DES MOINES, Iowa — Mercy College of Health Sciences will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. to celebrate the future home of the Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing.

The Legacy of Faith Campaign raised over $15 million and marks a significant milestone in the College’s continued commitment to addressing Iowa’s critical nursing workforce needs. The Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing will expand Mercy College’s capacity to educate and prepare the next generation of nurses while enhancing hands-on learning through modern simulation and clinical training environments.

“This celebratory event represents an investment in the future of healthcare in our community and across the state,” said Mercy College President, Dr. Adreain Henry, OD, EdD, MBA. “Through the Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing, we are strengthening our ability to prepare compassionate, highly skilled nurses who will serve with excellence and lead with purpose.”

Distinguished speakers will include Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Economic Development Authority; Bishop William Joensen, Diocese of Des Moines; Joyce and Terry Lillis; Dr. Vanessa Freitag, chief operating officer of MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center; and Dr. Louis Agnese, Jr., president emeritus, University of the Incarnate Word.

Friends of Mercy College are invited to attend and RSVP at www.mchs.edu/groundbreaking.

About Mercy College of Health Sciences

Mercy College of Health Sciences is a health sciences specialty school rooted in the Catholic heritage of the Sisters of Mercy. Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Iowa, Mercy College offers master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education courses. Through our unique hands-on learning, unparalleled clinical rotations, and accelerated education offerings, our students are prepared to enter the workforce quickly with the critical skills necessary to make an immediate impact in their chosen healthcare careers. Guided by our Core Values of Knowledge, Reverence, Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence, Mercy College has been transforming students into successful healthcare professionals for over 120 years.