Seattle Pacific’s nursing program expanded this autumn thanks to a large gift from the Norcliffe Foundation, a Seattle-based organization that provides funding to nonprofits doing work in health care and other civic projects.
Fundraising is ongoing for the project, and current donors include the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and individuals.
The funding allowed SPU to renovate a unique building on West Nickerson Street, allowing the nursing program to relocate from Marston Hall. The renovated building houses a new clinical learning laboratory, where nursing students can complete their degree practicum requirements with less reliance on hospital-based clinical experiences.
The new location also creates space for more students. The undergraduate program expects to increase enrollment 50 percent by autumn 2020, and the graduate program will expand as well.