The College of Nursing was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award from St. Coletta of Wisconsin, a premier provider of support services for adults with developmental disabilities and other challenges, and was recognized at the 2022 Lead the Charge Gala on Friday, Sept. 24.
The college received the honor for its collaboration with St. Coletta’s Intergenerational Care Center in Brookfield, Wisconsin. College of Nursing students complete an eight-hour weekly community clinical rotation at the center as part of the nursing curriculum, with a focus on healthy adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The college recently completed its fourth cohort of student engagement this past summer, led by Callie Gilmore, instructor of nursing.
“This is a great honor for the College of Nursing, and we are thankful to St. Coletta of Wisconsin for their help in establishing a new and mutually beneficial partnership for our students,” said Dr. Jill Guttormson, acting dean of the College of Nursing. “Our students have excelled working with the clients of St. Coletta, caring for, engaging with and getting to know the wonderful people at its intergenerational care center. The college is appreciative for the ability to work with great partners, while being able to make a difference in our communities.”
Established by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi-Milwaukee over a century ago, St. Coletta of Wisconsin strives to provide consumer-driven programs and services that consistently meet and exceed the expectations of its customers. As one of the oldest organizations in the country, St. Coletta is dedicated to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities so they may be included in all aspects of life, participate as full citizens and receive the support they require for a quality life. It is strongly committed to cultivating both an internal and external sense of community.
Individuals with developmental disabilities are living longer than ever and it is up to service providers like St. Coletta, through its intergenerational care center, to offer opportunities that will enhance their lives through interactions with people of all walks of life.