care, identified their discharge needs and served as a patient advocate.” By the early 2000s, JJ’s children were grown and off to college, and she felt it was time to open her door to new opportunities. She pondered over her days as a Nursing student and relished the idea of reconnecting with her former classmates. The answer was simple—she would become a committed member of the Clarkson College Alumni Association. That decision to reconnect with her alma mater has brought more joyous memories to JJs life than she could have imagined. Speaking now as an official Alumni Association Board Member, JJ says she is honored to play an active role in upholding the Clarkson College reputation and helping build pride among students. “I am happy to be involved in making decisions and supporting the improvement of students’ education,” she says. “The annual September events and class reunions
are also so fun and enlightening, and I enjoy attending the Board meetings and seeing how we can make a difference.” While being an active alumna enables JJ to stay connected with Clarkson College as it progresses over time, it also provides a link to her past and the immense pride she has in her education. “I am a Clarkson Nurse,” she passionately states. “I am and have been proud of that my whole career. Clarkson College grads excel, and I hope more alumni become involved to help sustain the reputation that we are the best.” After more than 43 years of service at Nebraska Medicine, JJ retired this past August. She looks forward to vacationing with the family, going on cruises and taking road trips across the country to visit friends and relatives.
The Kassmeier family, Michele, JJ, Dale and Megan.
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