Quinnipiac School of Nursing - Transforming Healthcare

Greetings from the Dean

We always say that time flies. And given I am embarking on my third year at the Quinnipiac University School of Nursing (QU SON), we are publishing the fifth edition of our viewbook (which began under my predecessor, Dr. Lisa O’Connor), and we have operated under our new strategic plan for a full academic year, the saying is especially true for me. As SON seeks to realize its vision of unparalleled nursing education, transforming healthcare one student at a time, our faculty and staff have boldly led a year of transformation, grounded in our core values of belonging, collaboration, compassion, curiosity and integrity, which have allowed this exciting year to fly by. In this viewbook, you will see much of this transformation, including competency-based curriculum revision; new programs to support nursing education and our communities; celebrations of our students, graduates, faculty and staff; leadership and advisory council members leading advocacy and development initiatives; and collaborative and innovative clinical partners assisting in building the nursing workforce pipeline of the future.

With the launch of new standards from our accrediting body (the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) on Jan. 1 of this year, SON knew this past year was a critical time of reflection on our existing curricula and an opportune time to build 21stt-century, competencybased curricula that will ensure SON meets its mission to develop exceptional, practice-ready nurses as leaders in science-based, holistic care through innovative and inclusive education. In my academic career, I have never seen a team work so diligently toward this goal, and am proud to say that our faculty has transformed our BSN, MSN and DNP curricula, all of which have been approved through the university and are ready to launch in the 2025-26 academic year.

Our graduate faculty has developed a new, robust MSN core that provides students with the knowledge and skills for a seamless transition into their track-specific, didactic and clinical courses, which have also been redesigned to ensure our MSN graduates remain practice-ready. The new curricula also provide students with all the necessary coursework to allow matriculation into any post-master’s certificate program or post-master’s DNP program across the country. Our graduate faculty has further fully redesigned the SON’s DNP program, which was modified not only to meet accreditation standards, but to ensure rigor in coursework and excellence in DNP projects that will transform healthcare at our students’ institutions. Finally, the MSN in Operational Leadership has been redesigned to an MSN in Nursing Leadership, providing graduates with core leadership competencies as identified by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership.

In a comprehensive partnership with the Minerva Project, our undergraduate faculty and staff teams have taken curriculum transformation to heart, designing a new BSN curriculum that is focused on building durable and transferable nursing and professional skills that will set learners

up for long-term success in their chosen nursing profession. The team explored learner profiles and academic journeys, built a new skills taxonomy from which to build the curriculum and the evaluation of competencies, designed robust methods of course, lab/simulation and clinical delivery, and underwent comprehensive development on active teaching and learning. The result is an exciting, first-of-its-kind, low-stakes, comprehensive BSN program that not only meets accreditation standards and prepares students for NCLEX success, but also affords students choice in their curriculum, with opportunities for additional coursework and clinical experiences so they can follow their passion in nursing.

In addition to curriculum revision, SON has sought to address critical nursing workforce pipeline concerns through new programs and partnerships. In April 2025, SON launched its New Careers in Nursing program in partnership with Hartford HealthCare (HHC). This two-year, part-time program allows mid-career professionals to gain critical work experience with HHC (maintaining earnings/benefits to support themselves and their families) while pursuing a nursing degree and, upon graduation, transitioning into an HHC nursing career. In Fall 2025, SON will launch a new MSN and post-graduate certificate in nursing education, addressing two key areas: (1) critical nurse educator shortages across Connecticut and the country; and (2) upskilling of nursing professional development individuals to support lifelong learning within our clinical partner networks. Finally, SON has launched a new certified nurse aide (CNA) program, meeting other critical workforce needs of our clinical partners. Two cohorts have already completed the program, which is designed for both current QU students, allowing them to work in healthcare as they work toward their degree, and those in the community looking to begin a career in healthcare at our clinical partner sites.

While I wanted my message to highlight our curricular transformation, I would be remiss if didn’t end with some other exciting firsts at SON over the past year. We have re-envisioned shared governance, building our first faculty body bylaws (led by a new faculty steering committee) and our first staff council. We welcomed 45 high school students to our first weeklong Exploring Nursing summer camps in July 2025. We held our first Student Scholarship and Awards Celebration in April 2025. We are excited to hold our first Preceptor and Part-Time Faculty Awards and Celebration in October 2025. What a tremendous journey it has been in 2024-25. Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, advisory council, and clinical and community partners have been nothing short of exceptional as we seek to meet our strategic objectives. We hope you all continue to join us for an exciting next year!

Quick Facts Career

Outcomes

Larry Slater Dean, School of Nursing

Percentage

Quinnipiac University was featured on College Raptor’s lists of Top 25 Best Mid-Sized Colleges and Best Colleges for Nursing.

Holistic Endorsed

Quinnipiac is one of only 17 nursing schools in the nation with Bachelor of Nursing (traditional and accelerated) programs endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation. Endorsement recognizes a school’s commitment to the practice and teaching of holistic core values and standards of practice.

New Faculty and Staff

Tanaya Hilton

Tanaya Hilton has 15 years of dedicated service in higher education, most recently at American International University and previously at the University of New Haven. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Emerson College. Her career is distinguished by a passion for guiding students toward achieving their academic and career goals. Her commitment to student success is evident in her proactive approach to mentoring, ensuring that each student receives personalized support tailored to their unique needs and aspirations. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she has a passion for exploring global cultures through travel, reflecting her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive academic environment.

Joey Fetta

The School of Nursing welcomed Dr. Joseph (Joey) Fetta to its faculty ranks in the Fall 2024 semester as a tenure-track assistant professor. His scholarship is focused on the rehabilitation of sportand recreation-related concussions in secondary school students. His research is dedicated to understanding the unique challenges associated with concussions in adolescent athletes, including the development of evidence-based rehabilitation protocols and interventions tailored to this population. His work aims to enhance recovery outcomes and promote safer sports practices through innovative research and practical applications. Fetta’s contributions are poised to significantly impact the way concussions are managed in secondary school sports, and he is dedicated to improving the immediate and long-term health outcomes for young athletes.

Fetta received his BSN and MSN from the University of Connecticut. He also holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from UConn, where his research centered on optimizing recovery strategies for young athletes who have sustained concussions, and is completing a post-doctoral fellowship through the University of Florida. Fetta brings his expertise and enthusiasm to both teaching and research. He is dedicated to mentoring students and fostering a collaborative research environment that encourages critical thinking, innovation and evidence-based practice. Fetta’s contributions to the field are grounded in his comprehensive background and dedication to improving the lives of those affected by traumatic brain injuries.

Charles Tilley

Dr. Charles Tilley, associate professor in nursing, joined the School of Nursing for the Fall 2024 semester. Tilley is an adult primary care and pain and palliative nurse practitioner with a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and a postmaster’s certificate in wound, ostomy and continence nursing. He brings 34 years of clinical, administrative and education experience to the profession. Tilley is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE®) with over 17 years of simulation education experience and publishes, presents locally and nationally, and actively conducts research in the field of simulation science. He has extensive teaching experience in both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Tilley’s most recent clinical experience is as a hospice attending and nurse scientist at Calvary Hospice. His research program spans palliative oncology, palliative wound care, symptom science, hospice workforce development, and simulation outcomes. He has received grants from the American Cancer Society, The Calvary Fund and the Hugoton Foundation to study the symptom experience of patients with advanced cancer and malignant fungating wounds and simulation outcomes. Prior to his arrival at Quinnipiac University, Tilley served as a clinical assistant professor and the director of the Interprofessional Practice, Education & Innovation Program at the Rutgers University School of Nursing in Camden, New Jersey.

Ana Maria Ocasio Adames

Ana Ocasio Adames (She/Her/Ella) is originally from New Haven and earned a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from the University of Connecticut. She then obtained a master’s in special education from Simmons University and a second master’s in higher and post-secondary education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has a passion for working with students and creating spaces that foster inclusivity and belonging. She has worked in various student support positions at Tufts University, Long Island University and, most recently, the University of Connecticut.

New Faculty and Staff (continued)

Natalie Cooper

The School of Nursing welcomed Dr. Natalie Cooper to our faculty ranks in May 2025. Cooper is a dual board-certified adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP) and adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP). She has been in acute care clinical practice in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTICU) at Yale New Haven Hospital since 2018. Prior to her role as an acute care nurse practitioner, she practiced in primary care in Greater Hartford.

Cooper’s diverse nursing background includes comprehensive experience in emergency and trauma nursing, as well as oncology nursing in the early years of her career. As a clinical educator, Cooper has served as adjunct faculty at both the Quinnipiac University School of Nursing and the Yale School of Nursing. She serves as a preceptor for acute care graduate students, training in the critical care environment, particularly in the CTICU. Her professional interests include cardiac surgery, evidence-based practice in critical care, resuscitation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), advanced practice provider leadership, research and service to the nursing shared governance practice excellence council.

Cooper holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice and certification as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner from Quinnipiac University. She earned a post-master’s degree in acute care from the University of Pennsylvania and completed her undergraduate education at Southern Connecticut State University.

Phil Martinez

Dr. Phil Martinez returned to the School of Nursing faculty as a clinical associate professor in May 2025.

He is a graduate of the Yale School of Nursing (YSN) Graduate Entry Pre-Specialty in Nursing (GEPN) program, earning a certificate in nursing in 2002 and an MSN as an acute care nurse practitioner in 2006. He then earned a Doctor of Education in nursing education from Southern Connecticut State University in 2015. Prior to this, Martinez earned a BS in law enforcement science from the University of New Haven and a certificate in paramedicine from Hartford Hospital. He currently is an American Nurses Credentialing Center boardcertified acute care nurse practitioner and holds certifications as a critical care registered nurse and a cardiac medicine certification from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

Martinez has a long academic career in teaching nursing and nursing students in BSN, MSN and doctoral programs. He returned to YSN after graduating and held a faculty position as lecturer from 2006-21 and served as program director of the GEPN program. Following this, Martinez came to the QU School of Nursing and served as an assistant clinical professor of nursing and program director of both the accelerated track of the BSN program and the acute care nurse practitioner track of the MSN program. He continued to teach across programs prior to returning to clinical practice in 2023 and has taught part time at QU ever since.

Emelie Agrinsoni

The School of Nursing welcomed Emelie Agrinsoni as one of our laboratory assistants in April 2025. Agrinsoni has 11 years of experience as a medical assistant working in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Dawne Rocca Castellon

Dawne Rocca Castellon joined the School of Nursing in June 2025 as a clinical compliance coordinator. Her previous professional experiences include project coordination and work as a probation officer within the Connecticut Judicial Branch, and supervisory experience in a residential treatment center. Castellon earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from Southern Connecticut State University.

For the past 25 years, Martinez has worked as a critical care nurse and nurse practitioner. He has spent the last 19 years as an acute care nurse practitioner for the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Middlesex Hospital. He has been named an innovator of advanced practice for the development of the critical care off-shift APRN service, Support Person of the Year for the Family Practice Medicine service, and Nurse of the Year. He has also lectured for the Middlesex School of Radiology and the Paramedic program during his time at Middlesex and continues to take students from the acute care nurse practitioner track at Quinnipiac.

Martinez served on the Board of Commissioners for the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) as a member and chair of the board and served as co-chair of the accreditation review committee. He currently serves on the report review committee and as a team leader for CCNE on program site visits. Additionally, he has served on multiple task forces or groups for organizations such as the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

PINNING CEREMONIES

Over the past year, the School of Nursing has offered three distinct pinning ceremonies for different student cohorts.

On Aug. 30, 2024, a pinning ceremony for 48 accelerated BSN graduates was held at M&T Bank Arena. Dr. Judith Hahn, executive director of professional practice and education at Yale New Haven Health System, served as the keynote speaker.

On Jan. 24, 2025, another 48 accelerated BSN graduates received their pins at the January pinning ceremony. Dr. Warly Remegio, vice president for nursing professional development and practice excellence at Hartford HealthCare, served as the keynote speaker.

Finally, on May 9, 2025, 175 graduates from our traditional BSN program received their beautiful nursing pins. Three-time School of Nursing alumna Dr. Alexandra Ford ’19, MSN ’23, DNP ’25, served as the keynote speaker.

Accelerated BSN Class of 2024 pinning ceremony sends ‘best and brightest’ to nursing profession

A memorable pinning ceremony sent 48 members of the Quinnipiac School of Nursing accelerated BSN August Class of 2024 off into the world of professional nursing with a celebratory event in M&T Bank Arena on Aug. 30, 2024.

The graduates were joined by faculty, staff, administrators, family and friends who have supported them on their rigorous academic and clinical journey during the intensive, one-year BSN program.

In his welcome, School of Nursing Dean Larry Slater reviewed the history and exceptional growth of the School of Nursing, which graduated its first class in 1973. Slater said the Quinnipiac School of Nursing pin is a mark of holism, excellence and leadership that the graduates will proudly wear throughout their nursing careers.

“This afternoon’s celebration is about all of you, our graduates. Your courage, strength and dedication during your nursing education has been inspirational,” Slater said. “Your drive and perseverance have provided a new sense of pride in our work as nurse educators, but also a sense of urgency as we continue to build on our mission of providing leadership in nursing and healthcare through innovative undergraduate and graduate education that embraces holism, interprofessionalism and inclusivity.”

Quinnipiac Provost Debra J. Liebowitz joined the nurse educators on the stage together with keynote speaker Judith Hahn, PhD, RN,

Addressing her fellow graduates, Christie Hackett ’24 spoke to the assistance and support of the School of Nursing’s exceptional faculty, staff and administration as well as the students’ families, friends and each member of “this phenomenal cohort.”

“There have been many times in this program where I felt that I did not deserve this, or didn’t belong. But I say to you now, if you ever feel like this in the future, think back to this moment like a lighthouse, and let it carry you through whatever storm you may face,” said Hackett. “Whatever you choose, know that the work will be challenging, amazing, desperately needed; and also that you are up to the challenge. Quinnipiac has prepared us well for our futures.”

School of Nursing Assistant Dean for Student Success Claire Puzarne presented the Jonathan Gaddis Humanitarian Award to Joan Hurle ’24, and the Holistic Nursing Practice Award to Naiga Lubega ’24.

executive director of nursing professional practice and education for the Yale New Haven Health System.

“You are the best and the brightest. Nursing schools are more competitive than ever,” Hahn told the students. “The threshold for admission to this BSN program is significant. You all had to demonstrate exceptional aptitude and brilliance just to enter the program. Your depth of knowledge, experience, maturity and grit bring unique perspectives to our profession. You had options, and you chose nursing. And thank heavens because the world needs you.”

Hahn encouraged the new nurses to lean into their careers and look for opportunities to expand their knowledge, skills and abilities to further the profession.

“As nurses, we have a legal and societal contract to improve health, no matter our practice setting. Nursing is not a job. You don’t ‘do’ nursing. You are a nurse. When you finish a shift and leave for the day, you’re still a nurse,” Hahn said. “You will find this opportunity and privilege to serve as an honor like no other, if you embrace it.”

Director of Undergraduate Nursing Programs Tyler Traister shared the history of the Quinnipiac School of Nursing pin. In his remarks to the Class of 2024, Traister said the ceremony served to honor not only the completion of their academic journey, but the shared experiences and challenges they’ve overcome and their unwavering pursuit of knowledge in the past year.

“As we pin each of you today, we celebrate the culmination of countless hours that we’ve spent in classrooms and clinical settings where we ignited your passions and lifelong learning,” Traister said.

Slater invited family and loved ones to help pin their graduates as each member of the BSN August Class of 2024 was presented.

As the newly pinned Class of 2024 embark on their careers as proud alumni, Peter Longley, School of Nursing co-director of career and alumni development, reminded them that they will continue to be a part of the Bobcat family.

“It’s a community dedicated to your success, just as your family, friends and loved ones here today supported you through nursing school. We are here to support you in your professional journey,” said Longley.

Longley also shared inspirational comments prepared for the ceremony by accelerated BSN ’23 alumna Alicia A. Eldridge, an emergency room nurse with Hartford HealthCare MidState Medical Center.

“There will be more days when you question yourself wondering if this was the right career choice, and more tear-filled days having to push yourself to get through it,” Eldridge advised. “I promise that you will. Rely on your co-workers, preceptors, friends, connections and support systems here today,” she said. “Never be afraid to ask questions. Trust in yourself and everything you’ve accomplished. This is only the beginning.”

In her closing remarks, Senior Associate Dean Lisa Rebeschi said the pinning ceremony celebrated nursing excellence, determination and grit in the School of Nursing’s 24th year of offering an August accelerated BSN program.

Rebeschi also told the graduates that well-deserved attention is being focused on the nursing practice as a result of the Future of Nursing reports and recommendations made by the National Academy of Medicine. This has engendered a renewed emphasis on advancing health equity, nurses practicing to the full extent of their education, strengthening nursing education, fostering nurses as leaders and advocates, and supporting the health and well-being of nurses, she said.

“These are some of the initiatives that you will see addressed as you transition into your new nursing career,” Rebeschi said. “We challenge each of you to take an active role in your profession. We still have much work to do to make these recommendations a reality, and we need your leadership and participation as we shape the future of nursing and healthcare.”

August pinning ceremony

Pinning ceremony transitions

BSN Class of 2025 to professional nurses of holism, excellence and leadership

A momentous pinning ceremony celebrated the BSN Class of 2025 on May 9, 2025, as 175 graduating seniors transitioned from nursing students to professional nurses with the presentation of their Quinnipiac School of Nursing pins.

A jubilant BSN Class of 2025 was joined by faculty, administrators, family and friends in the M&T Bank Arena on the York Hill Campus during a special morning of speeches, ceremony and celebration.

In his welcoming remarks, School of Nursing Dean Larry Slater, PhD, MAc, RN-BC, CNE, FAAN, said the Quinnipiac School of Nursing pin is a mark of holism, excellence and leadership that graduates will proudly wear throughout their nursing careers.

Slater congratulated the BSN Class of 2025 for undertaking its nursing education with courage, strength and dedication that has been inspirational.

“Your drive and perseverance have provided a new sense of pride in our work as nurse educators, but also a sense of urgency as we continue to build on our mission of developing exceptional, practice-ready nurses who lead with expertise in science-based, holistic care, cultivated through an education that values innovation and inclusivity. We are proud of you, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for bringing joy to our work,” Slater said.

Aiyana Baker ’25, Quinnipiac Indigenous Student Union (ISU) president, helped to open the pinning ceremony with a Land Acknowledgment.

Baker, a Mohegan tribe member, thanked the School of Nursing and faculty for the opportunity to give the land acknowledgment and for supporting and encouraging her in her nursing career and in integrating her heritage into her practices.

“In my culture, it is important to take the time to acknowledge the land that we are standing on and to recognize those who call this their ancestral homelands. So, I ask that today you will join me in recognizing the land of Qunutukut, now known as Connecticut, and the Quinnipiac people,” Baker said.

“Allow the land of Quinnipiac to be your sense of rootedness and where you began your journey,” Baker said. “When you begin to feel lost, remember what you planted here, allowing you to grow into the nurse that you will soon be. Let it keep you centered as the trail of life does; and when faced with challenges, feel the support that it and the spirits give. As healers, we offer the gifts of giving and selflessness, so be sure to keep that close, as it is a beautiful gift.”

Director of Undergraduate Nursing Programs Tyler Traister, DNP, RN, CNE, NE-BC, OCN, CTN-A, NPD-BC, MEDSURG-BC, shared the history of the Quinnipiac School of Nursing pin. The blue and gold pin represents professional achievement and signifies each graduate’s connection to their Quinnipiac nursing education.

Traister said the tradition of the pinning ceremony honors the completion of the BSN Class of 2025’s academic journey, as well as acknowledging this remarkable cohort’s shared experiences, challenges they overcame, and their unwavering pursuit of knowledge in classrooms and clinical settings.

Alexandra Ford ’19, MS ’23, DNP ’25, ARPN, FNP-C, gave the keynote address.

“Six years ago, I was sitting in your seat, an eager Quinnipiac nursing graduate, excited, anxious and wondering how four years had flown by so fast. remember looking ahead, hopeful but unsure, imagining what kind of nurse I’d become,” Ford said.

One of her lessons was, “It’s not just who you know—it’s who knows you.” The phrase helped to describe Ford’s remarkable success in her nursing journey to date. One milestone took place in 2018, when, as a junior nursing student, Ford became the first Quinnipiac Flynn Fellow, a pediatric oncology internship.

“That summer, I created a patient education project that went on to win the Elizabeth McGann Research Award from Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society. I stayed connected to Mr. Flynn for years afterward, volunteering, mentoring, helping however I could,” said Ford. “In 2023, five years later, that investment came back tenfold: I was awarded a full-ride scholarship through the Jonas-Flynn scholar program to pursue my doctorate in nursing practice. will graduate alongside all of you tomorrow as Dr. Ford, something my younger self only dreamed of. Never underestimate the power of planting seeds. Even when you don’t see immediate results, know that you’re building something meaningful. Be patient. Be generous. It will come back.”

“If you remember nothing else, remember this: Lead with heart, listen with intention, give without keeping score, and never let the word ‘never’ define you because the nurse your younger self dreamed of becoming is already here, and the world has only just met them,” said Ford. “This degree, this pin, this moment—it isn’t the finish line. It’s the ignition. You are the nurse the world needs next. And if you ever forget that, just speak to your younger self. She or he will remind you how far you’ve come, and just how far you’re about to go.”

In her student address, Lauren Auteri ’25 celebrated with her class as they gathered to honor a journey completed.

“We’ve been learning how to be nurses not only through textbooks and lectures, but also through each and every clinical rotation, every care plan, every long exhausting hour spent studying,” Auteri said. “But beyond the charts and checklists, we’ve discovered something that can’t be taught: empathy. A long time ago, a seed was planted into our hearts, and over time, it grew roots leading us to the calling of becoming a nurse. It’s impossible to teach someone what’s in their heart within the four walls of these Quinnipiac classrooms.”

“Let us not forget that we didn’t come to Quinnipiac to become nurses—we came to Quinnipiac to be great nurses. And now, as we step into the world as nurses, I leave you with this charge: Be a blessing,” Auteri said. “Because nursing is more than a profession; it’s a calling. So go forth with courage, humility and grace. And above all, be a blessing to every soul you encounter.”

Empowering Nurses to Lead, Teach and Transform Healthcare

Answering the call to address the national nursing shortage and a growing faculty gap, the School of Nursing introduced four new programs during the 2024-25 academic year. These new offerings include a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Education, a Post-Graduate Nursing Education certificate, a revised MSN in Nursing Leadership, and a Certified Nurse Aide Training certificate.

The new offerings are specifically designed to meet the critical need for highly skilled nurses, nursing educators and certified nurse aides who will play a vital role in the future of healthcare. In addition, the courses will also support the ongoing professional development of practicing nurses, ensuring a stronger, more resilient nursing workforce for years to come.

“Increasing the number of master’s- and doctoral-prepared nurses will help alleviate faculty shortages within schools of nursing, which remain a significant barrier to expansion of enrollment and programs,” said Dean of the School of Nursing and Professor of Nursing Larry Slater.

Lisa Rebeschi, senior associate dean and professor of nursing, said the nursing education programs address healthcare demands while aligning with professional competencies outlined by the National League for Nursing and the American Nurses Credentialing Center Nursing Professional Development standards.

“Our program provides learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed for educating students in nursing programs and providing ongoing education and professional development for practicing nurses,” Rebeschi said. “Graduates of these programs will be well-positioned to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and clinical practice.”

Associate Professor of Nursing Carolyn Bradley, who also serves as director of graduate online nursing programs, said the new programs include practice-relevant and educator-specific courses.

The mix of content prepares graduates to educate in both the clinical practice and academic settings through roles as professional development specialists or academic nurse educators.

Bradley said Quinnipiac is uniquely prepared to help alleviate the nursing shortage by graduating nurse educators prepared to develop the next generation of nurses.

“Quinnipiac has a long history of excellence, graduating nurses since 1972,” said Bradley. “Our unique strategic and community partnerships will help to strengthen the pipeline of nurses and address the overall nursing shortage.”

The CNA program also provides a strong entry point for those interested in nursing or other healthcare careers, combining hands-on experience with foundational clinical training.

“The CNA program at Quinnipiac University offers an unparalleled foundation for students pursuing nursing or healthcare-related pathways. By earning their CNA certificate, learners develop essential clinical skills—like patient care, communication and critical thinking—that build their confidence early

in their training,” said Angela Falcon, student support liaison. “This hands-on experience not only makes them stronger applicants for advanced programs but also prepares them to become compassionate, highly competent healthcare professionals.”

New Programs Empower Nurses to Lead, Teach and Transform Healthcare

MSN in Nursing Education: Offered 100% online, the MSN in Nursing Education can be completed in 15 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time) through a 34-credit curriculum. The program builds on evidence-based practices and nursing expertise to develop well-rounded educators. It includes an advanced nurse practice clinical experience requirement, and a teaching practicum focused on teaching and learning for a total of 225 clinical hours, completed in Connecticut or the student’s home state.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education: This new certificate program involves 12 to 13 credits of role-specialty courses taught online over two fall and spring semesters. Courses include Educational Theory and Principles, Curriculum and Program Design, Teaching Methods in Academia and Practice, and Evaluation Methods. For students without MSN-level direct care hours, an additional one credit will be required in the Advanced Nursing Practice clinical course.

MSN in Nursing Leadership: Formerly known as the MSN in Nursing Operational Leadership, the revised degree program is a 35-credit, two-year online program that equips nurses with the background and tools needed to step into leadership roles and elevate the standards of patient safety and care. The program delves deep into the organizational dynamics that influence today’s healthcare system, teaching students the skills to make efficient decisions in any environment.

Certified Nurse Aide Training Certificate: This six-week hybrid training program, taught on campus and through clinical rotations, prepares students to provide safe, competent care across healthcare settings. The course focuses on nurse aide theory and competencies and was developed within the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health guidelines for Certified Nurse Aide training.

Northwell Golden Tickets

Graduation

Northwell Golden Ticket awardees for the 2025 academic year were:

Amelia Norelius

Kate Mowdy

Kelly Moccia

Jaclyn Denicker

Isabella Chambers

Adriana Schumacher

Nicole Baer

Adina Weinbaum

Lindsay Zolga

Caroline O’Hara

Karli Monsell

Erin Lynch

Class of 2025 Commencement Awards Undergraduate

Benjamin T. and Juliette Adelle Trewin Award for Academic Excellence in Nursing:

Kaylee Gates

Benjamin T. and Juliette Adelle Trewin Award for Professional Leadership in Nursing:

Chloe Doehler

Flynn Fellows

The two School of Nursing students selected as Flynn Fellows for Summer 2025 are Ashlyn Korpak, who will spend the summer at Smilow Cancer Hospital/YNHH, and Alexia Lauriero, who will have her fellowship at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. The Flynn Foundation Fellowship provides students with an immersive experience to improve the quality of care for cancer patients and families. The students will have the opportunity to work with experienced preceptors as they develop their skills for compassionate care in the field of oncology.

Holistic Nursing Practice Award: Tessa Foley Graduate

Academic Excellence Awards: Christina Giwa – DNP

Jennifer Vollmer – MSN

Holistic Nursing Practice Award: Melissa Finken – FNP MSN

On April 23, 2025, the following students received Commencement awards.

Alumni Association Academic Achievement Award – Kaylee Gates BSN ’25

President’s Scholarship Award – Kaylee Gates, BSN ’25

Inaugural White Coat Ceremony celebrates QuinnipiacHartford HealthCare New Careers in Nursing students

The inaugural cohort of the Quinnipiac-Hartford HealthCare (HHC) New Careers in Nursing (NCN) program took a significant step forward on May 16, donning the white coats of their profession to enter the clinical portion of their unique academic journey.

Seventeen New Careers in Nursing students will earn their BSN in 2027 from the Quinnipiac School of Nursing while studying in Hartford as they also continue their roles as Hartford HealthCare employees. Working with the School of Nursing faculty, the inaugural group recently completed six intensive weeks of coursework at Hartford HealthCare’s Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation in Hartford.

On May 16, university and School of Nursing leadership and faculty, Hartford HealthCare leadership and Hartford Hospital representatives were joined by family and friends at Hartford Hospital’s Education and Resource Center for the very special White Coat Ceremony. In a full-circle moment, Hartford HealthCare Hartford Hospital cardiac technician Jeffrey Dobensky ’27 celebrated with his mom, Quinnipiac School of Nursing alum Lori Dobensky, BSN, RN, a MidState Medical Center team member.

“I have been incredibly inspired by my mom,” Jeffrey said. “She is one of the initial reasons I decided to enter the nursing profession.”

Growing up, Jeffrey said he saw his mother’s dedication as a bedside nurse for nearly three decades. He said her care and commitment to her patients is as strong today as it was when she started.

“I would specifically like to point out her dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was working in the ICU at MidState. That was a time of uncertainty for many of us, when we did not know

what could happen to us if we got sick. But she never wavered in her dedication to those who needed her,” said Jeffrey. “She went to work every day, gowned, gloved and masked, while most of us got to stay home and protect our health. She lived what many of us just got to read about or watch on TV. It is an honor to be following in her footsteps at Quinnipiac. She truly represents what it means to be a nurse.”

Lori Dobensky said she’s thrilled her son is receiving the benefit of the same strong Quinnipiac School of Nursing education that propelled her nursing career.

“Through the support and teaching offered at Quinnipiac, felt very prepared for my nursing career,” Lori said. “The strengths they provided were good organization and multitasking. They taught me leadership and the ability to be a team player, which has proved to be a vital skill working on a nursing unit. They taught excellent communication skills and to be compassionate to our patients. These skills and strengths were acquired through all of my experiences as a nursing student in the Quinnipiac program.”

Hartford HealthCare recently recognized Lori with a 2025 Nightingale Award for her significant contributions to the MidState Medical Center team. Among her contributions, the recognition noted that Lori consistently offers her wealth of knowledge and expertise across multiple clinical settings, particularly to new staff and graduate nurses.

“What I value most about the Hartford HealthCare–Quinnipiac School of Nursing relationship is that it provides a great opportunity for these students to pursue their career and work in the field throughout the process,” she said. “MidState has the opportunity to work with the nursing students either through clinicals or as staff. This creates the ability to then hire these new grads who are well prepared and ready to join our team.”

Inaugural White Coat Ceremony celebrates Quinnipiac-Hartford HealthCare New Careers in Nursing students (continued)

Jeffrey Dobensky said he’s grateful for the opportunity to participate in the New Careers in Nursing program.

“Quinnipiac is giving me an opportunity like no other to start my nursing career. This partnership with Hartford HealthCare allows me to create so many connections with those who work at Hartford HealthCare, whether it be at clinicals with the floor nurses or in the lab with the educators,” said Jeffrey. “There is so much support coming from the academic team at Quinnipiac. You can really feel that they care about us and want us to be successful on this journey. I’m excited for these next two years, and I have no doubt that have the support from those at Quinnipiac to become an excellent nurse.”

Jeffrey and his cohort were welcomed to the White Coat Ceremony by Provost Debra Liebowitz, PhD. Liebowitz expressed her tremendous pride and gratitude for this unique partnership and the unprecedented opportunity it creates for students in the program.

“Together, Quinnipiac and Hartford HealthCare thought about how to give access to a program, a curriculum and a path to a career that can transform people’s lives—both your lives in the immediate term, as you’ve decided to make a career change, and in the long term, in the myriad ways you will have an impact on your patients,” said Liebowitz.

School of Nursing Dean Larry Slater, PhD, MAc, RN-BC, CNE, FAAN, reflected on the importance of the day. He thanked Hartford HealthCare for partnering with Quinnipiac to launch the New Careers in Nursing program; recognized families and friends of students for their support; and took a moment to highlight the program’s combination of Quinnipiac, Hartford HealthCare and Hartford Hospital professional, educational and supervisory team members at the ceremony.

“They are here to make sure you succeed. They are excited to support you in your journey,” said Slater. “I want to highlight the tremendous support that you have in the room with you. It takes a village to make sure you are successful, and they are going to play a critical role in your success over the next two years.”

The ceremony’s keynote presentation was provided by Hartford HealthCare Vice President of Nursing Professional Development & Practice Excellence Warly Remegio, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, FNYAM.

“This is such a proud moment for all of us, as we orchestrated a great opportunity not only for our students and colleagues here, but for the profession that we truly love,” said Remegio.

Remegio said the New Careers in Nursing program was created through the ideation and cooperative spirit that is a hallmark of Quinnipiac and Hartford HealthCare’s transformative relationship.

“I am humbled and incredibly honored to address you today on this momentous occasion, the White Coat Ceremony of the inaugural cohort of this groundbreaking program,” Remegio said. “It is indeed a special ceremony—the demarcation of your entry into this noble profession; your formal initiation to be part of a healthcare team, especially in our second home, Hartford Hospital.”

Hartford Hospital Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer Laura Bailey, MSN, RN, shared the history of the White Coat, established by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation in 1993. In 2014, the Gold Foundation partnered with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to bring the White Coat Ceremony to nursing.

Bailey, a Quinnipiac alum, said the partnership, which has created the New Careers in Nursing program, is especially meaningful to her.

“Over 35 years ago, I came to Quinnipiac, and it was really there where I felt like it was the first time that people believed in me. It really set the foundation for what I’ve been able to achieve, and never did I imagine that someday I would become the Chief Nursing Officer of Hartford Hospital. And never did I imagine that these two institutions that am so incredibly proud to be a part of would come together in a union and establish a program where there is so much support for your success. I am so excited for all of you,” said Bailey.

Each member of the inaugural cohort crossed the stage to receive their white coat from Quinnipiac Director of Undergraduate Nursing Programs Tyler Traister, DNP, RN, CNE, NE-BC, OCN, CTN-A, NPD-BC, MEDSURG-BC.

In addition, each student nurse received a ceremonial pin from the Gold Foundation, presented by New Careers in Nursing Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing Judy C. Ruggiri, DNP, MSN, RN.

With the entire cohort wearing their white coats, Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Nursing Lisa Rebeschi, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, led the group in the recitation of the Quinnipiac School of Nursing White Coat Ceremony Oath.

On behalf of all involved in this new venture, Slater congratulated the inaugural New Careers in Nursing cohort.

“We’re excited to watch as you enter into the clinical component of your program. We know that you’re going to make Quinnipiac and Hartford HealthCare extremely proud,” said Slater.

Nursing students, educator honored with national DAISY award for compassionate care

Three Quinnipiac nursing students and a clinical professor have been recognized with the prestigious DAISY Award, a national award celebrating nursing students and educators who go above and beyond to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.

Abigail Crowell ’25, Tara Cook ’26, Sunny Jeon ’25 and Gina Robertiello, clinical assistant professor of nursing, were among these honorees.

The DAISY Award (an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System) recognizes nurses, students and educators who exemplify extraordinary clinical skill and care, often nominated by patients, peers or families.

Cook, a junior in the School of Nursing, was drawn to the field after her father, a chiropractor, was diagnosed with cancer in 2018. She witnessed firsthand the impact nurses had on his care and his outlook.

“My dad would talk to his nurses about my interest in medicine,” said Cook. “Seeing the care he received helped confirm that nursing was the right path for me.”

While at Quinnipiac, Cook’s pediatric clinical rotation proved to be a defining moment.

“I connected with a young student who, like me, has type 1 diabetes,” Cook said. “I was able to offer him reassurance and support, and make the nurse’s office a safe space for him and that experience reinforced why I chose this career.”

Crowell, who graduated in May, began her journey in medicine as an EMT during high school.

“I fell in love with patient care and the relationships that nurses build,” Crowell said.

Through leadership roles in Quinnipiac EMS and work in the nursing simulation lab, Crowell developed both her clinical skills and leadership abilities. A moment that particularly shaped her came while working as a patient care associate.

“I sat quietly with the family of a patient who had passed away. Even without saying much, they thanked me for simply being there. It showed me how powerful presence alone can be,” said Crowell.

After graduation, Cook hopes to gain experience in several nursing specialties, including trauma, pediatrics and the operating room, before eventually pursuing a nurse practitioner degree. Crowell will join the emergency department at Hartford HealthCare’s St. Vincent’s Medical Center as a registered nurse.

Both said that the DAISY Award has strengthened their confidence and sense of purpose.

“This award helped me realize the impact I can have—not just on patients, but on my peers as well,” said Crowell. “It motivates me to continue mentoring and practicing with compassion.”

“I’ve grown so much. Last semester, focused more on tasks. This semester, I focused on listening and that made all the difference,” Cook said.

The values of the DAISY Award—compassion, empathy and holistic care—align closely with Quinnipiac’s nursing philosophy, she said.

“We’re taught to treat the whole patient—mind, body and spirit,” Crowell said. “This recognition validates that approach.”

Both students emphasized the importance of presence, listening and empathy as cornerstones of quality care.

“My advice to other nursing students is simple: Be present,” said Cook. “Ask how your patients are doing. Let them talk. Sometimes, just listening can completely shift a patient’s experience.”

When Cook learned she had received the DAISY award, she was stunned.

“My professor, Diane Sullivan, called my name and I was speechless. Having my mom and sister there made it even more meaningful,” said Cook.

Crowell, too, was deeply moved.

“The kind words shared about me brought me to tears,” she said. “I was incredibly honored just to be nominated.”

Both Crowell and Cook plan to carry forward the DAISY principles throughout their careers and to uplift those around them in the process.

Student honored for life-saving assistance at school bus crash

Last year, Matthew Goldman ’25, an EMT and senior nursing student, spent his spring break soaking up the sun in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This year, however, his spring break looked entirely different: Goldman found himself in the middle of a chaotic scene on the Garden State Parkway, helping to save lives following a devastating school bus crash.

The accident occurred on March 10, 2025, just as Goldman was finishing up a 12-hour shift at The Valley Hospital in Paramus, where he was working in the cardiac intensive care unit. He was heading home to Montvale, New Jersey, exiting the Parkway, when he saw the overturned bus, wrecked on its side.

“I was just about to get off my exit when I saw the bus crash, maybe 50 yards in front of me,” Goldman said. “I think even without my emergency experience, I probably would have jumped out and helped anyway, but it definitely was a plus having that experience and knowing what to do in the situation.”

The scene was chaotic. The bus had flipped, and one child had been severely injured Without hesitation, Goldman pulled over, raced toward the crash and began pulling children from the mangled bus.

With his extensive training as a volunteer EMT for nearly six years with his hometown Tri-Boro Ambulance Corps, Goldman was calm calling 911 in addition to helping the children. His ambulance corps—the primary 911 service for his town—raced to the scene, where Goldman worked alongside them, triaging the passengers and assessing their injuries.

“I’ve been on over 700 calls,” he said. “It was a crazy scene, but knew exactly what to do. My training just kicked in, and I started helping where I could.”

Goldman’s dedication to helping others runs deep. He’s been a volunteer EMT since he was 16.

“I’ve always been interested in healthcare, and it felt like a great way to get exposure to the field and do something good for the community,” he said.

His passion for healthcare led him to Quinnipiac. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May 2025..

“The School of Nursing is immensely proud to recognize Matt’s extraordinary bravery and skill during this accident,” said Lisa Rebeschi, senior associate dean and professor.

“His demonstration of extraordinary courage in responding to the injured is to be commended. Matt’s actions deserve our profound respect and we are truly grateful that he was ‘in the right place at the right time,’” Rebeschi said. “As a soon-to-be School of Nursing graduate, we know that his future is bright, that he will continue to have a profound impact on those that he cares for and that he will continue to make Quinnipiac University proud.”

Goldman said his experiences in both the field and the classroom have shaped his desire to make a difference.

“Honestly, I wasn’t thinking at all when I got to the accident scene. I just went in headfirst,” he said. “I think all of my training just kicked in and I went into autopilot and did what needed to be done until I had a moment to take a deep breath and be like, ‘Oh my gosh, that just happened.’”

When Goldman returned home that night, still processing the chaos of the crash, he didn’t expect the attention that would soon come. Still, his actions on the Garden State Parkway were impossible to ignore.

On March 13, Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali honored Goldman as a hometown hero. Goldman also received a proclamation from the town of Montvale and the New Jersey State Assembly, an honor from the Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the key to Montvale.

“I really believe that even without the training, people would stop and help in a similar situation,” he said.

“I try to see the good in humanity. I am really out of my comfort zone with all the attention. I was in the right place at the right time and it validates that I want to spend the rest of my life helping people.”

Community Engagement

Saving lives, supporting community: Free youth heart screenings offered at Quinnipiac February 1

Quinnipiac’s Recreation and Wellness Center on the Mount Carmel Campus welcomed area families, young adults and Bobcat students to stop in for a quick, painless and free cardiac screening from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2025.

“Together, Mike and I have held other screenings, but not to the magnitude we have planned for this event, where our goal is to help over 200 people,” said Violano. “We’re helping the community, we’re saving lives, and we’re giving opportunities to our own students to get some clinical experience.”

The February 1 screening combined the services of nursing students of all levels with the School of Nursing faculty and volunteers trained in CPR and AED assistance. Hands-only CPR training for community members was also offered. Additionally, Violano connected with two pediatric cardiologists to provide patient support emergently, if needed.

School of Nursing Director of Community Engagement and Clinical Associate Professor of Nursing Pina Violano said this large-scale health and wellness event engaged nursing students with the greater community while providing an electrocardiogram (EKG) that could save a life. According to In a Heartbeat, an EKG can detect approximately 60% of heart condition abnormalities associated with sudden cardiac death that cannot be detected by a stethoscope.

“This is preventative medicine,” said Violano. “We’re looking at finding any young person that may have any kind of hidden ailment with their hearts. It’s a screening that could prevent them from dying on a basketball court or playing field.”

Statistics from the American Academy of Pediatrics show nearly 2,000 Americans age 25 and under die annually from sudden cardiac arrest, often due to undiagnosed heart problems.

In a Heartbeat founder and Bobcat alum Mike Papale ’11 experienced sudden cardiac arrest at age 17 while playing basketball at a Wallingford court. An EMT who was in the building administered CPR until an ambulance equipped with an AED arrived to re-start Papale’s heart. The experience convinced Papale of the need to have public access to AED machines in communal spaces and inspired him to found In a Heartbeat.

At Quinnipiac, the School of Nursing Community Engagement Program offers vital health and safety training designed to equip individuals from across the university with the skills needed to respond confidently and effectively in emergencies. Violano has often teamed up with Papale and student volunteers to offer life-saving intervention training and services at Quinnipiac athletic events and other programs.

“Should someone’s reading alert to something, we will get them in immediately to see a physician,” said Violano.

Violano said the chance for nursing students to provide EKG screenings to patients, especially those of a young age, is a unique opportunity.

“You could be a nurse for 10 years and never do an EKG on anyone. This is providing nursing students with experiential learning. It’s real-life experience,” said Violano.

The free cardiac screening event also provided a vitally important service to families and young adults, which could prevent a tragic outcome.

“I took care of many of these kids for 14 years working in the pediatric intensive care unit, so I know firsthand the devastation of getting a notice that your child has a heart defect,” Violano said.

“In my mind, there’s no question that this is the right thing to do. We want to help the community recognize that we’re partners with them, and this is available to them,” she said. “As nurses, we’re one of the most trusted professions, and we want them to know that we’re doing the right thing for these families and their kids.”

Trustee launches School of Nursing community engagement program that’s been integrated into the curriculum and benefited 3,000-plus community members

Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, the compassionate change-makers whose swift and precise actions in an emergency are as vital as their staunch advocacy for underserved communities. They are often the first point of contact for a patient, yet they never waver in their commitment, staying the course and bridging the gap as a treatment plan is enacted.

The importance of this balancing act is not lost on Board of Trustees member David Keiser, the former president, chief operating officer and director of Alexion Pharmaceuticals in New Haven, Connecticut. Citing his “very high appreciation of the role that nurses play within our healthcare system,” Keiser funded the creation of the School of Nursing community engagement program.

Now in its third year, the comprehensive injury prevention and public outreach initiative has helped over 3,000 community members and has been integrated into the curricula of the nursing school, the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine and the School of Health Sciences.

Pina Violano, the program’s director and a clinical associate professor of nursing, praised Keiser for making such a critical investment in the future of healthcare.

“The generous funding from the Keiser Foundation has helped Quinnipiac and the School of Nursing develop a comprehensive, robust community engagement program that enables us to generate a pipeline of community-engaged healthcare workers who will care for the health and well-being of our communities in need—including our most vulnerable communities who historically are deprived of access to healthcare,” Violano said.

The community engagement program partners with Quinnipiac EMS to bring life-saving education to students across disciplines through an agreement with the American Heart Association. Topics include community CPR and automatic external defibrillator (AED) training, cardiovascular health, firearm safety, bicycle safety, Narcan and EpiPen administration and Stop the Bleed (STP) hemorrhage control.

“The plan is to continuously offer courses for years to come,” said nursing student and Quinnipiac EMS captain Alex Bayer ’25. “Quinnipiac EMS and the School of Nursing community engagement program are committed to [keeping] this program alive and affirm our belief in the ideals of inclusive excellence as a way to continue nurturing Quinnipiac as a university full of people who care deeply about each other and the communities around us.”

Additionally, nursing students and alumni can obtain a community engagement distinction microcredential by completing a hybrid, 70-hour program centered around the Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce population health course and attending four community safety training courses.

“It’s been so gratifying to watch the breadth of the program grow over the past three years and see the impact it’s had—not just in North Haven, but also the broader New Haven communities,” Keiser said. “It’s providing students with experiential learning opportunities, but it also demonstrates the value Quinnipiac University brings within the communities in which it resides.”

Engaging with the Navajo Nation

“Engaging with the Navajo Nation” is a newly developed course by Erica Mumm, clinical associate professor of nursing. This course serves as the experiential learning platform for Community and Public Health.

Within the didactic part of the course, students explore the impacts of social determinants of health on communities and populations. Health outcomes, nursing advocacy and policy initiatives are discussed in light of the explorations around the health of communities.

Complementing the didactic course will be a course created to allow students the opportunity to engage with communities outside of their own to apply what they have learned. In order to develop this experiential curriculum, Mumm first needed to secure funding for a site visit.

Site visits are very important as they provide an insight into what the student experience will be like and allow the faculty to tailor the experience to meet the student learning outcomes. Most importantly in this case, it allows faculty to begin to develop relationship with community members and leaders that will serve as the co-facilitators in our students’ learning. Successful community-based learning is built on trust and communication and site visits are imperative to start that process.

Mumm applied for the Galpin Internationalization Grant through the Office of Global Engagement and received financial support for the travel and accommodations to the Navajo Nation. There, she partnered with AllPeopleBeHappy, a community-based organization that facilitates global learning experiences for students and has deep roots in the Navajo Nation.

During this time, she ate Native food, learned the Native language and cultural traditions, traveled through Native land and most significantly talked with the Navajo people, learning about their stories.

Meeting the Navajo people was a transformative experience and one that she looks forward to sharing with her students. Recognizing that there are many cultures, traditions, ethnicities, backgrounds and identities of people in the United States allows nursing students to garner perspective on how they will care for others as they enter the nursing profession. This experience will both invigorate and inspire the 10 senior students as they look to embark on their professional careers. It may even motivate a student to take a nursing job in or near the Navajo Nation or other parts of the country.

Students will first meet in the Fall 2025 semester to establish a foundation of knowledge prior to arriving at the Navajo Nation in January 2026. Ten students and two faculty members will spend seven days engaging with the Navajo people, learning their ways, hearing their stories, understanding their challenges, and most importantly, embracing a community that may be different from their own.

In her position, Loarte-Rodriguez is most excited to see the change and growth the healthcare system will have.

“The chance to dismantle outdated systems and rebuild them with intention excites me the most. The nursing workforce doesn’t need tweaking—it needs transformation,” said Loarte-Rodriguez.

“I’m here to push for equity not as a buzzword, but as a non-negotiable standard. I want to build partnerships that challenge comfort zones, create access where it’s been denied, and design pipelines that don’t just feed the profession—they redefine it,” she said. “This role isn’t about maintaining what is. It’s about shaping what should be.”

Being a first-generation college student shaped everything, especially her approach to leadership and problem solving. “I didn’t inherit a roadmap; built one,” said Loarte-Rodriguez. “That experience taught me how to move through systems that weren’t designed for me—and how to challenge and redesign them for those coming next. My leadership is grounded in empathy, yes, but also in accountability and action.”

During her time at Quinnipiac, Loarte-Rodriguez received her MSN in Operational Leadership and DNP.

Alumna

transforms the healthcare system one bold step at

a time

Advocacy, passion and legacy define Dr. Tina Loarte-Rodriguez’s MSN ’20, DNP ’23 journey, from authoring “Latinas in Nursing” to bettering healthcare in Connecticut with the Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce.

Loarte-Rodriguez’s journey to nursing was anything but linear. She began her studies in pre-med, then pivoted to childhood education. Her love for teaching, advocacy and medicine was apparent but choosing a specific career path had her torn.

“It wasn’t until I supported my mother-in-law through a complex hospitalization and rehabilitation that everything clicked,” said Loarte-Rodriguez. “I witnessed firsthand how nurses became the thread holding it all together—clinically, emotionally and spiritually. In those moments, saw the soul of nursing. It brought together every part of who I am: caregiver, teacher, advocate and leader. That’s when I knew—this is what was born to do.”

Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic strengthened Loarte-Rodriguez’s commitment to helping others.

“Leading through crisis, while simultaneously working on health equity initiatives and advancing advocacy in professional nursing organizations, revealed a truth I couldn’t ignore: We cannot sustain a strong healthcare system without an equally strong and diverse nursing workforce,” she said.

Loarte-Rodriguez now serves as the executive director of the Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making sure the state of Connecticut has a nursing workforce that fosters intellectual excellence, diversity and sustainability.

“Quinnipiac didn’t just prepare me for leadership—it made me bold about it. The MSN and DNP programs challenged me to think beyond the bedside and see the full architecture of healthcare systems. They gave me the tools to communicate across disciplines, lead with clarity and advocate with strategy. But more than that, QU instilled in me a responsibility to act.”

Her dedication to helping others stretches far and wide, as Loarte-Rodriguez wrote and published “Latinas in Nursing,” Volumes 1 and 2. The anthologies follow her personal experience as a Latina nurse and how she navigated healthcare spaces.

“These books celebrate stories that have long been overlooked, and they’re a love letter to those who’ve had to fight for visibility in spaces that weren’t made for us,” said Loarte-Rodriguez. “I created them to make sure no nurse feels invisible again—and to show what’s possible when we lead from identity, not despite it.”

“I do this work for those rising now—and for those yet to come. My legacy is not just what I build, but who I build it for,” said Loarte-Rodriguez.

The legacy she hopes to leave at the Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce is one filled with bold, measurable transformation, Loarte-Rodriguez explained.

“I want people to look back and say, ‘That’s when the shift happened.’ A time when diversity wasn’t a side initiative—it was the standard,” said Loarte-Rodriguez. “When equity wasn’t something we talked about— it was something we built into every model, every metric, every decision.”

Loarte-Rodriguez reinforces the rhetoric that nursing is more than just a profession, explaining that it’s a force for systemic change, justice and community healing. She also emphasizes the importance of collective action.

Loarte-Rodriguez urges nurses to take bold steps to create meaningful change.

“Be the innovator. Be the disruptor,” said Loarte-Rodriguez. “Fill the gaps you see with bold ideas and unapologetic action. Advocate in every space where decisions are made—especially the ones that were never designed with you in mind. This is our moment to lead—and not quietly.”

School of Nursing shares state-of-the-art experiential learning with local high school students

At Quinnipiac School of Nursing’s state-of-the-art facility, expert faculty members guided nearly 50 local high school students through hands-on simulation training and joined with current nursing students and administrators to share insights on pathways to a future in nursing.

On March 20, 2025, New Haven Hill Regional Career High School students on the health sciences study track visited the North Haven Campus to engage in the full-day experience. They learned about Quinnipiac’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Certified Nurse Aide training programs, heard from current nursing students, and participated in experiential learning in classroom simulation labs.

During two faculty-led simulation exercises, the high school students also earned certification in Narcan training and Stop the Bleed training. They also received Narcan emergency kits, tourniquets and other provisions.

Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Nursing Lisa Rebeschi said this is the second consecutive year the school has offered the valuable interactive program in collaboration with Career High School.

“As part of our strategic plan in the School of Nursing, we have objectives around thriving community and student success. This collaboration really aligns with both of those objectives,” said Rebeschi. “The partnership allows us the opportunity to help familiarize them with the opportunities here, and because the Career students are so driven around healthcare and so well-qualified, this is a population we’d like to attract more of.”

Tyler Traister, director of undergraduate programs and assistant professor of nursing, discussed the country’s many different routes to earning a nursing degree, the college application process, and the wealth of opportunities provided by Quinnipiac nursing degrees and programs.

“Many hospitals and nursing jobs across the nation are really looking for you to have that baccalaureate degree. The BSN degree is very sought after and coveted for those individuals,” said Traister. “Here at Quinnipiac, we have boundless opportunities for you to enmesh yourself in that nursing role.”

Led by faculty, the students worked with manikins in training courses, toured the simulation center where nursing students are provided with a safe environment to learn all of the skills needed for various clinical settings, and engaged in a classroom simulation activity.

Pina Violano, clinical associate professor of nursing and director of community engagement, together with community engagement distinction student volunteers, provided the day’s Narcan and Stop the Bleed training and certification. Tours of the school’s nursing labs and simulation center were led by Darlene Rogers, director of laboratory and simulation operations, and nursing laboratory coordinator Diane Sullivan. Classroom simulation activities were led by simulation director Liana Kappus and clinical assistant professor Peter Longley.

Career High School healthcare professions educator Robin Davitt-Wells said the visiting students are all college bound, and many are interested in a career in nursing. Davitt-Wells said bringing her students to Quinnipiac provides them an unprecedented opportunity to explore their interests in health sciences.

“First of all, they’re getting exposed to the university, and the university is amazing. There’s so much here to offer. Secondly, they’re coming away with something from the experience. They earned two certifications today. So, it’s not just another college tour. They’re actually learning something,” said Davitt-Wells.

Career High School business manager Jennifer Stevenson worked with Rebeschi to initiate the career exploration visits last year. Stevenson said the high school’s collaboration with Quinnipiac provides students with a valuable view of their future potential.

“We’re getting the kids out to see what’s available and the programs that are offered, and the experiences they can actually have when they come out of high school,” said Stevenson.

Career High School junior Milea Jones, who plans to become a registered nurse, said Quinnipiac students, faculty and administrators created a welcoming learning environment for the day.

“They made me feel welcome and they were really helpful. We go out to visit different schools, but this one was a little different because they gave us more information about the school, and with things like the Stop the Bleed training, we learned something while we were here,” said Jones.

Giovany Sarez Medina, a third-year Career High School student, said he also appreciated receiving Narcan and Stop the Bleed training as part of the visit.

“It was very interesting. Now, I’m more comfortable when an emergency presents itself. I can be there to provide Narcan. I can stop bleeding,” said Medina.

Medina said he also took away some important insights after hearing from faculty and current nursing students.

“The most memorable thing for me is if you want to pursue nursing, you just have to be dedicated,”

Medina said. “All the work, being comfortable being with the patients, that will just all come along later on in the journey. As long as you’re dedicated it shouldn’t feel like a job, but more like a passion that is something you want to do.”

Summer Programs for High School Students: Exploring Your Future in Nursing

This summer, Quinnipiac offered two weeklong sessions of Exploring Your Future in Nursing, which brought 45 students to the doorstep of the world of nursing. Students came from near and far including our local area communities in Connecticut, and from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Florida, Virginia and Washington. We even had a student join the camp from London, England. Students spent the week in our best-in-class facilities, including the simulation center, nursing lab and simulation operating and recovery room areas.

Daily activities highlighted Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training and relevant medical terminology while providing an overview of the career opportunities within nursing. Students participated in high-fidelity simulations learning about the care of a newborn in the home setting and the care of an adolescent having an appendectomy.

The objectives of the program were for students to walk away with:

An appreciation for the many different opportunities within the nursing field

An understanding of key medical terminology

Hands-on skills and training for nursing care

A strong grasp of care across the continuum, including outpatient, emergency department, operating room (OR) and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) areas

Familiarity with the administration of treatments including IV therapy, wound care, airway suctioning, medication, injections and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Networking opportunities and professional feedback from working professionals

Dean’s Advisory Council advances strategic priorities

The Dean’s Advisory Council (DAC) played an instrumental role in advancing the strategic priorities of the Quinnipiac University School of Nursing (QU SON) throughout the 2024-25 academic year. Council initiatives reflected a strong emphasis on student success and sustainable resources, while supporting innovation, alumni engagement and philanthropic growth. Highlights from the year include:

Student Success

Guided strategic enhancements to student experience and academic outcomes, including mentoring initiatives and integration of learner-centered design in the undergraduate curriculum redesign through the Minerva Project.

Supported the launch of the Hartford HealthCare New Careers in Nursing (NCN) part-time BSN program, expanding access and diversifying the nursing workforce pipeline.

Advocated for formalized student mentoring structures and broader engagement strategies for undergraduate and graduate student cohorts.

Sustainable Resources

Launched the inaugural School of Nursing Advisory Scholarship Fund with a $50,000 seed investment from DAC members to support nursing students and contribute to Quinnipiac’s For the Ambitious capital campaign.

Contributed to strategic planning around non-tuition revenue streams, including communitybased continuing education offerings and expanding clinical preceptor partnerships.

Advised on future philanthropic strategies aligned with the For the Ambitious capital campaign, including donor cultivation, endowed positions and alumni storytelling.

Through collaborative planning and focused breakout sessions, the DAC advanced its mission of serving as advisers, ambassadors and advocates for the School of Nursing, ensuring alignment with emerging industry trends, educational best practices and community health needs.

Faculty & Staff Scholarship and Achievements

Barrere, Cindy

Cindy Barrere

Received the American Holistic Nurses Association 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, June 2024.

Moloney, S. L., Fazio, S., Barrere, C. Zimmerman, S., Sanchez, R., Montminy, J., Rulison, M., Montesano, R., & Van Haitsma, K. (2025). Perspectives on Living Well with Dementia. Journal of Applied Gerontology.

Barrere, C. & Bradley, C. Student’s Reflective Signature Work: A Transformative Instrument of Renewal AHNA Conference, Rochester, Minnesota, Poster Presentation. June 2024. Peer reviewed.

Bell, Ingrid

Slyer, J., Martin, M., Bell, I (2024). Competency Based Evaluation of NP Students Using the PRIME Framework at NONPF. Poster presentation. 50th Annual Conference. Peer reviewed.

Boyd, Cory Ann

Vallespir Ellett, G., Fetta, J., Boyd, C., Scott, L. (2025). Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Wicked Problems in Nursing Education: An Innovative Teaching Approach. 32nd Annual Conference for Nurse Educators “Cultivating Nursing Professionalism through Education and Community” scheduled May 2025. Peer reviewed.

Bradley, Carolyn

Carolyn Bradley Accepted into the National League for Leadership Education and Development Nursing (LEAD) Program NLN, 2025.

Carolyn Bradley Nominated for the 2025 Faculty Scholarship Award, Quinnipiac University, April 2025.

Carolyn Bradley, Liana Kappus, & Gina Robertiello Awarded: $13,000 June 2025 by Eva Stearns Faulkner Simulation Education Research Funds. Title: Preparing Future Nurses Through Simulation: Family Presence During Resuscitation.

Bradley, C. & Traister, T. (2025). Trauma-informed leadership strategies to improve baccalaureate nursing student engagement and well-being. Journal of Professional Nursing 57, 129-132. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2025.02.002

Barrere, C. & Bradley, C. Student’s Reflective Signature Work: A Transformative Instrument of Renewal. AHNA Conference, Rochester, Minnesota, Poster Presentation, June 2024, Peer reviewed.

Bradley, C., & Traister, T. (2024, February 9). Trauma-informed Leadership Strategies to Improve Undergraduate Nursing Student Engagement and Wellbeing Poster presentation. Wolters Kluwer Innovate to Elevate: Engaging in This New Era of Nursing Education Conference, Lake Buena Vista, FL. Peer reviewed.

Wilmott, I., & Bradley, C. (2024, October 30). Leadership strategies to improve hand hygiene performance Poster presentation. ANCC National Magnet Conference. New Orleans, LA. Peer reviewed.

Wilmott, I., & Bradley, C. (2025). Leadership strategies to improve hand hygiene performance Podium presentation. NDNQI and Press Ganey Clinical Community invited the authors to disseminate their work as a best practice on this national site.

Casbarro, Nicole

Nicole Casbarro

Earned Advanced Holistic Nurse Practitioner Certification examination sponsored by the American Holistic Nurse Credentialing Corporation 2025.

Nicole Casbarro, Auricular. Creative Arts Journal of Quinnipiac University Arbor Vitae: Creative Deliberations on Health, Illness, and Humanity, vol 13, Spring 2025.

Francois, G. & Casbarro, N. (2025). Presidential Debate Watch Assignment: Engaging Students in Policy and its Impact on Nursing Care. Poster presentation at AACN’s 2025 Access, Connection, Engagement Symposium in Indianapolis, IN. Peer reviewed.

Doyle, Kelsey

Doyle, Kelsey. Grounded and Close to the Heart. Creative Arts Journal of Quinnipiac University

Falcon, Angela

Angela Falcon (2025). Patient Navigation: A Humbling Learning Experience. Journal of Oncology Navigation & Survivorship (JONS)

Fetta, Joey

Joey Fetta

Awarded the 2025 Journal of Neuroscience Nursing’s Writing Excellence Award presented at the AANN annual conference in New Orleans. This award was for his publication titled Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal of Role Definition and Responsibility Within the Concussion Management Team for Secondary Schools published in the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing

Vallespir Ellett, G., Fetta, J., Boyd, C., Scott, L. (2025). Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Wicked Problems in Nursing Education: An Innovative Teaching Approach. 32nd Annual Conference for Nurse Educators “Cultivating Nursing Professionalism through Education and Community” scheduled May 2025. Peer reviewed.

Francois, Goetti

Francois, G. & Casbarro, N. (2025). Presidential Debate Watch Assignment: Engaging Students in Policy and its Impact on Nursing Care. Poster presentation at AACN’s 2025 Access, Connection, Engagement Symposium in Indianapolis, IN. Peer reviewed.

Participated in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing 2025 Diversity Leadership Cohort completing a capstone project titled “Belonging, Becoming, and Building: Elevating First Generation Students In Nursing Education.”

Kappus, Liana

Carolyn Bradley, Liana Kappus, & Gina Robertiello Awarded: $13,000 June 2025 by Eva Stearns Faulkner Simulation Education Research Funds Title: Preparing Future Nurses Through Simulation: Family Presence During Resuscitation

Karosas, Laima

Karosas, Laima: awarded Fulbright US Scholar Award 2024-2025. Title: Exploring the gap between education and practice for advance practice nurses in Lithuania.

Riklikiene, O., Spirgiene, L., Rapoliene, J., & Karosas, L. (2024). Spiritual needs and life satisfaction of Lithuanian palliative care patients. Journal of Religion & Health doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/ s10943-024-02049-w

Longley, Peter

Rahul Ana, Maya Doyle, Peter Longley Amber Vargas, & David DesRoches awarded: Leaders who Care: A Podcast About Leadership, Teaming, and Redesigning Healthcare. Awarded for Project Period: $4,000 from Quinnipiac University Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works Impact Fund; Project Period: Spring 2025.

Merritt, Linda

Merritt, L. & Verklan, M.T. (2024). A feasibility study to test the NICU Paternal Needs Inventory. Advances in Neonatal Care 24(1), 86-93. doi: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000001121

Merritt, L. Wood, A., & Wachhaus, T. (2025). Understanding the Experience of Dads & Non-birthing Partners in the NICU 2025 Summit NICU Parent Support Network. Podium Presentation. Invited.

Merritt, L. & Verklan, M.T. (2024). Results of the Pilot Study to Determine the Validity and Reliability of the NICU Paternal Needs Inventory. National Association of Neonatal Nurses Annual Conference, Poster presentation. Orlando, Florida, Peer reviewed.

Merritt, L. & Ngo, K. (2024) Exploring the Experiences of Asian American Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. National Association of Neonatal Nurses Annual Conference, Poster presentation. Orlando, Florida. Peer reviewed.

Merritt, L. & Verklan, M.T. (2024). Protocol to Test the NICU Paternal Needs Inventory. Poster Presentation. New England Association of Neonatal Nurses Annual Conference, Providence, Rhode Island. Peer reviewed.

Mumm, Erica

Mumm, Erica. I am a Nurse. Creative Arts Journal of Quinnipiac University Arbor Vitae: Creative Deliberations on Health, Illness, and Humanity, vol 13, Spring 2025.

Nicholson, Nick

You, E., Nicholson, N. Jacobson, S. A., Poghosyan, H., Feinn, R. S., & Rachel, L. (2024)., Social Isolation and Population Density: Racial and Ethnic Differences Among Older Adults. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care 61: 1-9. doi: https://journals.sagepub.com/ doi/10.1177/00469580241273127

You, Y., Andreoletti, C., Feinn, R., Nicholson, N & Howard, B. (2025). The Mediating Role of Social Participation in Gender and Marital Status Associations with Social Isolation Among Retirees, Journal of Gerontological Nursing.

Grace You, Christa Malan & Nick Nicholson’s abstract: Social Participation as a Mediating Effect Against Isolation in Retirees: Implications for Academic Nursing and Practice. AACN’s 2025 Access, Connection, Engagement Symposium in Indianapolis, IN. Oral presentation.

You E., Nicholson N., Hermine P., Richard F., Rachel C., Stephanie J. (2025). Racial and Ethnic Differences Among Older Adults in Social Isolation and Population Density International Council of Nurses 2025 Congress, Helsinki, Finland. Poster Presentation. Peer reviewed.

Pfeiffer, Kate

Pfeiffer, K., Starks, S., Kumar, A., Wofsy, A., Johnson, K. B., & Smith, K. (2024). Looking Back to Advance Equity in Psychiatric Nursing: Strategies for the Classroom and for Practice. Nursing Education Perspectives, 45(5), 325–326. https://doi.org/10.1097/01. NEP.0000000000001309

Owen, M. I., Pfeiffer, K., Jordan, D., & Dittmann, A. (2024).

Developing a Pilot Curriculum to Enhance Undergraduate Student Well-Being. Journal of Nursing Education, 0(0), 1–5. https:// doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20240723-02

Baker, H.F., Pfeiffer, K. (September 2024). Values Clarification for Nursing Students. National League for Nursing Education Summit. San Antonio, Texas. Poster Presentation. Peer reviewed.

Rebeschi, Lisa

Lisa Rebeschi

Received the Jane E. Murdock “Life-Long” Learning Award Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce (CCNW). April 2025.

Selected and participated as a Harvard Macy Scholar for Leading Innovations in Health Care and Education Harvard Medical School, June 2025.

Violano, P PI, Slater, L. Co-PI & Rebeschi, L Co-PI: School of Nursing Community Engagement Program Awarded: $500,000.00 from Quinnipiac University- Keiser Foundation. Project period: 07/01/2024-06/30/2026.

Slater, L. and Rebeschi, L The Jennifer Hawke-Petit Endowed Scholarship for Pediatric Nursing grant. Awarded: $100,000 from the Petit Foundation. June 2025.

Robertiello, Gina

Gina Robertiello

Received the SON Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators, May 2025.

Robertiello, Gina. You’ll Sleep When You’re Dead. Creative Arts Journal of Quinnipiac University Arbor Vitae: Creative Deliberations on Health, Illness, and Humanity, vol 13, Spring 2025.

Carolyn Bradley, Liana Kappus, & Gina Robertiello Awarded: $13,000 June 2025 by Eva Stearns Faulkner Simulation Education Research Funds. Title: Preparing Future Nurses Through Simulation: Family Presence During Resuscitation.

Scott, Lee

Vallespir Ellett, G., Fetta, J, Boyd, C. Scott, L. (2025) Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Wicked Problems in Nursing Education: An Innovative Teaching Approach. 32nd Annual Conference for Nurse Educators “Cultivating Nursing Professionalism through Education and Community” May 2025. Peer reviewed.

Siefker, Tricia

Siefker, T. (2025). Peer Support to Improve Retention. (DNP Project). Poster Presentation at the 2025 National Consortium for Nursing Academic Coaches Compass Conference at Auburn University. Peer reviewed.

Received one of Hartford HealthCare’s 2025 Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing, May 2025.

Slater, Larry

Lim, F., Slater, L Z., & Stoffan, P. (2024). Perioperative Care of the Older Adult. Interventions in Specialty Practice, Chapter 36: 484-499.

Lim, F., & Slater, L Z. (2024). General Surgical Care of the Older Adult. Interventions in Specialty Practice, Chapter 37: pages 500 – 529.

Violano, P. PI, Slater, L. Co-PI & Rebeschi, L. Co-PI: School of Nursing Community Engagement Program. Awarded: $500,000.00 from Quinnipiac University- Keiser Foundation. Project period: 07/01/2024-06/30/2026.

Slater, L and Rebeschi, L. The Jennifer Hawke-Petit Endowed Scholarship for Pediatric Nursing grant. Awarded: $100,000 from the Petit Foundation. June 2025.

Stark, Liz

Stark, Liz, Allison Katilius, Kendall Huot, Nicole Baer, Camille Flayhan, Kylie Ameika, & Karen J. Gomez (2024). Junior Nursing Students Learn Holistic Healing by Bringing the Holistic Core Values to Life in The American Holistic Nurses Association Newsletter.

Faculty & Staff Scholarship and Achievements

(continued)

Traister, Tyler

Tyler Traister

Earned the Advanced Holistic Nurse Board Certification examination sponsored by the American Holistic Nurse Credentialing Corporation, 2024.

Traister, Tyler. December 2024 of the German translation of his book: Care for LGBTQ+ People.

Bradley, C. & Traister, T. (2025). Trauma-informed leadership strategies to improve baccalaureate nursing student engagement and well-being. Journal of Professional Nursing, 57, 129-132. https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2025.02.002

Tyler Traister (2025). Promoting Health Equity through Social Media: Empowering Nursing Students to Tackle Disinformation. 2025 NLN Nursing Education Research Conference (NERC) Podium presentation. March, Washington, D.C.

Bradley, C., & Traister, T. (2024, February 9). Trauma-informed Leadership Strategies to Improve Undergraduate Nursing Student Engagement and Wellbeing, Poster presentation. Wolters Kluwer Innovate to Elevate: Engaging in This New Era of Nursing Education Conference, Lake Buena Vista, FL. Peer reviewed.

Vallespir Ellett, G.

Vallespir Ellett, G., Fetta, J, Boyd, C. Scott, L. (2025) Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Wicked Problems in Nursing Education: An Innovative Teaching Approach. 32nd Annual Conference for Nurse Educators “Cultivating Nursing Professionalism through Education and Community” May 2025. Peer reviewed.

Violano, Pina

Awarded the 2025 Healthcare Warrior Award in Nursing from the Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce for her work as Director of the Community Engagement Program.

Pina Violano, PI, received funding from Connecticut Department of Public Health for research:

Title: “Firearm Safety Starts Here: Lock it Up-Safer CT Veterans Suicide Prevention.” Project period: 04/28/2025- 07/31/2025.

Invited to join the Steering Committee on Community Partnered Research at Yale School of Medicine.

Celebrating Retirees

A fond farewell and wishes for a wonderful future

Faculty Mentor Student Recognition Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce, Inc., October 28, 2024

2024 Faculty Excellence Award Semi-Finalist Quinnipiac University Center for Staff and Faculty Excellence, June 2024

Joined the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium (RGVRC) housed at New York’s Rockefeller Institute of Government. Invited appointment January 2, 2024

Safe Storage of Firearms Press Conference with Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. New Haven Public Schools Administration Office in the Gateway Center. Invited speaker at the Violence Prevention Press Conference. New Haven, CT. Sept 2024.

Violano, P. PI: Swords to Plowshares Northeast-Transforming Young Hearts & Minds: A Violence Prevention Outreach Program. Awarded: $200,000.00, from Connecticut Department of Public Health administered by Connecticut Children’s Project period: 09/01/2024-06/30/2025.

Violano, P PI, Slater, L Co-PI & Rebeschi, L. Co-PI: School of Nursing Community Engagement Program Awarded: $500,000.00 from Quinnipiac University- Keiser Foundation. Project period: 07/01/2024-06/30/2026.

Brutus, Christine, Farris, Paul, Fogarasi, Miklos, Violano, Pina, Couturie, Michael. Optimization and Comparison of Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Screening in Underserved, New Haven, Connecticut Community Clinic. (2024). Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine Quinnipiac University Summer Research Poster Day. Peer reviewed.

Jennifer Wethje

Successfully completed three Holistic certifications from Scholistico, an internationally accredited organization: 1) Holistic Health Practitioner Certification (April 2025), 2) Holistic Nutrition Consultant Certification (May 2025) and 3) Naturopathy Practitioner Certification (June 2025).

Susan D’Agostino, DNP Teresa Twomey, EdD

With sincerest gratitude, the School of Nursing extends heartfelt congratulations to Cory A. Boyd, EdD; Susan D’Agostino, DNP; and Teresa Twomey, EdD, who retired this year following decades of service to the Quinnipiac University School of Nursing.

Their passion for nursing education, practice and research; their commitment to excellence and their profound impact on generations of students has left an enduring legacy. The School of Nursing celebrates their remarkable careers and wishes them continued success in the years ahead.

Quinnipiac’s School of Nursing: Our Ambitious Healthcare Leaders

CONGRATULATIONS TO Tricia Siefker and all of the Nightingale Award recipients.

The Quinnipiac School of Nursing is dedicated to developing exceptional, practice-ready nurses who lead with expertise in science-based, holistic care, cultivated through an education that values innovation and inclusivity. qu.edu/nursing

At the School of Nursing, we are driven by a commitment to excellence in education, innovative research and compassionate care. Under the leadership of Dean Larry Z. Slater and a dedicated team, the School of Nursing is continuously seeking to strengthen our connections with alumni, parents and friends—for the benefit of the entire Quinnipiac nursing community as well as the people our graduates serve.

Quinnipiac nursing students benefit from a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary education supported by an experienced faculty and enriched by hands-on clinical experiences in state-of-the-art facilities. Our simulation labs and collaborative learning environments equip students to lead in modern healthcare. Additionally, students engage in meaningful research to address pressing health issues, from chronic disease prevention to advancing healthcare delivery systems.

The support of our donors makes all of this possible. Your generosity has provided 64 nursing scholarships this year alone, and gifts have allowed the School of Nursing to fund curriculum reform and simulation lab upgrades—with an impact on every QU nursing student—in addition to community clinics that have

trained thousands of community members on CPR, AED, Narcan and Stop the Bleed. We are so grateful for your generosity!

We are proud of our strong alumni network, whose ongoing involvement offers students professional development, mentorship and lifelong support.

Thank you for making a lasting difference.

For more information on how you can support the School of Nursing, please contact Kara Robinson, Assistant Director of Development & Alumni Affairs, at: Email: kara.robinson@qu.edu Office: 203-582-7223

Cell: 203-631-4993

Mount Carmel Campus

275 Mount Carmel Avenue

Hamden, CT 06518-1908

Office Location

370 Bassett Road North Haven, CT

qu.edu/nursing

Connect with Us

QuinnipiacU qunursing

QuinnipiacU

Quinnipiac University

Email us: snurdeans@qu.edu

Our Commitment

Quinnipiac University has a strong commitment to the principles and practices of diversity throughout the Quinnipiac community. Members of minority groups and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to consider and apply for admission. Quinnipiac University does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin or disability status in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs or other university-administered programs.