In 1964, fifty-five students walked across the stage at St. Lukes Hospital School of Nursing, and out into the world.

60 years later, they still return to Duluth to reunite with their fellow classmates. As the years have gone on, the reunions have become more frequent – shifting from ten, to five, to every other year.

“We connected in a very, very special way. We came from different places, different times. We knew that we always could count on each other in our class, and we’re still the exact same way,” said Carolyn Booth Stanson, St. Lukes Hospital School of Nursing class of 1964.

The past three reunions have taken place at Grandma’s Saloon and Grill in Canal Park, an ode to the town that brought them all together.

“We want to celebrate the place where we went to school, and we want to celebrate Duluth because this is where we actually grew up together. We started 18 years of age, and it was a wonderful education. It was a three-year school, and we learned by example. We worked as student nurses in all our three years. So, it was just a wonderful, wonderful education,” said Stanson.

Out of fifty-five graduates, about half still try to find a way to reunite every other year to reconnect with those who they began their careers with.

“We spent three years going to school here. And we bonded very, very well with the other student nurses. Some of them are lifelong friends. Some of them become friends again every time we have a reunion,” Margaret Heitala Thilmany, St. Lukes Hospital School of Nursing class of 1964.

And even though life may have separated by distance, the st. Lukes hospital school of nursing class of 1964 will remain connected through their love and support of each other.

“It was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I still love nursing. I have that joy and that love of walking to a hospital and feel like wonderful things are happening here. And I just think that stay connected. Stay connected and support each other. Life happens and you’re there for each other,” said Sharon Holte, St. Lukes Hospital School of Nursing class of 1964.