Carthage College celebrated the opening of The Duncan Family Nursing Education Center at a dedication ceremony in February. The new 11,000-square-foot facility strengthens Carthage’s role as a regional leader in healthcare education and workforce development.  

The center is named in honor of Carthage trustee Tom Duncan and his wife, Jan, who provided $1.32 million for the facility. They matched a grant the college had received from Wisconsin’s State Building Commission. 

Located on the lower level of Hedberg Library, the center features modern simulation labs and collaborative learning spaces designed to reflect real-world clinical environments. This unique facility includes a nurses’ station, twelve low-fidelity patient bays, three debriefing conference rooms, two classrooms, and student workspaces. 

The Duncan Family Nursing Education Center complements the original 4,000-square-foot nursing space in Lentz Hall, where additional renovations are scheduled to be completed this summer. That facility houses Carthage’s high-fidelity patient simulators, virtual reality lab, and psychomotor skills lab. 

The opening marks a significant milestone for Carthage’s growing School of Health, underscoring its commitment to prepare students for meaningful careers in healthcare through leading-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and expanded access through scholarships. 

During the celebration, the Duncans announced a giving challenge to support scholarships for future School of Health students. The couple pledged to match up to $200,000 in gifts — a challenge that their fellow Carthaginians met within weeks. 

“This center represents what’s possible when vision and generosity come together,” said Carthage President John Swallow. “The Duncan Family Nursing Education Center is more than a physical space; it’s a promise to students that Carthage will invest in their success, their calling, and their future impact on our region’s health and well-being.”