Former Nursing School Dean to Celebrate 100th Birthday

by Alan Hunt

WACO, Texas - The Baylor School of Nursing is planning a 100th birthday party from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, in honor of Zora Fiedler of Dallas, former dean of the school, who celebrates her 100th birthday on Aug. 19. The party will be held in the recreation room in the Wilma Bass Memorial Hall, adjoining the nursing school.
Fiedler, dean from 1943-51, was described as a "great lady" by Dr. Phyllis Karns, nursing school dean, who praised Fiedler's "vision and hard work in helping advance the school into what it is today."
Karns said members of the nursing school classes from 1943-51 are invited to attend the birthday celebration lunch and to help build a scholarship fund in Fiedler's honor.
"In May, several members from the Class of 1947 began the Zora Fiedler Endowed Scholarship in Nursing," she said. "To date, $3,000 has been given and the goal is $15,000. When the fund reaches that goal a nursing school student will begin receiving an annual scholarship."
Karns said founding members of the scholarship fund from the Class of 1947 include Anna Barnes Buell, Ophelia Eleanor Harriman Cole, Margaret Longbotham Garey, Mary Triola Nicoll, Dolly Armstrong Green, Cora Ann Martin, Margaret Smith Pratt and Nomah Johnson Trachsel.
Born in Hico, Texas, Fiedler has lived at her Dallas home since 1949. Her husband, Albert, died in 1979. She is a member of Park Cities Baptist Church and maintains an active interest in the church.
"Her 'hobby' is people," said a friend. "She is a very giving person who has shared her life unselfishly throughout her 100 years."
For more information about the scholarship fund and the birthday celebration program, call Barbara Worth at Baylor School of Nursing at (214) 820-3361.