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Oak Point University Awards Alumna from Class of 1939 with Honorary Degree

May 6, 2014 // Oak Point University

Doris Mesenbrink, from the class of 1939, was awarded an Honorary Degree at Oak Point University’s Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2014. The Honorary Degree was awarded to Doris upon the approval of Oak Point University’s faculty and Board of Directors. An honorary degree is awarded to a recipient whose achievements are aligned with, and are in support of, the University’s mission and values.

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Doris Mesenbrink and President Beth A. Brooks, PhD, RN, FACHE

Doris earned her diploma when the school was called West Suburban Hospital School for Nurses. After graduating, she took a job working nights at Lake Forest Hospital. Throughout her 55-year career, Doris worked diligently to take care of her patients, and never took a break except for the birth of her two children. She felt fortunate that she did not have to put her career on hold when her children were born. Working nights allowed her to bring her children with her, so she could work while they slept. Eventually, she left the hospital setting to be a private duty nurse, and in the 1980s, she became the Director of Nursing in a long-term facility before officially retiring.

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Doris Mesenbrink, Class of 1939, receiving her honorary degree at the Graduation Ceremony on May 3, 2014.

In 2006, Doris established the Kurtz Mesenbrink Endowed scholarship on behalf of her husband, who passed away in 1999, and herself. The scholarship is awarded every year to an undergraduate nursing student. Today, at 96, Doris enjoys living independently in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Her nursing memorabilia is proudly displayed in her home including her nursing pin and cap.

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