About The Mack Alumni Association
June 1874 marked the beginning of nursing in Canada under the Nightingale system which insisted that a school for nurses be under the leadership of a woman who was herself a trained nurse.
The St. Catharines Training School and Nurses' Home later was renamed the Mack Training School for Nurses after its founder. Dr. Mack was familiar with Miss Nightingale's work in the Crimea and in the English hospital world. He adhered to her principles and in 1874 sent Miss Money to England to bring out a staff of nurses trained in the Nightingale System. She returned with three nurses from Guy's Hospital and several probationers.
The School motto Video et Taceo - I see and I am silent - was undoubtedly chosen by Dr. Mack and is illustrated on the early diplomas which were made by hand in England. Portrayed on the diploma was a candle-holder in the form of a cherub with his finger to his lips.
Miss Margaret Hughes |
Miss Margaret Hughes of the Class of 1896 had the vision and interest to become the founder of the Mack Training School Alumnae Association. It was organized in 1901 but because Miss Hughes was involved with an important nursing position in the United States, the Alumnae lacked much-needed Leadership.
In 1905 Nellie (Gadsby) Purnall (1896) was elected President and due to her leadership, enthusiasm and love for Mack, she inspired others and as a result Alumnae membership became part of M.T.S graduation. She also encouraged M.T.S. graduates to become affiliated with the Graduate Nurses Association of Ontario which in 1926 became known as the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario.
Through the years, the Alumnae has offered financial support to students, graduates, the Residences, and charitable organizations, but especially to the St. Catharines General Hospital. The Alumnae also awarded a medal for general proficiency for the deserving student of the graduating class - beginning in 1925. In addition, they sponsored an Annual Banquet for each Graduating Class and an annual summer picnic for all of the students.
In 1918, following World War I, an Honour Scroll was arranged by the Alumnae Association for Mack nurses who volunteered and gave their services. Our nurses also volunteered for World War II in both the Canadian and American forces.
In 1957, the first male student - Dale Abbott - graduated from the Mack Training School for Nurses. A few years later, the name Mack Training School Alumnae was changed to the Mack Alumni Association. There are 1871 Mack graduates. The Alumni has published Directories which list the names of every graduate by their Class Year as well as their names at graduation and updated names and addresses. The most recent Directory was published in 2001. All those who attended the Annual Reunion Dinner in June of that year received a copy.
Officers of the Association consist of:
- President - Eleanor (Smith) Snider '54
- 1st Vice President - Gloria (Taylor) Annand '64
- Treasurer - Margaret (Duerksen) Janzen '65
- Recording Secretary - Lelia (Angle) Watson '56
- Corresponding Secretary - Marion (Hill) Gayder '52
Each person is elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for a two year period.
The Executive Committee consists of:
The Officers
- Past President - Irene (Kruk) Boyes '59
- Historian - Eleanor (Smith) Snider '54
and two active members appointed annually by the Officers.
- Shirley Jackson '55
- Katharine (Sawatsky) Burtch '49
- Card Convenor - Anne (Wowchuk) Davidson '55
Upon their 50-year anniversary of graduating, members of the Mack Alumni receive Life Memberships in the Association without further payment of dues.
All those who attended Mack will remember the support and special times provided by the Women's Auxiliary of the St. Catharines Hospital - from the early years. This group of dedicated women ( who were first known as The Ladies Aid Society) with money raised provided furnishings for the Nurses Homes as well as the Hospital.
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