Muriel L. Walker. Img source: newsroom.clevelandclinic.org
May 10, 2024 Story by: Editor
During Nurses Week festivities, Cleveland Clinic Akron General paid tribute to Muriel L. Walker, who made history in 1948 as the first African American nurse to join the staff at People’s Hospital, later known as Akron General.
Akron General hosted a ceremony on Thursday to honor Mrs. Walker’s enduring legacy. Family members of Mrs. Walker, alongside numerous caregivers from Akron General, attended the event. A plaque commemorating Mrs. Walker’s achievements will be prominently displayed at the hospital, ensuring that future generations of Akron General nurses are acquainted with her remarkable journey.
“We are thrilled to recognize the remarkable legacy of this extraordinary caregiver, particularly during Nurses Week,” remarked Kelli Saucerman-Howard, DNP, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Akron General. “Muriel Walker was undeniably a pioneer in the nursing profession and within the Akron community, paving the way for countless others to follow her lead.” Source: Clevelandclinic.org
Mrs. Walker embarked on her illustrious nursing career during World War II by enrolling in the U.S. Army Cadet Nurse Corps at Metropolitan General School of Nursing in Cleveland. Excelling as an honors student across various disciplines, including science, math, psychology, English literature, and Latin, Mrs. Walker graduated in 1948 and commenced her tenure at Peoples Hospital/Akron General Hospital, where she dedicated nearly 45 years of service before retiring in 1992. Renowned for her unwavering commitment to enhancing technical proficiency and compassionate care among nurses, Mrs. Walker earned widespread recognition and respect.
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| Plaque honoring Muriel L. Walker. Img source: newsroom.clevelandclinic.org |
Throughout her career, Mrs. Walker actively contributed to the hospital and the community, serving on the boards of Edwin Shaw Memorial Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, as well as the Internal Brotherhood Home for Alcoholism Treatment. Additionally, she engaged in political endeavors, representing as a delegate at the 1976 and 1980 Democratic National Conventions.
Her exceptional contributions were acknowledged through numerous accolades and honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed jointly upon her and her husband, Atha Walker, by the Summit County Council.
Dedicated to continuous learning, Mrs. Walker diligently pursued educational opportunities to maintain her nursing license from 1948 until her passing in 2017 at the age of 89.
In tribute to her enduring legacy, Akron General and the Akron Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association established a nursing scholarship in her honor several years ago.
