The Eleanor Crowder Bjoring Center for Nursing Historical Inquiry
University of Virginia School of Nursing P.O. Box 800782 Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-0782 mailto:nurs-hxc@virginia.edu URL: http://www.nursing.virginia.edu/cnhi/
Betsy Johnson-Whitten
Repository
The Eleanor Crowder Bjoring Center for Nursing Historical Inquiry
(b. 1924) Public health nurse in the San Francisco area, 1953–1979. Includes materials on her work to establish an endowed
chair in "Ethical Spiritual Dimensions of Nursing Practice" at the University of California San Francisco.
Thelma Shobe Cook was born March 27, 1924 in Visalia, California. She received her nursing diploma from St. Luke's School
of Nursing in the Mission District of San Francisco and graduated August 31, 1951. After graduation she entered the University
of California, Berkeley and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing on August 2, 1952. She received her certificate
of Public Health Nursing on May 26, 1953. Ms. Cook began her career in February of 1953 as the Alameda County Health Department
Public Health Nurse. In 1958 she was promoted to supervising Public Health Nurse. Thelma Shobe Cook earned her master of Public
Health in 1964 from the University of California School of Public Health at Berkeley. In the Spring of 1965 she went to work
for the Oakland Unified School district as the school nurse and worked there until she retired in 1979.
After retirement Thelma Shobe Cook worked to establish the an endowed chair in Ethical Spiritual Dimensions of Nursing Practice
at the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing. In her words
"I belong to no religious organization and I espouse no orthodoxy. I do believe, however, that man is more than flesh and
bones; illness may be/can be a spiritual crisis; recovery may be/can be a spiritual journey."
This collection consists of personal papers, images and ephemera related to Thelma Shobe Cook's career. The majority of the
collection consists of the correspondence, documents and publications surrounding the establishment of the Thelma Shobe Cook
Endowed Chair in Ethical Spiritual Dimensions of Nursing Practice.
Additions:
This collection consists of the contents of one scrapbook and an autobiographical book. The scrapbook contained correspondence
from and to Cook from colleagues regarding the creation of the Thelma Shobe Endowment Lectureship at University of California
San Francisco School of Nursing and a corresponding website created by Patricia Brenner, R. N. Ph.D., FAAN, Thelma Shobe Endowed
Chair and Lectureship in Ethics and Spirituality. Cook was instrumental in every stage of planning from the mission statement
to the finances and the University of California San Francisco Foundation Endowed Fund Agreement. The lecture Spirituality,
Ethics, Medicine: Uneasy Partners was given by Margaret Mohrmann, MD. PhD.
Also in this collection are various media articles and photos regarding Shobe and her husband, Monford Cook regarding their
donations to the University of California San Francisco, School of Nursing. The scrapbook represents the years 2005 to 2007
and the various activities that Thelma Shobe Cook was involved in especially the Lectureship at the UCSF School of Nursing.
The scrapbook mainly consists of correspondence was illustrates not only how involved Cook remained in every aspect and stage
of planning but also how thoughtful she was of people involved in the project and thorough she was to details. The scrapbook
concludes with information about Shobe Cook's attendance at the schools Alumni Centennial April 28th, 2007 and her induction
into the Wall of Fame. This collection also contains a book written by Cook called Smoother Pebbles and Prettier Shells: A
Spiritual Odyssey which is both an autobiographical account of her life and an explanation of her Christian beliefs.
The Thelma Shobe Cook Papers have been arranged in one series, chronologically as presented by the donor.
Additions:
This collection consisted of a scrapbook and a book. I dismantled the scrapbook and took the leaves out of the plastic covers
but kept the scrapbook in its original order. The dates were not in exact chronological order but Thelma Shobe Cook was the
creator of the scrapbook and her intentions were preserved by this type of organization. Therefore the scrapbook makes up
first four folders of the collection. Mixed up in each of these four folders are correspondence, photos, drafts of website
construction, drafts and final copies of content on the website and presentations delivered at the Shobe Endowed Lectureship
on March 22, 2007 at UCSF School of Nursing. The last folder contains the book Smoother Pebbles and Prettier Shells: A Spiritual
Odyssey 127 pgs which I took out of the plastic binding.
Typed Document List of Textbook donated to collection
Mixed Materials box: 1 folder: 02
Front Cover "The Road Taken: I Became a Public Health Nurse"
Mixed Materials box: 1 folder: 03
Typed manuscript-Personal Essay-1 "The Slumbering Splendor" how she decided to become a nurse (2 pages)
Mixed Materials box: 1 folder: 04
Typed manuscript-Personal Essay-2 "A Rich History" personal experience at St Luke's Hospital (3 pages)
Mixed Materials box: 1 folder: 05
Copied image The Alter of the St. Luke's Chapel 2003
Mixed Materials box: 1 folder: 06
Copied image St. Luke's Chapel 1948-1951 Source: Blue Chambray 1951 Image Black and white original St. Luke's Hospital School
of Nursing Probationary Class c. 1948 Flyer
Mixed Materials box: 1 folder: 07
Typed manuscript-Personal Essay-3 "A Goal Achieved" (12 pages) Cook's entrance into St. Luke's School of Nursing Images from
St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing Catalog Blue Chambray Yearbook
Mixed Materials box: 1 folder: 08
Invitation Graduation exercises for St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing class of 1951
Mixed Materials box: 1 folder: 09
Diploma cover
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 010
Diploma St. Luke's School of Nursing Thelma Jewel Shobe, August 31, 1951
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 011
St. Luke's School of Nursing Pin
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 012
Newspaper clipping San Francisco Examiner June 25, 1951 33 New Names at St. Lukes
Mixed Materials box: 1 folder: 13
Newspaper clipping San Francisco News June 22, 1951 33 Graduated from St. Lukes
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 014
Certificate and envelope St. Luke's Hospital, June 22, 1951. Notification of scholarship award to Thelma Shobe
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 015
Correspondence Letter (hand written) from St. Luke's School of Nursing President Lois Dixon Jones to Thelma Shobe congratulating
her on graduation. Black and white image Nurses in uniform: Suzanne Rattray, Doralee Anderson, Thelma Shobe following graduation
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 016
Black and white images (sepia) Graduation photograph of Thelma Shobe, 1951
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 017
Certificate State of California RN license issued to Thelma Shobe, October 15, 1951 , Notification of Appointment University
of California, Minnie Fechheimer Memorial Scholarship issued to Thelma Shobe September 24, 1952
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 018
Notification of Appointment University of California, Minnie Fechheimer Memorial Scholarship issued to Thelma Shobe March
5, 1952
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 019
Diploma University of California Bachelor of Science issued to Thelma Jewel Shobe, August 2, 1952
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 020
Certificate University of California Certificate of honors in Nursing issued to Thelma Jewel Shobe, August 2, 1952
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 021
Certificate University of California Certificate for four months supervised field practice in Public Health Nursing to Thelma
Jewel Shobe, June 18, 1953
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 022
Certificate Public Health Nurse issued to Thelma Jewel Shobe, May 26, 1953 Diploma California State Board of Education: Life
Diploma issued to Thelma Shobe Cook, January 25, 1962
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 023
Typed document correspondenceFrom Elizabeth W. Clark, Secretary-Treasurer of the Zeta Chapter of Delta Omega Honorary Public
Health Society to Thelma Cook nominating her for member in the honor society. April 15, 1964
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 024
Certificate From Zeta chapter of Delta Omega to Thelma Cook upon election as member, June 10, 1964 Pin Delta Omega membership
pin
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 025
Diploma Issued to Thelma Shobe Cook for completion Masters of Public Health from the University of California
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 026
Typed Document Delta Omega Society By-Laws
Mixed Materials box: 01 folder: 027
Typed Document Endnotes citing the author's sources Yearbook Blu Chambray: St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing, San Francisco,
CA, September 1949, 1950, 1951.
Mixed Materials box: 2 folder: 01
Typed manuscript Personal Essay-4 Founding of Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair in the Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions of Nursing
Practice
Mixed Materials box: 2 folder: 02
Typed Document Signed Correspondence From Kathleen Kane, J.D. Executive Vice President of Development, University of California,
San Francisco, to Thelma Shobe Cook acknowledging her testamentary bequest. February 19, 1988
Mixed Materials box: 2 folder: 03
Pledge card Mrs. Thelma Shobe Cook pledging to join Heritage Circle, University of California, San Francisco.
Mixed Materials box: 2 folder: 04
Booklet Heritage Circle, University of California, San Francisco.
Mixed Materials box: 2 folder: 05
Typed Document Signed Correspondence From Marilyn S. Johnson, Deputy Director of Development, UCSF to Thelma Shobe Cook forwarding
copied of UCSF Foundation's year-end issue. December 8, 1908[sic]. Actual date 1988
Mixed Materials box: 2 folder: 06
Brochure Foresight, UCSF Foundation, School of Nursing, Vol. 5, Issue 1, 2 copies
Mixed Materials box: 2 folder: 07
Image Color image of Thelma Shobe Cook , summer 1988
Typed Document Correspondence From Thelma Shobe Cook to Kathleen Kane, December 13, 1988, referencing Foresight article
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 010
Typed Document Correspondence from Thelma Shobe Cook to Kathlee Kane, September 27, 1992, thank you for gift of Heritage Circle
paperweight.
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 011
Typed Document signed Correspondence from Dorotea Reyna, Director of Development, UCSF to Thelma Shobe Cook, September 23,
1992, thanking her for the meeting Business cards Dorotea Reyna, Director of Development, School of Nursing, UCSF Linda Franciscovich,
Manager, Planned Giving, UCSF
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 012
Typed Document Personal notes Thelma Shove Cook referencing the establishment of a Chair in Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions
of Nursing with the proceeds of her estate, Summer 1998 Booklet The Thelma Shobe Endowed Fund at the University of California
San Francisco School of Nursing, October 1, 1998
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 013
Typed Document Correspondence from Thelma Shobe Cook to Enid Pollack, Associate Director, Planned Giving, UCSG, referencing
amendment to The Cook Family Trust, January 15, 1999. Receipt Certified mail for January 15, 1999 correspondence to Enid Pollack
Typed Document Signed Correspondence from Enid Pollack, J.D., Associate Director, Planned giving, UCSF to Thelma Cook, January
20, 1999 with attached copy of the Second Amendment to the Cook Family Trust.
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 014
Book From Novice to Expert, Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice by Patricia Benner, inside cover inside signed
by author to Thelma Shobe Cook
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 015
Typed Document Correspondence from Thelma Shobe Cook to Patricia Benner thanking her for the book, November 1, 1998 Typed
Document Signed Correspondence from Jane S. Norbeck, RN, DNSc, FAAN, Dean, School of Nursing to Thelma Shobe Cook, thanking
her for creating the Thelma Shobe Endowed Fund at the School of Nursing at UCSF, March 12, 1999 Personal notes Thelma Shove
Cook referencing the establishment of a Chair in Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions of Nursing before her death by reorganizing
her current funds, Spring 2002
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 016
Typed Document Correspondence from Thelma Shobe Cook to Kathleen Dracup confirming meeting for lunch, June 7, 2002 Personal
notes Thelma Shobe Cook's notes and questions for meeting with Kathleen Dracup, June 12, 2002 Document Correspondence Handwritten
from Kathleen Dracup to Thelma Shobe Cook referencing meeting to discuss endowed chair, June 24, 2002
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 017
Article Lessons I Have Learned (So Far), Kathleen Dravup, DNSc, RN, CS FNP. The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, January
1998 Typed Document Correspondence from Thelma Shobe Cook to Kathleen Dracup referencing Dr. Benner's possible appointment
to the endowed chair position, July 2, 2002 Receipt Certified mail receipt for letter sent July 2, 2002 to Kathleen Dracup
Typed Documents Correspondence from Thelma Shobe Cook to Kathleen Dracup referencing her personal information , July 2, 2002
(5 pages) Correspondence from Thelma Shobe Cook to Kathleen Dracup referencing Dr. Benner's materials, July 2, 2002 (3 pages)
Correspondence (email) from Judith Mazia to Thelma Shobe Cook referencing meeting, July 3, 2002 Correspondence from Thelma
Shobe Cook to UCSF Foundation referencing enclosed check for $500,000 to establish Thelma Shobe Endowed Fund, July 8, 2002
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 018
Image Dan Riley, Director of Planned Giving accepting letter and check from Thelma Shobe Cook, July 8, 2002 Copy of Bank of
America cashier's check from Thelma Shobe Cook to UCSF Foundation for the Thela [sic] Shobe Endowed Fund Dan Riley, Director
of Planned Giving pouring Champaign for Thelma Shobe Cook, July 8, 2002 Associate Dean of Nursing Zina Mirsky and Thelma Shobe
Cook, July 8, 2002 Judith Mazie, Planned Giving Associate, Hekdi Strassburger, Associate Director planned giving, Mark Boon,
Development Director, School of Nursing, Montford Cook, husband of Thelma Shobe Cook
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 019
Documents Correspondence (handwritten) from Dan Riley to Thelma Shobe Cook referencing official receipt, July 11, 2002 From
J. Michael Bishop, M.D. to Thelma Shobe Cook acknowledging receipt of $500,000.00 gift. Correspondence from Kathleen Dracup,
RN, DNSc, FNP, FAAN, Dean UCSF School of nursing to Thelma Shobe Cook referencing letters sent by Cook to Dracup, August 2,
2002 (2 pages) Correspondence from Thelma Shobe Cook to Kathleen Dracup referencing September 17 Dean's Associates/Heritage
Circle Reception Correspondence from J. Michael Bishop, M.D. to Thelma Shobe Cook thanking her for her gift of $500,000.000,
August 26, 2002 and envelope
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 020
Typed Document Correspondence email from Clint Marsh to Thelma Cook referencing article in UCSF Catalyst article, December
9, 2002 Newsletter UCSF Catalyst, Fall 2002, Issue #2 Typed Document Correspondence from Patricia Benner, RN, PhD, FAAN to
Thelma Shobe Cook, referencing her work as the first Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair in Ethics and Spirituality, October, 10, 2002
Correspondence from Thelma Shobe Cook to Patricia Benner referencing Benner's selection at the Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair
in Ethics and Spirituality, October 14, 2002 Correspondence from Kathleen Dracup to Thelma Shobe Cook referencing investiture
of Dr. Patricia Benner as the Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair in Ethics and Spirituality, October 8, 2002
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 021
Invitation Investiture of Dr. Patricia Benner as the Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair in Ethics and Spirituality, October 25, 2002
Typed Document Printed web page, UCSF today referencing celebration of new Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair in Ethics and Spirituality,
November 13, 2002 (2 pages) Remarks of Thelma Shobe Cook at the investiture of Dr. Benner as the Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair
in Ethics and Spirituality (2 pages) Business Card David J. Madson, ACFRE, Senior Development Director Document Signed Correspondence
(handwritten) from David J. Madson to Thelma Shobe Cook thanking her for the contribution, November 15, 2002
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 022
Copied article Nursing school toasts endowed chair in ethics and spirituality, UCSF Newsbreak, November 8, Volume 17, No.
21. Correspondence from Thelma Shobe Cook to Patricia Benner referencing Cook's thoughts on the Chair in Ethics and Spirituality,
December 5, 2002 Certified mail receipt for letter sent to Patricia Benner from Thelma Shobe Cook on December 6, 2002. Notes
to Patricia Benner from Thelma Shobe Cook regarding the Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair in Ethics and Spirituality, November 2002
(12 pages) Personal notes Thelma Shobe Cooks notes on meeting with Dr. Benner regarding the Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair in
Ethics and Spirituality, December 23, 2002 Correspondence from Thelma Shobe Cook to Patricia Benner referencing first lecture
by Dr. Charles Taylor for the Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair in Ethic and Spirituality, December 30, 2002 (3 pages) Printed web
page advertising lecture sponsored by the Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair in Ethics and Spirituality by Dr. Charles Taylor titled
"Science and Self-Understanding", February 13, 2003 Printed flyer advertising lecture sponsored by the Thelma Shobe Endowed
Chair in Ethics and Spirituality by Dr. Charles Taylor titled "Science and Self-Understanding", February 13, 2003
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 023
Images (4) Dr. Charles Taylor giving lecture, February 13, 2003 Dr. Charles Taylor, Thelma Shobe Cook, Dean Kathleen Dracup,
Dr. Patricia Benner
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 024
Typed Documents Remarks given by Thelma Shobe Cook on the first activity of the Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair in Ethics and Spirituality,
February 13, 2003 (2 pages) Correspondence from Kathleen Kane, Vice President UCSG Foundation to Mr. and Mrs. Montford G.
Cook, referencing enclosed UCSF 2001-2002 Annual Report on Private Support, March 26, 2003 Booklet UCSF 2001-2002 Annual Report
on Private Support Typed Document Correspondence email from Andrew Schwartz to Thelma Shobe Cook with draft of article on
the establishment of the Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair in Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions of Nursing Practice, March 10-11,
2003 (8 pages)
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 025
Black and white (sepia) photograph c. 1911 of Robert Bate Shobe and Theo Virgil Carver Shobe, parents of Thelma Shobe Cook,
with explanation the name of the endowed chair with her maiden name.
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 026
Science of Caring, Vol. 15, No. 1, featuring article on Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair in Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions of
Nursing Practice (article on page 10)
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 027
Correspondence handwritten note to Thelma Shobe Cook from Mark Boon referencing Science of Caring article end envelope Correspondence
from Thelma Shobe Cook to Mark Boon thanking him for copies of spring edition of Science of Caring, July 10, 2003 Correspondence
from Thelma Shobe Cook to Jeff Mill, editor of Science of Caring thanking him for article in the spring issue, July 10, 2003
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 028
UCSF Magazine, June 2003, featuring article "Researching the Human Spirit" (page 40)
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 029
Printed web page "Nursing Alumni to Honor Former Dean" March 21, 2003 (2 pages) Flyer listing activities for "Reconnecting
The Social, Spiritual, and Medical Through Nursing Care, UCSF Nursing Alumni Day, April 26, 2003
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 030
Images and Correspondence The Jane Norbeck Distinguished Alumni Award, School of Nursing Alumni Association, UCSF, presented
to Jane Norbeck, MS, DNS April 2003 Correspondence to Thelma Shobe Cook from Kathleen Dracup thanking her for photograph sent
and sending photographs, May 14, 2003 and envelope
Mixed Materials box: 02 folder: 031
Booklets and Journal Articles UCSF School of Nursing 2002-2003 Honor Roll of Giving California School of Health, March 1970,
Vol. 5, No. 1, featuring "Assisting a Child to a Resource for Care" by Thelma S. Cook, RN, MPH , October 1966, "A Report on
the Sub-Professional Worker in a School of Health Program" , "Redirection of School Nursing Service in Culturally Deprived
Neighborhoods" American Journal of Public Health, July, 1967. Vol. 53, No.7
Certificate of Appreciation to Thelma Cook for 10 years of service to County of Alameda, March 27, 1974
Mixed Materials box: 03 folder: 004
Correspondence, awards and images 1968-1979
Mixed Materials box: 03 folder: 005
Oakland Unified School District, Immunization Program, Fifth Progress report, May 31, 1979 (7 pages)
Mixed Materials box: 03 folder: 006
Correspondence 1975-1979
Mixed Materials box: 03 folder: 007
Color Photograph Montford Grant Cook summer 1956 at Sequoia National Park Thelma Shobe summer 1956 atop Moro Rock, Sequoia
National Park Book Redirecting of School Nursing Services in Culturally Deprived Neighborhoods, Final Report, December, 1968,
Oakland Unified School District, Oakland, CA
Mixed Materials box: 03 folder: 008
Correspondence, Goals and Objectives 1977-1978 Pupil Personnel Services School Nurse Services (5 pages)
Mixed Materials box: 03 folder: 009
Typed Document Memo from Thelma Cook to Mr. Schreter regarding summary of staff meeting evaluation for 1976-1977 School Year
and staff meeting evaluations (20 pages) What is the RN Scope of Practice? The BRN report, Fall 2003 Booklet Emergency Guide
for Injuries and Acute Illness, Oakland Unified School District, 1975-1976 Award Crystal Heritage Circle award given to Thelma
Shobe Cook
Mixed Materials box: 04 folder: 001
Contents of Scrapbook (Part 1) - Correspondence to and from Patricia Benner, RN, Ph.D., FAAN regarding Benner work as chair
of the Shobe endowment, lectureship. Correspondence regarding Shobe's fund transfers and Endowed Fund agreement from university.
Mixed Materials box: 04 folder: 002
Contents of Scrapbook (Part 2) Correspondence to and from Patricia Benner, RN, Ph.D., FAAN regarding lecture and creation
of website, The Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair and Lectureship in Ethics Spirituality
Mixed Materials box: 04 folder: 003
Contents of Scrapbook (Part 3) - Correspondence to and from Patricia Benner, RN, Ph.D., FAAN regarding inaugural Thelma Shobe
Lecture 3/22/07 "Spirituality, Medicine, Ethics: Uneasy Partners by Dr. Margaret Mohrmann.
Mixed Materials box: 04 folder: 004
Contents of Scrapbook (Part 4) - Correspondence to and from Patricia Benner, RN, Ph.D., FAAN regarding website content. Information
about Shobe Cook's induction on the Wall of Fame at the UCSF School of Nursing Centennial Celebration, 28th 2007, hardcopy
of contents of website, Thelma Shobe Endowed Chair and Lectureship in Ethics Spirituality copy of Cooks's school of nursing
application and rosary that was presented to her by Sisters at Saint Mary's School in Alameda in 1953 with accompanying story
of event.
Mixed Materials box: 04 folder: 005
Book, Smoother Pebbles and Prettier Shells: A Spiritual Odyssey 127 pgs. Autobiographical account of her life and an explanation
of her Christian beliefs
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