the students benefit from this solid training – the entire community does.
Nursing and Radiography students pose for a picture during the Dwyer Healthcare Simulation Center Grand Opening celebration on campus at IU“Let this number sink in,” Elrod emphasized, “90% of our health sciences graduates stay and work at medical facilities in this region. This is another example of how IU South Bend is meeting its mission to serve the communities of North Central Indiana.”
After thanking the capital planning and architectural partners in the project, Elrod introduced Jesús García-Martínez, Interim Dean of the College of Professional Studies. García-Martínez spoke of the impact that these new opportunities will have on a large number of students, and credited the vital work of former dean Thomas Fisher in the earliest days of planning.
Radiography students explain the energized labs to guest during the Dwyer Healthcare Simulation Center Grand Opening celebration on campus aKibbe expressed gratitude that the initial discussions 11 years ago had come so successfully to fruition. Most pointedly, he asked everyone for a round of applause in appreciation of benefactor Vera Z. Dwyer herself. Dwyer, who died in 2010, wanted to make a palpable impact on area healthcare, and this was the day her wishes finally took real form.
“I’d like us all to thank someone that no one here ever met,” Kibbe told the students. “Vera never had children of her own, but all of you are now part of her legacy.”
