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�ǿմ�ý celebrated the official opening of The Duncan Family Nursing Education Center at a dedication ceremony Feb. 27. The new 11,000-square-foot facility strengthens Carthage’s role as a regional leader in healthcare education and workforce development.

Carthage named the center to honor Trustee Tom Duncan and his wife, Jan, for their extraordinary leadership and generosity. The Duncans provided $1.32 million for the facility, matching a grant that the College 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. It complements the original 4,000-square-foot nursing center in Lentz Hall, where additional renovations are scheduled to be completed this summer.

This new facility supports both the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and the monthlong Certified Nurse Aide training program at Carthage. Not only does nursing consistently rank as the College’s most popular undergraduate major, but it also achieves results — 100% of the program’s 2025 graduates found placements. 

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 state-of-the-art facilities, strong employer partnerships, and expanded access through scholarships.

Carthage Trustee Tom Duncan and his wife, Jan, matched a $1.32 million grant from the State of Wisconsin to make The Duncan Family Nursing Education Center possible. They're shown at a dedication event on Feb. 27, 2026.During the celebration, the Duncans announced a giving challenge to support scholarships for future School of Health students. They pledged to match up to $200,000 in gifts, doubling the impact for those pursuing careers in nursing and other health professions.

“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.”

Having devoted more than 60 combined years to health-related fields — Tom Duncan as a hospital administrator and Jan Duncan as a speech and language pathologist — the retired couple is eager to support the next generation.

“Jan and I believe deeply in Carthage’s mission and in the students who feel called to serve others,” said Tom Duncan. “By matching gifts for scholarships, we hope others will join us in opening doors for students who will go on to care for our communities.”

Community members are invited to a grand opening celebration for the School of Health on the evening of Thursday, April 23, featuring a 6 p.m. talk by Steve Serota, president and chief operating officer of Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories.