George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
On September 16, George Brown Polytechnic welcomed members of its Nursing Class of 1976 back to campus to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 50 years since their graduation. Held at Limberlost Place, the reunion brought together alumni whose connections began as nursing students and have remained strong throughout their personal and professional lives.
The celebration highlighted the lasting impact of a George Brown education and the enduring value of staying connected to classmates, the institution and the broader alumni community long after graduation.
Reconnecting through shared experiences
Karen (McMahon) Zimba, a 1976 nursing graduate and reunion committee representative, reflected on her class's experience at George Brown and the lifelong friendships formed during their studies.
“From 1974 to 1976, we bonded together as young nursing students. Over 50 years later, our friendships remain strong, and we are so thankful for them,” said Zimba. “Our class members have taken many diverse paths in their nursing careers. It is amazing to see how far this profession, of caring for others, has come!”
These graduates have stayed connected through regular reunions over the decades, but returning to campus gave them a chance to celebrate those bonds and reconnect with the next generation of learning environments and facilities.
Celebrating a lasting legacy
A highlight of the reunion was a pinning ceremony, during which graduates received a special commemorative pin honouring their shared history and achievements. Attendees also took a guided tour of George Brown's Simulation Centre, gaining a firsthand look at how nursing education has evolved since they graduated five decades ago.
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Class of 1976 nursing graduates back to George Brown to celebrate their enduring friendships and shared legacy,” said Dr. Wendy Ellis, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. “Their reunion is a testament to the lasting connections formed through their education at George Brown Polytechnic and training at St. Michael’s Hospital. We are so proud of all our nursing graduates and their continued commitment to the nursing profession.”
The event is an important reminder of the role George Brown graduates continue to play in their professions and communities. Their collective achievements reflect the strength of a nursing education grounded in hands-on learning, compassion and service.
The value of lifelong alumni connections
The reunion also demonstrates how relationships built at George Brown Polytechnic can last a lifetime. Beyond celebrating a shared past, alumni gatherings strengthen connections among graduates, the institution, and the communities they serve.
As George Brown continues to prepare students for meaningful careers, stories like these reflect its graduates' lasting success and the importance of fostering a vibrant alumni network that supports connection, engagement, and lifelong learning.
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