On Friday September 16, 2016, Swedish Institute celebrated our 100th anniversary with a centennial event that drew close to 400 attendees, mostly alumni. We celebrated this milestone with an evening full of events, starting with a dedication ceremony to the Eckardt family and culminating with a wonderful 100th birthday party.
The evening began with a ceremony dedicating the fifth floor at 151 West 26th Street as “Eckardt Hall.” Paula Eckardt was honored in a room that was full to capacity, with an overwhelming outpouring of love and support, alongside her children and grandchildren and in front of countless colleagues and alumni who attested to the difference she and her family had made in their lives.
The evening also featured exhibits set up by each Academic Department that highlighted the discipline and attributes of each specific academic program: Advanced Personal Training, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Nursing, and Surgical Technologist. The event also included a student art exhibit and performances, speeches highlighting the history of the college and the contributions of the Eckardt family, and a beautiful Centennial Journal that laid out the history of Swedish Institute from its inception to today which was written and wonderfully put together by Lucy Liben.
The evening culminated in a fantastic party, complete with DJ and dancing, a step-and-repeat-photo station, raffle prizes, and gift bags which were given to all attendees.
Seeing and hearing alumni from 30 and 40 years saying how proud they are to be a part of this institution really drove home the difference that Swedish Institute has made in so many lives. Happy 100th birthday Swedish, and now on to the next 100 years!
Centennial Celebration from Swedish Institute on Vimeo.