Church Notes Fall 2022

By Deborah Corteggiano Kennedy, ’73

This past spring, we were grateful to celebrate a reunion with the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing for the 18th year. After the stress and limitations of the pandemic, it was a joy to bring together the Church Home 50-year honorees from the classes of 1970, 71, and 72.

This is a special tradition, and I know I speak for all alumni in expressing our deepest thanks and appreciation for including us to share in such a special time.

Alumni were very excited to enjoy the Reunion Weekend in the new Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, notably the No. 1 nursing school in the country. The building is spectacular, and there are special touches of note throughout, namely the quilt in the lobby. The two squares made by Barbara Zelenka Spink, ’69 look beautiful and really made for Kodak moments over the weekend. Alumni also enjoyed seeing the donated bench in the courtyard and the plaque dedicated in 2014 that honors the special relationship between the two alumni associations.

The Church Home & Hospital Distinguished Alumni Award was very deservingly presented to Patricia Kniffin Roberts, ’65. Pat’s support to the Freda Creutzburg Scholarship, which benefits Johns Hopkins Nursing students, has been generous and ongoing. (The scholarship continues to grow and to date has a market value of over $400,000. The latest recipient, Rosie Khorshidirozbahani, was awarded $12,000 to enhance her education and fulfill her dream to serve vulnerable populations worldwide.)

Pat also has spent her entire life giving back not only as a nurse, but also as a good person to all.

The White Coat Drive was again supported by Church Home alumni as new Hopkins students begin their nursing journeys.

Many historic items donated by Margaret “Peg” Armstrong, ’55 were donated to the Allan Mason Chesney Medical Archives.

The Nursing Honor Guard, established in 2021, attended three funeral services of deceased alumni to pay tribute to their lives as nurses.

I look forward to Reunion Weekend 2023, when I will have the distinct pleasure of marking my own 50-year celebration.

A Gift for a Special Lady

When Barbara Zelenka Spink, ‘69 heard that Peg Armstrong had lost her home and was moving into Jacobs Well Assisted Living, Barb thought Peg could use something to make her new place a home. So, an award-winning quilter, Barb crafted a beautiful, handmade creation of the “Busy Bee” for Peg to enjoy.