Education

Extensive renovations to The Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing, started in 2006, were completed in April 2009 and celebrated with gala events and open houses May 14 to 16, 2009.

Renovations were funded by $6 million of the $8.7 million raised by West Penn Hospital Foundation's very successful "Touching Tomorrow" capital campaign.

The goal has been to preserve the charm of the 1923 building while creating a modern academic and residential environment.

Take a virtual tour through the renovated building via the Photo Gallery, below.

Photo Gallery of the Renovated

West Penn Hospital School of Nursing

Lobby

     Earthtones in the custom-designed compass-patterned carpet insert are mirrored in accent colors in the hallway.  

     Furnishings in the receptionist's area have a rich cherry-wood finish, to match the new cabinets with simulated marble countertops that form half-walls on two sides of this space.

First-Floor Hallway

   Dropped chandeliers of translucent glass and brass provide generous, soft illumination.  Flooring is faux-parquet in two colors to complement wall trim.

     Attractive ceiling bulkheads serve as conduits for wireless Internet service and state-of-the-art sprinkler and alarm systems installed throughout the building.

First-Floor Lounges

     The gracious style of the 1923 building has been preserved where possible.  The first floor features gracious lounges where students may relax, study or socialize.

Fireplace Lounge

     The Fireplace Lounge on the first floor features tall casement windows with sheer curtains that maximize sunshine during the day.

     The warm glow of a life-like fire brightens the room on chilly evenings.  The comfortable new furniture enhances the homelike atmosphere.

First-Floor Kitchen

    Students can prepare snacks for a study session or a full-course meal in one of several kitchens, all of which have been renovated with new appliances and furnishings, fresh paint, and new windows and flooring.

Student Lounges

     All student lounges on various floors of the residence building have been completely renovated and decorated with fresh paint, new carpeting and window treatments, attractive and comfortable furniture and lighting, and flat-screen TVs.

     This 4th floor lounge includes a comfortable dining area as well.

Porches

     This 4th floor porch, accessed via the 4th floor lounge, provides a gracious secluded area for quiet study or socialization, with delightful views of the neighborhood and distant vistas.

Hallways

     Hallways feature dropped ceilings to conceal the modern lighting and safety/sprinkler systems, patterned faux-wood floors, earthtone colors on walls and door frames, and attractive new signage.

Student Rooms

     Each student dormitory room has a beautiful new faux-wood floor, freshly painted walls, a new all-season window with an individual air conditioner, new furniture (desk, bed, dresser, storage cabinet), a sink with toiletry cabinet, and area lighting.  Many students add amenities such as a small refrigerator.

Classrooms

     The building's classrooms have also been renovated, to provide students with attractive, state-of-the-art learning environments.

     This 6th floor classroom features bright new flooring and furniture and "smart" audiovisual and other teaching technology.

Upper Floor Hallway

     Faux-wood parquet floors in the upper hallways were designed to provide an energizing sense of forward movement and momentum.

     Fresh paint and lighting enhance the mood.

School History Display Case

     The Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing has a rich and fascinating history.  This first floor display case offers glimpses into the life and times of its students since the School's founding in 1892 as one of the first training schools for nurses in the United States.

Donor Wall

     The School's Donor Wall recognizes major contributors to The Western Pennsylvania Hospital Foundation's "Touching Tomorrow" campaign, which funded the School's renovation.  Hundreds of guests enjoyed tours of the building at a series of "Celebrating Our Renaissance" events hosted by the Foundation on May 14 to 16, 2009.