Front of the SXU School of Nursing The Xavierite
This year, the Saint Xavier University (SXU) School of Nursing is celebrating its 90th year in operation.
“Saint Xavier’s nursing program is the oldest baccalaureate degree program in nursing in the state of Illinois. We became a baccalaureate school in 1935, so we have a long, long reputation of excellence, which we continue to uphold in all that we do,” SXU Dean of Nursing Charlene Bermele, Ph.D., stated.
During an interview with the Xavierite, Bermele discussed what she calls SXU’s “distinguished” nursing program, particularly the online Master’s in Nursing program, which is ranked #2 in the United States by US News and World Report.
Caitlin Sheridan, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, former SXU student who received both her BSN through SXU, as well as her Master’s in Nursing through the online program, had this to say about her experience: “I am incredibly proud to have attended Saint Xavier University’s School of Nursing. Being part of such a respected institution has not only strengthened my clinical knowledge and skills but also shaped my professional identity as a nurse. I carry their lessons and encouragement with deep appreciation in every step of my career.”
Sheridan even noted how “employers consistently recognize and respect the caliber of SXU graduates,” and how this contributed to her “smooth transition” from university into the job market.
The school’s 90th anniversary will be commemorated on Saturday, Sept. 27 with a 4 p.m. mass in McDonough Chapel, followed by a tour of the School of Nursing, which will include the recently completed Simulation Integrated Learning Center, and a reception at Ridge Country Club, which will begin at 5:30.
According to Bermele, who is the main person orchestrating the event, there is an estimate of 140 to 150 people expected to attend the event, at which Bermele will give a speech. “I’m losing sleep over this event!” Bermele said during the interview, laughing.
The most difficult part of planning the event, according to Bermele, is “making everybody happy.” “Right now, we’re [planning] the table seating, and that’s kind of like doing a wedding, making sure where everybody sits, they’re going to be happy–and, that’s probably the hardest part of the thing, making sure that we’re making everybody happy,” she said.
According to Bermele, preparation for the mass and dinner event began months ago, during the Spring 2025 semester. “I’ve been involved in this from the start, which began way back in March, just to get it going,” Bermele explained her role in the planning of the event.
However, more than just the nursing department was involved in the planning process of the event. “My staff and I are very collaborative with University Advancement, so we have a core team of people that are putting this on,” Bermele explained.
“Our role is to support the dean, the faculty, and nursing students in what they’re looking to do, and what they wanted to do was celebrate,” Adrian Aldrich, Vice President of University Advancement, stated in reference to University Advancement’s involvement with the event.
According to Aldrich, Becca Allpow, Project Manager of University Advancement, and Ann Piejko, Events Coordinator, University Relations, and other faculty were also involved in the process of organizing the event. “It’s a team effort,” Aldrich said.
“It really is an honor to be a part of this 90th and to be the dean of a great school,” Bermele concluded.