Alumni

Photo of Jahaira Capellan receiving a Presidential Award at the University.
NP Alumni Profile: Jahaira Capellán Improving Family Well-Being Across the Lifespan

Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 — 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.
Veterans Day 2024: Nate Schacher Shares Journey from Marine Corps to Medicine

Monday, Nov 11, 2024 — Family NP student Nate Schacher ’23N is passionate about sports medicine and veteran health. He shares his career journey for Veterans Day 2024.


Alumna Desiree’ Branson Recognized by Allergy Advocates New York

Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024 — 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.


Noyes Health
UR Nursing Receives $3M Gift from Saunders Foundation to Support Student Scholarships

Wednesday, Oct 23, 2024 — 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.
Alumni Profile: Nursing Scholar Brana Dubajic ’24N Finds Strength in a Fresh Start

Thursday, Sep 26, 2024 — 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.


Pinning Ceremony Honors Summer 2024 Nursing Graduates

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


Alumna Zhihong Zhang Receives AACN Nursing Science Award for Cancer Research

Tuesday, Sep 3, 2024 — Zhang, who earned her PhD at the UR School of Nursing, hopes to improve cancer treatment for older adults.


Collage of headshots of the seven alumni inducted as ADLN Fellows: Wharton, Barnes, Sullivan-Marx, Nelson, Fletcher, Harris, Conyers; top right corner shows ADLN logo.
Seven UR Nursing Alumni, Faculty Recognized as Top Diversity Leaders by NBNA

Wednesday, Jul 17, 2024 — 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.
Alumni Profile: Heather Wensley Advocates for Adolescent Health Through Pediatric NP Role

Tuesday, Jul 9, 2024 — 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.
UR Nursing Helped Shape the Nurse Practitioner Role. Today, It's America's Fastest-Growing Job.

Tuesday, Jul 9, 2024 — 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.


Headshot of Cassie Weis
Student Spotlight: Through Pediatric Nursing, Cassie Weis Seeks to Set an Example for Her Own Children

Tuesday, Jun 25, 2024 — 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.
UR Medicine Extends Tuition-Free UR Nursing Scholars Program Through 2027

Tuesday, Jun 25, 2024 — 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.


Faculty Q&A: Craig Sellers, PhD, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GNP-BC, FAANP

Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024 — 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.


Faculty Q&A: Karen Stein, PhD, RN, FAAN

Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024 — 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.


Pediatric NP graduate Amy Miller receives her diploma from Dean Lisa Kitko.
School of Nursing Celebrates Class of 2024

Monday, May 20, 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
UR Nursing Achieves Historic 100% Pass Rate on Next Generation NCLEX

Monday, May 20, 2024 — The University of Rochester School of Nursing 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.


National Nurses Week Flyer with Heart
Join the UR School of Nursing in Celebrating National Nurses Week

Tuesday, Apr 30, 2024 — 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.


Dean's Diamond Circle Dinner Honors Leaders in Nursing Education, Supporters of the School

Monday, Apr 15, 2024 — 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
Bettering Black Maternal Health Outcomes: UR Nursing Alumna Dr. Kamila Barnes Discusses Nurses’ Role

Friday, Apr 12, 2024 — 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.
Alumna Jessica Tambe Receives National Award in Neuroscience Nursing Education

Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024 — 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.
Celebrating Our CNLs: Amanda Welter '16N

Wednesday, Mar 20, 2024 — 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.
Alumni Profile: Joseph Escobar Making the Most of Manager Role at Excellus

Tuesday, Feb 27, 2024 — 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
UR Nursing, Medical Center Extend Free Tuition Program for Employees

Friday, Jan 26, 2024 — 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.
Firefighters Face High Risk of Cardiac Events. AI Can Predict Them, With Help from UR Nursing Research

Monday, Jan 15, 2024 — 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
Three UR Nursing Faculty Members Named Distinguished Fellows of National Academies of Practice

Friday, Jan 12, 2024 — 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.
December Pinning Ceremony Celebrates Newest Bachelor's-Prepared Nurses

Monday, Dec 18, 2023 — The School of Nursing celebrated 60 of its newest bachelor's prepared nurses.


Jose Perpignan stands in a patient room.
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Jose Perpignan Jr.

Friday, Nov 17, 2023 — 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
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Ann Quinn

Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 — 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.
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Julie Gottfried

Wednesday, Nov 15, 2023 — 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.
Dr. Loretta Ford, UR Nursing's Founding Dean, Honored on Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery

Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023 — 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
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Kai Mbeke

Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023 — 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.
Celebrating NP Week 2023: Nick Wodo

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


Celebrating NP Week 2023: Jenna Gonillo-Davis

Friday, Nov 10, 2023 — 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.
UR Nursing Recognized by AACN as Leader in Educational Innovation

Friday, Nov 10, 2023 — 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.
Alumni Profile: From Public Safety to Pluta Cancer, Melissa Langworthy Finds Calling as Nurse, Educator

Monday, Oct 23, 2023 — 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.
Ann Leonhardt-Caprio Recognized for American Heart Association Leadership

Tuesday, Oct 10, 2023 — The UR Nursing alumna and assistant professor earned the AHA Leadership Legacy Award in recognition of her years of local and national volunteer work.


Mitchell Wharton
Mitchell Wharton Inducted as Fellow of American Academy of Nursing

Saturday, Oct 7, 2023 — 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.
Alumni Spotlight: Evelyn Santos is Breaking Barriers in Mental Health Care

Tuesday, Sep 19, 2023 — 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
School of Nursing to Host 8th Annual DNP Summit

Wednesday, Aug 16, 2023 — 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.
Alumni Profile: Melisande Ploutz Finds Her Niche as National Advocate in Cleft & Craniofacial Care

Friday, Jul 21, 2023 — Ploutz's election to the American Cleft-Craniofacial Association's board of directors marks a decade of leadership and innovation in her specialty area.


Student Spotlight: Natalie Lewis is Making an Impact in Mental Health

Tuesday, Jul 11, 2023 — Natalie Lewis is using her UR Nursing education to improve access to mental health services in Rochester.


Catalysts of Change: Celebrating UR Nursing's Class of 2023

Monday, May 15, 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
Alumnus Michael Hasselberg to Deliver UR Nursing 2023 Graduation Speech

Monday, Apr 17, 2023 — 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.


Portrait of Dr. Desiree' Branson
Alumna Desiree' Branson to Lead Nurse Practitioner Association

Friday, Feb 17, 2023 — 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.


Cheryl Lustik
Alumni Profile: Cheryl Lustik Aims to Support Growth for Advanced Practice Providers in Leadership Role

Tuesday, Jan 24, 2023 — 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.
Meet the First Men to Graduate from the UR School of Nursing

Tuesday, Jan 24, 2023 — Meet some of the first men to attend the UR School of Nursing.


Ann Leonhardt-Caprio
UR Nursing Professor, Alum Earns American Heart Association Award

Tuesday, Nov 1, 2022 — 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.


Group photo of RBNA award winners
UR Nursing Alumni, Faculty Win Local, National Black Nurses Association Awards

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


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.
UR School of Nursing Honors Alumni, Donors at Dean's Diamond Circle Dinner

Friday, Apr 29, 2022 — 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
A Family Affair: Fate (and a global pandemic) bring sisters and mother to UR School of Nursing at same time

Friday, Feb 11, 2022 — 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.


Nancy Dianis ’85N (MS)
Distinguished Alum Speaks On ‘Improving Lives Through Research’

Monday, Sep 10, 2018 — 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.


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