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Gloria Hanson
University Relations

The nursing profession has changed over the years, but one thing has remained constant within the DWU Department of Nursing. That is, until now.

After nearly 24 years on the job, Zelma Buchholz, associate professor of nursing, has said goodbye to her students and colleagues.

"I think what has impressed me the most, is that Dakota Wesleyan really is a Christian institution," Buchholz said. "They care about all of the people here. I've found that to be true especially within the nursing faculty. I've appreciated working with them. And then there are the students who touch your life…it's so rewarding to see them go out and become nurses."

Buchholz began her tenure at DWU in 1977 when she and her family returned to Mitchell from Iowa. She had grown up in the Corn Palace city, worked at the Methodist Hospital and was familiar with the town and the university.

At the time, the associate degree program was only three or four years old and the university was working toward national accreditation. She had her master's degree in nursing and, as she puts it, "they were quite interested in me joining the faculty." And so marked the start of a relationship that would prosper.

"I've found that this is such a great job because you have the opportunity of teaching the students, like all faculty do, but yet you go with them to the clinical areas and you're with them one-on-one," she said. "Another thing that I have really enjoyed is the Christian atmosphere here. It's been helpful, and I think that makes Dakota Wesleyan a good place to work because we rely on the Lord's guidance and that fits with what I believe."

Buchholz plans to do some traveling now that she has more time on her hands. Her husband, Dennis Buchholz, hopes to retire later this year, and with the couple's three children all living in California, a trip out west is definitely on the agenda. They also plan to visit Hawaii, something she's wanted to do for a long time. "The children gave us a trip to Hawaii for our 35th anniversary," she said.

Buchholz added that she also knows of a Christian organization in the South that needs volunteers during the winter months, and may offer her services there.

Buchholz said some of the most memorable times she's had at Wesleyan were when she presented diplomas to her daughters, Julie '89 and Laurie '92. Julie now lives near San Francisco and is working on a degree in graphic design. Laurie, who received her master's degree from the University of Mississippi, teaches at a community college in Porterville, Calif. Her son, Steve, an attorney, lives in Redwood City, Calif., with his wife, Liz.

Throughout the years, Buchholz has worked for five university presidents and with a nursing faculty that she says is second to none. Students credit their success in the program to her careful nurturing and professionalism. Cindy Olson of Sioux Falls asked Buchholz to pin her during the most recent pinning ceremony for graduates of the nursing program. At this year's student nurse convention in Rapid City, her students recognized her with a proclamation, and at the May 5 pinning ceremony they presented her with flowers and gifts.

"Zelma was a benefit to my education by upholding the professional and age-old traditions of nursing that make it one of the most respected professions," Olson said.

The women Buchholz works so closely with as colleagues say there will never be another who is so devoted and passionate about teaching.

"Zelma is a delight to work with," said Gloria Thompson, administrative chair of the nursing department. "She's always so kind and patient; there will never be another Zelma. She's such a spiritual person and she has helped us all grow in our own faith. Then when you think about how nursing relates to the mission of the university, Zelma felt the call."

Seven nurses, all from different areas of the profession, make up the teaching staff in Wesleyan's department of nursing. With seven different opinions on each topic, it makes for some lively debates. But when the discussions are over, Thompson said they remain united in one purpose-the education of future nurses.

Leaving a job that has meant so much will no doubt be difficult for Buchholz, but she has served the university well. At the latest board of trustee meeting she was designated as a professor emerita, an honor held only by those who have excelled throughout their careers as teachers.

And as this chapter in her life comes to an end, Buchholz says she believes only good times are ahead for the university.

"I would love to see Dakota Wesleyan prosper and do well," she said. "I would love to see the McGovern Library standing right over there and for the university to have the resources to do things that are needed and wanted. I'm very hopeful."