Alumni News & Stories

Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026
Nursing faculty step into new leadership roles
The University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences is proud to announce a series of recent nursing education leadership appointments among its faculty.

Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026
School of Nursing & Health Sciences strengthens leadership team to advance strategic growth
Three associate deans will help lead research, educational innovation, assessment, and strategic initiatives as the School expands its impact across nursing and health sciences.

Aerial image of University of Rochester Medicine campus

Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026
URochester School of Nursing becomes School of Nursing & Health Sciences
The University of Rochester School of Nursing has become the University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences, building on more than a century of nursing leadership while expanding interdisciplinary education, research, and preparation for the future of care.

Tuesday, Jul 21, 2026
Alumni Profile: Neuroscience nurse and app creator pays it forward for night shift workers
The URochester nurse and former EMT got tired of her smart device's health tracking resetting at midnight while she was at work — so she created a solution.

MaryGrace stands next to the "University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences" sign on the front lawn. She is wearing the white and navy ABSN uniform.

Thursday, Jul 16, 2026
Connected by care: How a family history of nursing excellence helped an ABSN student find her path
Both of her grandmothers pursued nursing at URochester in the 1950s — a decision that launched a long family history of caring for others.

Thursday, Jun 18, 2026
Tribute: Lorrie Yoos remembered for transforming asthma care, inspiring others
As a researcher and one of URochester's earliest pediatric nurse practitioners, Yoos transformed asthma care for urban children.

Photo of two nursing students in shield-shaped frames, over a background of the Noyes Health building

Monday, Jun 8, 2026
Inaugural Saunders Scholarship recipients advancing care in rural communities
The first Noyes Health nurses to receive the Saunders Family Nursing Scholarship are expanding their roles and advancing health outcomes.

Graduate Bhavesh Shah accepts an award and flowers. He is smiling and wearing a black graduation cap and gown.

Monday, May 18, 2026
University of Rochester School of Nursing celebrates its Centennial graduates
More than 200 nurses and healthcare professionals join a 100-year legacy of leadership at URochester.

Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026
Celebration marks 100 years of nursing excellence, honors star nurses
Nearly a century after the University of Rochester opened Strong Memorial Hospital and welcomed its first class of nursing students, the University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences and URochester Medicine's Celebration of a Century brought together hundreds of nurses, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to honor 100 years of nursing excellence.

Monday, Feb 9, 2026
Centennial Spotlight: Through professional development, Claire Conwell pays it forward for nurses, preceptors
As a nursing professional development practitioner supporting preceptors and new nurses, the URochester CNL alumna gives back to those who shaped her career.

Monday, Feb 9, 2026
Centennial Spotlight: Through leadership and learning, E. Kate Valcin lifts up nurses, patients
Valcin shares insights from her work as an executive leader, educator, and critical care nurse — and how Rochester has shaped her career journey.

Monday, Feb 9, 2026
Centennial Spotlight: Mark Lin supports cancer survivors, shines a light on lymphedema care
Lin, a URochester Nursing alumnus, shares the rewards of finding his specialty area as a nurse practitioner in reconstructive surgery supporting breast cancer survivors.

Monday, Feb 9, 2026
Centennial Spotlight: Tamala David champions change through community health nursing, discoveries in deaf health research
Bridging her family experiences and work as a community nurse, David shapes Deaf patients' experiences in healthcare — and passes her lessons on to students

Monday, Feb 9, 2026
Centennial Spotlight: Elizabeth Sieverding makes an impact through patient connection, personalized care
From offering personalized care in an oncology practice to serving on a nursing informatics council, the URochester alumna is committed to improving care.

Monday, Feb 9, 2026
Centennial Spotlight: Orlando Harris advances health research, policy to change lives
Harris' career as an HIV scientist and NP is rooted in Rochester. Today, his impact has expanded internationally.

Monday, Feb 9, 2026
Centennial Spotlight: Arnice Jackson combines clinical care, passion for wellness
Jackson has made the most of her URochester Nursing education across various settings, from government to telehealth, while leading a nonprofit and mentoring students.

Monday, Feb 9, 2026
Centennial Spotlight: Jacquelyn Campbell contributes to prevention of intimate partner violence
Campbell's experience as a PhD student at the University of Rochester built the foundation for her career as a leading expert on intimate partner violence.

Monday, Feb 9, 2026
Centennial Spotlight: Meghan Aldrich shares journey from pediatric nurse to president
Aldrich, an alumna of the NP and DNP programs, now leads Sisters of Charity Hospital as Catholic Health's first woman president.

Tuesday, Dec 23, 2025
Elaine C. Hubbard remembered for advancing nursing education, community-centered care
Professor Emerita Elaine C. Hubbard, a larger-than-life figure who laid the foundation for the vast reach of today’s clinical services offered by the University of Rochester School of Nursing, died Dec. 9, 2025. She was 98.

Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025
Centennial Spotlight: Lindsay Doyle improves health outcomes through quality & informatics, neonatal care
As a neonatal NP and quality and informatics specialist, the University of Rochester alum impacts patients and families, as well as the staff who care for them.

Monday, Oct 20, 2025
Centennial Spotlight: Daniel Arellano on acute care nursing, advocacy, and AACN leadership
The University of Rochester alumnus share his journey to becoming an acute care NP, teaching, and taking on a leadership role in the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

Student speaker smiles and applauds during a graduation speech while standing at a podium.

Monday, Aug 25, 2025
UR Nursing Marks 10,000 Alumni at Summer Pinning Ceremony
As 80 bachelor's-prepared graduates crossed the stage, the University of Rochester reached a milestone of 10,000 nursing graduates in Summer 2025.

Two faculty members smile, holding flowers while standing outside Eastman Theatre.

Monday, May 19, 2025
‘A Calling to Serve Others’: UR Nursing Class of 2025 Celebrates Next Steps
UR Nursing honored more than 250 current and future nurses and healthcare professionals across its bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs Friday, May 16, as they turned their tassels.

Thursday, May 8, 2025
Nurses Week: Q&A with Master's in Nursing Education Alumna Sarah Corsette
Corsette remembers how important it was to have mentors when she started her role as a med-surg nurse at URMC. Now, she's shaping new nurses' careers in Acute Medicine.

Man sitting at a table and holding an iced coffee, with city buildings behind him.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Nurses Week: Q&A with Accelerated Bachelor's Alumnus Diyor Mukhammadov
Roles as a medical assistant, home health aide, and translator led Mukhammadov to pursue an accelerated bachelor’s in nursing at the University of Rochester and become a nurse at Wilmot Cancer Institute.

Faith stands in a patient room wearing a white coat and pink blouse.

Monday, May 5, 2025
Nurses Week: Q&A with DNP and Psychiatric NP Alumna Faith Carini-Graves
After starting her healthcare career as a home health aide, Carini-Graves' passion for care and connecting with patients led her to become a DNP-prepared nurse.

O=picture of Sarah Mullen, her husband and three children

Thursday, Apr 24, 2025
Student Speaker Profile: Sarah Mullen, Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing Program
For as long as she can remember, nursing has been in the back of Sarah Mullen's mind — a quiet, persistent calling. But it wasn’t until after her son's birth that the calling became a clear conviction.

Closeup photo of a Dean's Medal with the University seal.

Friday, Apr 11, 2025
Dean's Diamond Circle Recognizes Alumni, Supporters. Meet the 2025 Honorees
University of Rochester alumni and supporters were recognized for their contributions to nursing, healthcare, and the communities they serve.

Photo of Matt standing in a patient room, wearing a navy jacket and yellow and blue striped tie.

Monday, Mar 17, 2025
CNL Student Spotlight: Matt Ramos '21N
Alumnus and URMC Acute Medicine nurse Matt Ramos hopes to expand his impact in nursing and public health as he prepares to graduate from the Clinical Nurse Leader program.

Wednesday, Mar 5, 2025
In Memoriam: Kathy Rideout, A Visionary Leader in Nursing and Education Who Led with Heart
Kathy Rideout, EdD, PPCNP-BC, FNAP, a former professor of clinical nursing and pediatrics and dean emerita at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, passed away on Feb. 28, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, advocacy, and deep commitment to the nursing profession.

Dr. Loretta Ford, founding dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing

Thursday, Jan 23, 2025
Loretta Ford, UR Nursing Founding Dean Who Transformed the Profession, Dies at 104
Loretta (Lee) Ford — an internationally renowned nurse leader who transformed the nursing profession, was named a member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame, and served as the founding dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing — died January 22 at the age of 104.

Monday, Jan 6, 2025
UR Nursing Alumna E. Kate Valcin Named URMC Chief Nursing Executive
E. Katherine Valcin has been named the University of Rochester Medical Center’s (URMC) chief nursing executive and chief nursing officer of Strong Memorial Hospital. She will also serve as assistant dean of clinical practice in the School of Nursing, continuing to bridge clinical care and education.

Friday, Jan 3, 2025
April Haberyan Named Distinguished Fellow of National Academies of Practice
Haberyan earned national recognition for her work to advance behavioral and mental health, wellness, and disaster response.

Kim Treverton in a black graduation cap and gown

Thursday, Jan 2, 2025
Advanced Practice Abroad: Alumna Kim Treverton Shares Pathway to Nursing Leadership at NHS England
Examples of leadership and support from Treverton's time in Rochester prepared her for a role as primary care advanced practice training program director at NHS East of England.

Photo of Jahaira Capellan receiving a Presidential Award at the University.

Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024
NP Alumni Profile: Jahaira Capellán Improving Family Well-Being Across the Lifespan
Family Nurse Practitioner and PhD alumna Jahaira Capellán discusses her career path as a pediatric and primary care researcher for NP Week 2024.

Photo of Nate Schacher with the VMA 231 Ace of Spades mural on a wall behind him.

Monday, Nov 11, 2024
Veterans Day 2024: Nate Schacher Shares Journey from Marine Corps to Medicine
Family NP student Nate Schacher ’23N is passionate about sports medicine and veteran health. He shares his career journey for Veterans Day 2024.

Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024
Alumna Desiree’ Branson Recognized by Allergy Advocates New York
The three-time UR Nursing graduate and anesthesia nurse practitioner has been volunteering with Allergy Advocates New York since her days as a doctoral student.

Wednesday, Oct 23, 2024
UR Nursing Receives $3M Gift from Saunders Foundation to Support Student Scholarships
The University of Rochester School of Nursing has received a $3 million gift from the Saunders Foundation to establish new student scholarships, including dedicated support for nursing staff at UR Medicine Noyes Health who wish to advance their education.

Brana smiles in the School courtyard, trees blurred in the background.

Thursday, Sep 26, 2024
Alumni Profile: Nursing Scholar Brana Dubajic ’24N Finds Strength in a Fresh Start
A former assistant district attorney and recent graduate of the UR Nursing Scholars program, Dubajic found out law and medicine have a lot in common.

Wednesday, Sep 4, 2024
Pinning Ceremony Honors Summer 2024 Nursing Graduates
The School of Nursing recognized more than 80 graduates of the accelerated bachelor's and RN to BS programs.

Tuesday, Sep 3, 2024
Alumna Zhihong Zhang Receives AACN Nursing Science Award for Cancer Research
Zhang, who earned her PhD at the UR School of Nursing, hopes to improve cancer treatment for older adults.

Wednesday, Jul 17, 2024
Seven UR Nursing Alumni, Faculty Recognized as Top Diversity Leaders by NBNA
The National Black Nurses Association recognized several UR Nursing alumni in its inaugural class of Academic Diversity Leaders in Nursing.

Heather Wensley wearing blue and gold doctoral graduation regalia, standing on a stage and smiling.

Tuesday, Jul 9, 2024
Alumni Profile: Heather Wensley Advocates for Adolescent Health Through Pediatric NP Role
The recent DNP graduate is passionate about adolescent health, both in clinical settings and in the community.

Loretta Ford stands at a podium speaking. Black and white photo from SON archives.

Tuesday, Jul 9, 2024
UR Nursing Helped Shape the Nurse Practitioner Role. Today, It's America's Fastest-Growing Job.
The University of Rochester was an early leader in the NP movement. Here's a look at how the School of Nursing continues to advance the profession.

Tuesday, Jun 25, 2024
Student Spotlight: Through Pediatric Nursing, Cassie Weis Seeks to Set an Example for Her Own Children
Being a mother inspired Weis to pursue a career in pediatric nursing. Now, she's a regional expert who's improving care for neurodivergent kids and their families.

UR Nursing Scholars student Mona Sepulveda, smiling in the School's state-of-art skills lab.

Tuesday, Jun 25, 2024
UR Medicine Extends Tuition-Free UR Nursing Scholars Program Through 2027
The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) and the School of Nursing are thrilled to announce the extension of the groundbreaking UR Nursing Scholars program for an additional three years, committing to preparing new nurses through Summer 2027.

Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024
Faculty Q&A: Craig Sellers, PhD, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GNP-BC, FAANP
As he prepares for retirement, Craig Sellers, PhD, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GNP-BC, FAANP, hopes to have inspired his students to be thoughtful, curious, and caring clinicians.

Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024
Faculty Q&A: Karen Stein, PhD, RN, FAAN
As she prepares for retirement, Karen Stein, PhD, RN, FAAN, hopes to leave her legacy of commitment to the nursing discipline and high-quality nursing research.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Mary-Therese Dombeck’s Timeless Influence on Nursing
Mary Therese-Dombeck, who has devoted over 40 years to the University of Rochester School of Nursing, retires at age 89.

Pediatric NP graduate Amy Miller receives her diploma from Dean Lisa Kitko.

Monday, May 20, 2024
School of Nursing Celebrates Class of 2024
More than 250 University of Rochester nurses and health care leaders celebrated the next steps in their careers at Commencement Weekend.

UR Nursing Achieves Historic 100% NCLEX pass rate, graphic

Monday, May 20, 2024
UR Nursing Achieves Historic 100% Pass Rate on Next Generation NCLEX
The University of Rochester University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences proudly announces that its graduates from the Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing program have achieved a remarkable 100 percent pass rate on the Next Generation NCLEX exam.

Tuesday, Apr 30, 2024
Join the UR School of Nursing in Celebrating National Nurses Week
The University of Rochester School of Nursing is hosting and supporting a series of events throughout the week to recognize and celebrate National Nurses Week. The celebration begins on May 6 and ends on May 12.

Monday, Apr 15, 2024
Dean's Diamond Circle Dinner Honors Leaders in Nursing Education, Supporters of the School
The Dean’s Diamond Circle awards dinner celebrates the significant contributions of School of Nursing alumni, former faculty and supporters. This year's dinner was held on April 12, 2024, at Monroe Golf Club.

Close up of a Black woman's hand holding her baby's hand

Friday, Apr 12, 2024
Bettering Black Maternal Health Outcomes: UR Nursing Alumna Dr. Kamila Barnes Discusses Nurses’ Role
It’s important for nurses to understand that they have the power to make changes that improve outcomes, said Barnes, a longtime maternal health and reproductive justice advocate.

Jessica Tambe holds up a glass, raindrop-shaped award.

Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
Alumna Jessica Tambe Receives National Award in Neuroscience Nursing Education
The UR Nursing alumna and stroke nurse educator has dedicated her career to educating patients, fellow nurses, and the wider community on stroke prevention and risk factors.

Photo of Amanda Welter on a staircase in the Children's Hospital, with a bright blue and green mural behind her.

Wednesday, Mar 20, 2024
Celebrating Our CNLs: Amanda Welter '16N
The pediatric ICU nurse's interest in improving patient care quality led her toward a path as a Clinical Nurse Leader.

Joseph Escobar and his wife and three children standing on a wooden bridge with trees and a cornfield behind them.

Tuesday, Feb 27, 2024
Alumni Profile: Joseph Escobar Making the Most of Manager Role at Excellus
After completing UR Nursing's leadership master's program, the pediatric nurse and U.S. Army veteran took on a leadership role at Excellus BCBS.

University of Rochester School of Nursing building and Medical Center in the background with snow

Friday, Jan 26, 2024
UR Nursing, Medical Center Extend Free Tuition Program for Employees
The University of Rochester School of Nursing, in partnership with nursing practice at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), has extended a free tuition program for UR nurses for another year. The grant supplements employee tuition benefits to provide 100 percent tuition coverage in select bachelor’s, master’s, and advanced certificate programs.

View of firefighters' arms in black and neon yellow uniforms as they look at a map.

Monday, Jan 15, 2024
Firefighters Face High Risk of Cardiac Events. AI Can Predict Them, With Help from UR Nursing Research
Data collected by UR Nursing on firefighters' cardiac health paved the way for a machine learning model that can be used in personal devices that monitor heart rate.

Headshots of Erin Baylor, Luis Rosario-McCabe and Tara Serwetnyk

Friday, Jan 12, 2024
Three UR Nursing Faculty Members Named Distinguished Fellows of National Academies of Practice
Three UR Nursing faculty members have been honored for their contributions to health care practice, research, education, and public policy.

A student receives her pin and pink "nursing" sash on stage.

Monday, Dec 18, 2023
December Pinning Ceremony Celebrates Newest Bachelor's-Prepared Nurses
The School of Nursing celebrated 60 of its newest bachelor's prepared nurses.

Jose Perpignan stands in a patient room.

Friday, Nov 17, 2023
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Jose Perpignan Jr.
An ICU nurse and co-founder of the Greater New York City Black Nurses Association, FNP student Jose Perpignan hopes to advance health equity and inspire future nurses.

Ann Quinn standing outside the School of Nursing

Thursday, Nov 16, 2023
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Ann Quinn
Ann Quinn has empowered future NPS as a preceptor, but her educational journey isn't done either. Working in palliative care inspired her to pursue a psychiatric mental health NP degree.

Portrait of Julie Gottfried next to a window in the School of Nursing.

Wednesday, Nov 15, 2023
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Julie Gottfried
Carrying the torch of UR Nursing's leadership in the nurse practitioner movement, Gottfried played a pivotal role in establishing New York's first Pediatric Acute Care NP certificate.

Loretta Ford at the Veteran's Day celebration at Arlington Cemetery.

Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023
Dr. Loretta Ford, UR Nursing's Founding Dean, Honored on Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery
Loretta C. Ford, EdD, RN, PNP, FAAN, FAANP, co-founder of the nurse practitioner role and founding dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing, was honored for her service at a Veterans Day ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C.

Photo of Kai Mbeke wearing a white sweater

Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Kai Mbeke
As a psychiatric NP and recent Patrick P. Lee Foundation Scholar from Buffalo, Kai Mbeke is part of the solution to mental health workforce shortages.

Nicholas Wodo stands in front of a bed in an emergency room.

Monday, Nov 13, 2023
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Nick Wodo
Nick Wodo became a pediatric nurse practitioner to make a difference in kids' lives.

Friday, Nov 10, 2023
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Jenna Gonillo-Davis
Becoming an NP helped UR Nursing alum Jenna Gonillo Davis discover numerous opportunities across patient care, research, and nursing education that she hadn't previously imagined.

Nursing students in scrubs gathered around an exam table.

Friday, Nov 10, 2023
UR Nursing Recognized by AACN as Leader in Educational Innovation
The University of Rochester School of Nursing was named a recipient of the American Associate of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) 2023 Innovations in Professional Nursing Education award.

Portrait of Melissa Langworthy in a blue shirt and white coat.

Monday, Oct 23, 2023
Alumni Profile: From Public Safety to Pluta Cancer, Melissa Langworthy Finds Calling as Nurse, Educator
A longtime oncology nurse at UR Medicine's Pluta Cancer Center, this recent MNE graduate is now sharing her knowledge with nursing students.

Ann Leonhardt-Caprio holding her award, standing next to Jason Stulb, AHA's Buffalo & Rochester executive director.

Tuesday, Oct 10, 2023
Ann Leonhardt-Caprio Recognized for American Heart Association Leadership
The UR Nursing alumna and assistant professor earned the AHA Leadership Legacy Award in recognition of her years of local and national volunteer work.

Saturday, Oct 7, 2023
Mitchell Wharton Inducted as Fellow of American Academy of Nursing
Mitchell Wharton, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, CNS, ACRN, AAHIVE, an accomplished educator, researcher, and clinician at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing’s 2023 class of fellows at the academy’s annual Health Policy Conference on Oct. 5 in Washington, D.C.

Evelyn Santos receives her diploma at the May 2023 graduation ceremony.

Tuesday, Sep 19, 2023
Alumni Spotlight: Evelyn Santos is Breaking Barriers in Mental Health Care
As lead nurse at the Lazos Fuertes Clinic and a UR Nursing alumna, Santos is a champion of health equity for Rochester's Hispanic and Latino community.

Photos of four of the guest speakers: Susan Weber Buchholz (left), Meghan Underhill-Blazey, Ann Leonhardt-Caprio, Karen Hande

Wednesday, Aug 16, 2023
School of Nursing to Host 8th Annual DNP Summit
As DNP-prepared nurses are increasingly integrated into health care systems, the annual DNP Summit plays a critical role in fostering meaningful conversations about DNP education, practice and leadership.

Mel Ploutz and two summer camp participants wear matching pink shirts with the quote "Let your smile change the world" in yellow letters.

Friday, Jul 21, 2023
Alumni Profile: Melisande Ploutz Finds Her Niche as National Advocate in Cleft & Craniofacial Care
Ploutz's election to the American Cleft-Craniofacial Association's board of directors marks a decade of leadership and innovation in her specialty area.

Natalie Lewis leaning on the School of Nursing sign in front of the school

Tuesday, Jul 11, 2023
Student Spotlight: Natalie Lewis is Making an Impact in Mental Health
Natalie Lewis is using her UR Nursing education to improve access to mental health services in Rochester.

Monday, May 15, 2023
Catalysts of Change: Celebrating UR Nursing's Class of 2023
The University of Rochester School of Nursing celebrated more than 240 new health care leaders at its Spring 2023 graduation ceremony.

Photo of Michael Hasselberg in the School of Nursing 4th Floor Lounge

Monday, Apr 17, 2023
Alumnus Michael Hasselberg to Deliver UR Nursing 2023 Graduation Speech
Michael Hasselberg ’07N (MS) ’13N (PhD), UR Medicine's chief digital health officer and a psychiatric nurse practitioner, will deliver the 2023 School of Nursing Graduation Ceremony speech on May 12.

Friday, Feb 17, 2023
Alumna Desiree' Branson to Lead Nurse Practitioner Association
A University of Rochester alumna will lead New York's only statewide association of nurse practitioners. She hopes to encourage other NPs to pursue leadership roles.

Tuesday, Jan 24, 2023
Alumni Profile: Cheryl Lustik Aims to Support Growth for Advanced Practice Providers in Leadership Role
One of UR Nursing's first DNP Fellows, Cheryl Lustik is now creating professional development opportunities for others at UR Medicine.

John Lovett, John Zarola and Jay Jones with his brother and sister.

Tuesday, Jan 24, 2023
Meet the First Men to Graduate from the UR School of Nursing
Meet some of the first men to attend the UR School of Nursing.

Tuesday, Nov 1, 2022
UR Nursing Professor, Alum Earns American Heart Association Award
Ann Leonhardt-Caprio has been named the recipient of the American Heart Association (AHA) Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing’s 2022 Stroke Article of the Year Award.

Monday, Jul 25, 2022
UR Nursing Alumni, Faculty Win Local, National Black Nurses Association Awards
School of Nursing students, alumni, and faculty earned awards from the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) and its Rochester chapter (RBNA).

Wednesday, May 25, 2022
UR Nursing Alumna Reflects on Career in Infection Prevention
It may seem hard to believe that Ann Marie Pettis, ’81N, fell into a career in infection prevention. The director of ambulatory infection prevention at Highland Hospital, she is a fellow and president of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), and a founding member of the organization's local Finger Lakes chapter. She has been published in a variety of peer review and trade journals and has spoken extensively about infection prevention and control at local, state, national, and international venues over the past 35 years.

Alumni, pictured here with Dean Kathy Rideout, were honored at the 2022 Dean's Diamond Circle dinner (left to right): Kathy Hiltunen, Mary-Therese Dombeck, Sally Ellis Fletcher, Kim Urbach. Not pictured: Jacquelyn Campbell and Elizabeth Marie Nolan.

Friday, Apr 29, 2022
UR School of Nursing Honors Alumni, Donors at Dean's Diamond Circle Dinner
The University of Rochester School of Nursing recognized donors and honored six alumni with awards at the Dean’s Diamond Circle dinner at Monroe Golf Club on April 8. Award recipients include: Jacquelyn Campbell, Sally Ellis Fletcher, Kathy Hiltunen, Kim Urbach, Elizabeth Marie Nolan, and Mary-Therese Dombeck.

From left to right: Marissa McFadden, RN, Lisa McFadden, RN, BSN, OCN, and Nicole McFadden, RN

Friday, Feb 11, 2022
A Family Affair: Fate (and a global pandemic) bring sisters and mother to UR School of Nursing at same time
Three members of the same household attending the same school at the same time may seem like an intentional family bonding experience, but in reality, it was more like a happy accident.

Wednesday, Aug 18, 2021
UR School of Nursing Alumna Named URMC's Chief Advanced Practice Officer
Anne Swantz, '88N (MS), RN, MSN, C-PNP, was recently tapped to lead the Department of Advanced Practice, which includes the Margaret D. Sovie Center for Advanced Practice. Swantz is the new Chief Advanced Practice Officer, leading nearly 1,000 physician assistants, nurse practitioners and some midwives working throughout UR Medicine.

Tuesday, Aug 3, 2021
A career in health care may have seemed inevitable, but Juliana Weiss forged her own path into nursing
Juliana Weiss, chosen as one of the cohort’s class speakers, joined her classmates and participated in the December pinning ceremony from home due to COVID-19.

Friday, Jun 18, 2021
Early Graduate of UR Nursing NP Program Establishes Fund to Ensure Opportunities for Others
Proud to be CEO of a woman- and nurse-owned business, Patricia Larrabee also remains proud of her UR Nursing education. Last year she took steps to establish a lasting legacy at the school, creating an endowed scholarship fund. The Larrabee Family Nursing Scholarship will be used to assist with educational costs for students across all programs.

Friday, Mar 5, 2021
Dean's Diamond Circle 2020 Award Bios
A look at the community award winners who were to be honored at the 2020 Dean's Diamond Circle Awards dinner.

Wednesday, Mar 3, 2021
Alumni Profile: When Preparation Meets Opportunity
Brian Graves ’96N, ’01N (MS), ’12N (PhD) always had a deep love for the University of Rochester. You don’t graduate three times from a school you’re ambivalent about. But when Graves reached a crossroads in his career, he let fate – and the real estate market – be his guide.

Tuesday, Dec 15, 2020
Alumna, Former Faculty Member Establishes Endowed Scholarship
For more than 60 years, the University of Rochester School of Nursing has been a central influence in the professional life of Elizabeth Kellogg Walker. She first came to the university as an undergraduate in 1957 and retired from the SON faculty in 2016. After so many years being connected to the school, she knew exactly where she would direct the funds if she ever found herself in a position to make a substantial financial gift.

Wednesday, Feb 5, 2020
School of Nursing Remembers Alumna and Hall of Fame Inductee
The University of Rochester has launched initiatives to memorialize the legacy of Nancy Melvin Taylor '86N.

Tuesday, Feb 19, 2019
Alumni Profile: Nancy Dianis
Dianis currently serves as Westat’s principal investigator, project director, and project manager on many clinical trials and clinical studies of HIV and TB infection, other emerging infectious diseases, cancer, blood-transmitted diseases, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and trauma and is also principal investigator and corporate officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Tuberculosis Trials Consortium.

Tuesday, Feb 19, 2019
Alumni Profile: Elizabeth Sloand
A pediatric nurse practitioner, Sloand made her first medical missionary trip to Haiti in 1999. Since then, she has served as the east coast team leader at the Leon Medical Mission and led health promotion and educational activities at Haitian elementary schools. She even did her dissertation there, studying child health and survival in rural Haiti.

Monday, Feb 18, 2019
Dean's Diamond Circle Dinner Honors Alumni, Donors
The UR School of Nursing handed out some of its highest honors at the Dean’s Diamond Circle dinner last fall at Monroe Golf Club. The awards recognized five of the school’s most distinguished alumni, faculty, and philanthropists.

Monday, Jan 28, 2019
Alumni Profile: Jennifer Dunivent
Alumna Jennifer Dunivent merges clinical, analytical in new role as director of operations at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Monday, Sep 10, 2018
Family Tradition: Patti Winn Follows in Her Mother's Footsteps to Earn UR Nursing Degree
Patti Winn follows in her mother’s footsteps to earn a UR nursing degree six decades later.

Monday, Sep 10, 2018
Distinguished Alum Speaks On ‘Improving Lives Through Research’
Nancy Dianis ’85N (MS) delivered the 60th Annual Clare Dennison Lecture on “Improving Lives Through Research” at the University of Rochester School of Nursing on Sept. 7.

Wednesday, Jul 18, 2018
Alumni Profile: Heidi Button
“If somebody had said to me in high school that I would be a nurse, first of all, I would have laughed,” said Heidi Button ’10N. “And then I would have said, ‘No way!’” But over the years, Button has made a habit of defying expectations, both personally and professionally. After receiving a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age 6, she went on to play sports competitively throughout high school and is now an avid cyclist. Button grew up learning skills to self-manage the condition but didn’t picture herself helping other people with diabetes.