Luther Christman, PhD, RN, FAAN, pursued a bold vision for what the profession of nursing could become. At a time when men were severely underrepresented in nursing, Dr. Christman paved the way for them to enter the profession. At a time when clinical nursing practice was focused on performing tasks, he promoted a model of primary nursing that empowered nurses to treat the whole patient. At a time when physicians were the unequivocal and exclusive decision makers, he advocated for doctorally prepared nurses to lead collaboratively in the delivery of care.

At our tribute symposium this November, we will celebrate Dr. Christman’s far-reaching impact on our field. We will honor both his forward-thinking ideas, and the courage it took to pursue them. Many of Dr. Christman’s innovations in nursing education were not readily accepted nor easily implemented, though history has shown they were critical to advancing our field. He overcame controversy to improve the quality of care for patients, to achieve parity for nurses with other health professionals and to generate a humanistic and compassionate experience for patients and families.

Today in Rush University College of Nursing, we proudly follow in Dr. Christman’s footsteps as we advance nursing education and practice. We do so with knowledge that is consistent with Dr. Christman’s vision and with the insightfulness and the courage to choose what is right over what is easy. His life is his legacy — courageous and determined to make the world a better place to live by being the best nurses we can be.

Best wishes,

Melanie C. Dreher, PhD, RN, FAAN
John L. and Helen Kellogg Dean,
Rush University College of Nursing