Left to right: Ella V. Stonsby and Hildegard Peplau
In 2026, Rutgers School of Nursing proudly celebrates 70 years of defining excellence—honoring a bold legacy that has shaped nursing education, research, and practice since 1956. This milestone also marks the establishment of the nation’s first graduate-level psychiatric-mental health nursing program, founded by the renowned Hildegard Peplau, whose groundbreaking work transformed the understanding of mental health care and the nurse–patient relationship. Peplau is widely known as the “mother of psychiatric-mental health nursing”. As we reflect on seven decades of leadership, innovation, and impact, we honor the visionaries who built our foundation and reaffirm our commitment to advancing the future of nursing and health care.
In the News
7 Ways to Celebrate
- Share your story and tell us why you love Rutgers School of Nursing.
- Explore our research through research news, discoveries, and opportunities to engage.
- Follow us on social media for anniversary highlights and School of Nursing news.
- Show your school spirit with a purchase from the School of Nursing store in support of the 2026 graduating class.
- Launch your future as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
- Make a gift in honor of the legacy of Hildegard Peplau to and support psychiatric-mental health nursing or make a donation to the 70 Acts of Kindness Drive.
- Celebrate with us by registering for an upcoming anniversary event.
Events
70 Acts of Kindness-Kickoff
Now – May 31, 2026 | Learn more
Support those in need in our community and make a gift of hygiene items and/or spices. Please join us in making a contribution by May 31, 2026.
Sleep Mitigation Strategies and the Health Impacts of Shift Work
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 | Learn more
March is Sleep Month! Join us to learn strategies to manage sleep challenges—especially for shift work and busy schedules—from experts Dr. Suzanne Crincoli and Dr. Aesha Jobanputra.
Pathways to Healthy Aging: How Lifestyle, Genetics & Environment Promote Resilience Against Alzheimer’s Disease in Older African Americans
Monday, March 30, 2026 | Virtual Zoom
We welcome everyone to attend this insightful session highlighting current research on aging, resilience, and Alzheimer’s disease risk in older African American communities.
Rutgers Giving Day
Friday, April 24, 2026 | Learn more
70 years. 70 gifts. Endless impact. Give $7, $70, or any amount that matters to you to support student scholarships, the School of Nursing EOF Fund, or psychiatric-mental health initiatives.
Rutgers Day
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Learn more
Show your Scarlet pride! Join us on Rutgers Day, stop by the Rutgers School of Nursing table on Busch Campus, wear your Rutgers School of Nursing gear, snap a photo, and tag us on social.
Nurses Week Celebration
Monday, April 27, 2026 | By invitation-only
School of Nursing faculty and staff are invited to join in an event.
Carnegie Hall Well-Being Concert
Fall 2026 | Learn more
Rutgers School of Nursing, in partnership with Carnegie Hall, invites you to attend an immersive Well-Being Concert.
School of Nursing Graduation
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | Learn more
Join our YouTube livestream to celebrate our special 70th anniversary graduating class!
Rutgers School of Nursing Alumni Association Scholarship and Awards Gala: 70th Anniversary Celebration
November 2026 | Check back for updates
Check back for more exciting events and offerings!
Testimonials
Donna Gaffney, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Class of 1977
“I give to Rutgers School of Nursing because it is the home of Hildegard Peplau and the birthplace of modern psychiatric nursing. Supporting the School honors the legacy of mentorship, meaning, and courageous care that shaped my journey. Gifts of support help ensure the next generation of nurses is prepared to lead with both clinical excellence and compassion.”
Jacqueline Hunterton-Anderson, DNP Student
“Being a graduate student in the Rutgers DNP Psych-Mental Health program has been an exceptional experience, surrounded by professionals and experts in the field. From the beginning, I have felt supported and inspired by my colleagues and professors.”
The Rutgers Nursing Edge
Rutgers School of Nursing is where research meets real-world impact. Powered by nurse scientists, innovators, educators, leaders, and students, we don’t just shape the future of nursing — we define it.