Geisinger Health Invests $200,000 in Bloomsburg’s New Nursing Simulation Center

Partnering for Better Health, Starting in the Classroom

Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg (CU-Bloomsburg) and the Bloomsburg University Foundation (BUF) recently celebrated the announcement of a $200,000 commitment from Geisinger Health to support the development of the new Nursing Simulation Center.

“This partnership with Geisinger Health helps bring to life one of the most innovative learning environments in the state for nursing students,” said BUF Executive Director Jerome Dvorak. “We are deeply appreciative to Geisinger for their leadership and vision in helping us bring this space to life for CU-Bloomsburg students through the power of philanthropy.”

This generous gift will be recognized through the naming of two clinical training spaces within the Center—the Population Health Lab and the Peri-Operative Lab—will be named in honor of Geisinger Health.

The new Nursing Simulation Center is set to open at the start of the fall 2025 semester and will significantly expand experiential learning opportunities for Bloomsburg nursing students. Located in McCormick Hall on Bloomsburg’s campus, the Center features advanced simulation technology, realistic hospital environments, and specialized labs designed to prepare students for the challenges and realities of modern healthcare.

“The nurses who come to work at Geisinger after graduating from Bloomsburg are well-trained and have all the qualities that make them great healthcare professionals,” said Janet Tomcavage, Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Nurse Executive at Geisinger and member of the Bloomsburg Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. “Geisinger and Bloomsburg have a shared mission of improving lives and strengthening the communities we serve, and this partnership reflects that commitment.”

Supporting a program that educates and trains the next generation of nurses directly reflects Geisinger’s mission to make better health easier for the communities it serves. By investing in local students and helping them build careers close to home, this partnership strengthens the region’s healthcare workforce and ensures that families throughout the area continue to receive exceptional, compassionate care.

“This contribution embodies our shared investment in the region’s future,” said Amy Brayford, EVP, Chief of Staff at Geisinger Health and member of the CU Council of Trustees. “Bloomsburg and Geisinger stand as two anchor institutions in our community, and when they collaborate, they help build a strong foundation for regional growth and lasting impact.”

The Nursing Simulation Center represents a cornerstone initiative within the University’s historic $100 million fundraising campaign, The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us. Geisinger Health’s gift will ensure nursing students receive the hands-on training necessary to excel in clinical settings and deliver exceptional care across the Commonwealth and beyond.

To learn more about the campaign or how to contribute, visit https://giving.bloomu.edu/the-campaign-for-bloomsburg-it-starts-with-us.