On Friday, May 16, 2025 Judson University formally dedicated the Ruth Thompson School of Nursing, named in honor of Ruth Simonyi-Gindele, whose professional nursing career began under her maiden name, Ruth Thompson.

Held in Herrick Chapel, the ceremony marked the official integration of Ambria College of Nursing into Judson University’s academic offerings and recognized the faith-driven leadership and compassionate service that define Ruth Thompson’s life and career. Ruth was present at the event alongside her husband, Steven Simonyi-Gindele, making the day deeply personal and inspiring for all in attendance.

Born in New Zealand, Ruth Thompson was one of only two graduates in her class of 400 to achieve triple qualifications in general, midwifery, and psychiatric nursing. Her career spanned critical areas such as burns treatment and managing polio outbreaks, and she rose quickly to leadership roles as she became the first Nurse Adviser for the Nursing Council of New Zealand in 1972. In this role, she shaped national nursing education, registration processes, and professional standards. Her strong Christian faith guided her work, especially in psychiatric nursing, where she championed ethical treatment and dignity for all patients. Her impact extended to the assessment of overseas-trained nurses and the implementation of innovative curriculum standards before moving to Canada in 1975. Ruth and Steven have been married for 50 years and have two grown sons, Caleb (Verlynda) and Samuel (Elizabeth), and eight grandchildren.

The dedication ceremony included reflections from Ginny Guth, Judson’s Vice President of Student Success and University Registrar, who shared the seven-year journey between Judson and Ambria College of Nursing. This partnership began with early conversations in 2018 and has now culminated in a shared vision to educate and equip future healthcare leaders. Ambria will continue to serve adult learners through its LPN and RN programs based on Judson’s campus.

A liturgical blessing, adapted from Every Moment Holy, was shared during the ceremony as a communal prayer of dedication for the program, its faculty, and future students. The ceremony also included remarks from Rev. Dr. Michael Love (Board Chair), founders Nicole and Jon Oliveros of Ambria, and Steven Simonyi-Gindele, who offered reflections on Ruth’s legacy and their shared commitment to education and service.

Dr. Nikki Fennern, Executive Vice President of Judson and Chief Operating Officer for Ambria, closed the event with heartfelt remarks. Reflecting on the journey, she noted, “We have grown from two separate colleges to one cohesive unit.”

Turning to Ruth Simonyi-Gindele on stage, she added, “Ruth, we are proud to have a nursing program in your honor. We will strive continuously to let your legacy continue to include a focus on healing, hope, and biblical truth.”

The Ruth Thompson School of Nursing stands as a testament to Judson University’s mission to shape lives that shape the world through education, compassion, and excellence in care.

For more information, visit www.ambria.edu or www.judsonu.edu

ABOUT JUDSON UNIVERSITY

Judson University, located in Elgin, Illinois, is a fully accredited, Christian liberal arts university offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, minors, and pre-professional programs, as well as graduate programs in architecture, business, clinical mental health counseling, education, and more. Founded in the Baptist tradition, Judson is home to a vibrant community of students committed to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and meaningful service. The university is also known for its award-winning architecture program, its strong athletics tradition, and the RISE Program for differently-abled students. Through a mission of “Shaping Lives That Shape the World,” Judson empowers students to become leaders in their fields and ambassadors of compassion in their communities. Learn more at www.judsonu.edu.