The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) has recently been the beneficiary of remarkable gifts from the estate of Margaret Mary Hampton, a distinguished alumna. Hampton's daughter, Carol Zadeh of Waldorf, oversaw the donation following Hampton's passing in February. Hampton was a member of the inaugural Charles County Community College (now CSM) nursing class and served as the student commencement speaker.
The donations include:
- A program from the first nursing graduation ceremony on August 16, 1976, listing the names of the 20 graduates.
- A blue examination booklet with a handwritten case study of a nine-year-old asthmatic child, graded "A."
- A nursing cap, known as the "Flossie," adorned with notes from friends.
- Numerous photos capturing moments of camaraderie, study, and nursing practice.
These items offer an intimate glimpse into the experiences of CSM's first nursing students. Hampton's journey reflects that of many returning learners; she returned to school at 40 after years of family caregiving.
"Mom was a caregiver long before she was a nurse," Zadeh remarked. "She raised her children, volunteered at church, and cared for family members with various health issues. She always believed in helping however she could."
After returning to school, Hampton's husband, Leonard "Butch" Hampton, assumed some caregiving duties, even learning to manage his mother-in-law's care. Zadeh recalls amusing family moments, such as when Butch mistakenly placed dentures upside down, causing much laughter.
Despite the challenges, Hampton excelled academically and supported her classmates as the oldest student in her class. After graduation, she enjoyed a prolific nursing career, working in nearly every local hospital and later as a pediatric nurse in private practice.
In her final years, Hampton suffered from dementia but maintained her caregiving instincts, assisting staff in her assisted living facility. "Being a nurse was just part of who she was; she could never turn it off," Zadeh said. Hampton even inspired her great-niece Maria to pursue nursing.
During her last hours, Hampton expressed gratitude to the compassionate medical staff at Georgetown University Hospital. Zadeh's parents passed within six months of each other after 64 years of marriage, their bond strong until the end. Their legacy continues through their family, including a great-grandson born on the day of Hampton's passing and a great-granddaughter named Molly Margaret in her honor.
Hampton's medical records were donated to science, continuing her legacy in nursing education. "She loved being a nurse and helping those in need. I am proud she continues to help even after her death," Zadeh noted.
Preserving History at CSM
CSM's Archives and Southern Maryland Studies Center (SMSC) are dedicated to preserving local history. "As soon as [Carol] contacted me, I knew this was something we'd like to have in our archives," said CSM Library Director Mary Johnson. "It's important to document the first class of the college's nursing program."
The archives at CSM, housed in the La Plata Campus Library, include the CSM Archives and the SMSC archives. These collections ensure the preservation of regional history, from genealogical research to oral history recordings and photographs.
Johnson emphasized the heartwarming nature of the work. "We make a concerted effort to include materials and stories from all populations in Southern Maryland," she said. This includes Indigenous peoples and the Black community, aiming for a comprehensive community representation.
Although currently closed to the public, the archives can be accessed on a case-by-case basis. Later this year, thanks to a $500,000 state grant sponsored by the late Sen. Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, the SMSC archives will complete construction of a new home in the library. This facility will feature a dedicated archivist, state-of-the-art storage, an optimized HVAC system for preservation, and a public space for studying materials.
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