Jan Erpelding, Class of 1969

A 1969 graduate of the Allen Memorial Hospital Lutheran School of Nursing, Jan Erpelding has dedicated more than 50 years to nursing, healthcare leadership and community service while maintaining a lifelong connection to Allen Hospital and Allen College.

Throughout her career, she served in leadership roles in nursing education, healthcare administration, recruitment and workforce development. As Allen Legacy Coordinator, she has helped strengthen the nursing workforce by connecting Allen College students with career opportunities at Allen Hospital.

Jan has been a champion for healthcare education and community health initiatives, helping advance breast and cervical cancer awareness and early detection programs throughout Iowa. Her contributions have earned numerous honors, including the 100 Great Nurses Award, the Teresa Christy Award and the American Cancer Society Volunteer of the Year Award.

A dedicated supporter of Allen College, Jan has volunteered her time and expertise through alumni programs, scholarship reviews, fundraising efforts and historical preservation projects. Most recently, she played a key role in documenting and sharing the history of Allen College and Allen Hospital during the Fall for Allen centennial celebration.

Together with her husband, Bruce, she established the Erpelding Scholarship and has supported Allen College through philanthropy for more than 25 years. Her service and commitment to nursing education have left a lasting impact on Allen College and the healthcare community.