Alumni Spotlight Archives | ��

2025 WCU Alumni Entrepreneurship Award Had Bright Idea to Assist Pediatric Vein Finding

�� — Wed, 07 May 2025 16:00:00 +0000

After serving five years in the Marine Corps, �� BSN alumni Adam B. found himself asking, “What’s next?”

With no desire to pursue a medical career, Adam began working in the wine industry and studying marketing but soon wanted a more fulfilling career. He pursued a role in the San Diego Fire Department and worked as an EMT, but when he was exposed to nursing – everything changed.

“I found myself more drawn to the medical side than the rescue aspect, and after meeting nurses in the field, I knew I was on the wrong career path,” he said.

Adam began searching for the right school for him, but they all had a waitlist. A friend recommended looking outside of San Diego and focusing the search on schools with accelerated programs. After visiting WCU-Orange County, he knew it was the right place for him.

“I interviewed at many schools with long waitlists that just weren’t as impressive,” he said.

Adam quickly set goals of becoming an ER nurse and enrolled at �� shortly after his initial visit.

As he approached graduation, Adam was determined to stand out in the job application process. He took a job as an ER tech at a children’s hospital to broaden his experience working with both children and adults. After three weeks of working there, he fell in love with pediatrics.

“I know that’s a very short time frame, but I just loved working with the kids,” he said.

After graduating with his BSN in 2018, Adam became a pediatric specialist, training staff in pediatric care in the ER. It was during this journey and witnessing the staff struggle to place infant IVs that Adam developed another calling: entrepreneurship.

To help the staff improve IV placement on the first attempt, he developed a makeshift vein finder in his garage.

“This sparked my interest to make a commercially made vein finder for infants that was affordable and easy to use,” he said.

Together with a friend and fellow PED nurse, Adam developed the Firefly Vein Light.

Recently, Adam was honored with the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award at the 2025 WCU Alumni Awards, celebrating alumni who have demonstrated exceptional success in entrepreneurship.

“Coming from a university, where they celebrate alumni making an impact beyond bedside care — it’s truly special,” he said. “We’re trying to enhance the quality of care for kids. And so, this award means more than you know.”

While Adam is focused on expanding his company’s portfolio with additional medical products, he recently earned his labor and delivery certification and plans on pursuing that specialty this summer.

“I’ve always wanted to do labor and delivery,” he said. “I originally decided against it because I figured it would be a little harder with my background and being a male nurse, but I’m excited for this new venture.”

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First-Generation WCU-Miami Graduate Achieves Dream of Becoming a Nurse��

�� — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 14:00:07 +0000

From early high school, Lorelys A. knew she wanted a career centered on helping people. A certified nursing assistant program at 16 sparked her passion for nursing, setting her on a focused path that led her straight to �� — a choice she made because of its healthcare focus.

Now a proud graduate of ��’s accelerated nursing program and a pediatric registered nurse, Lorelys shared that what set WCU-Miami apart was its student-centered approach.

“If you had an issue, they would take their time to address it,” she recalled.

Throughout her journey, she leaned on university resources such as the virtual library, tutoring programs, and even a question bank to prepare for the rigorous NCLEX exam. After graduating in March and passing the exam in May, Lorelys stepped into her current role as a school-based pediatric nurse, where she supports two young patients with diabetes and seizure conditions. Managing an accelerated nursing program was no small feat. Time management and prioritization were key, but she also credits her family for their unwavering support.

“My parents made sure I had everything I needed, from meals to encouragement,” she shared

As the first in her family to graduate college, Lorelys feels a deep sense of pride and gratitude. She hopes her story inspires others to pursue their passions, no matter how challenging the path may seem.

For future nursing students, Lorelys offered simple but powerful advice: “Work really hard. Your dreams can come true. Even if it seems impossible, you can do it.”

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�� Celebrates Our Global Community of 65,000 Alumni

�� — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 21:03:06 +0000

With over 65,000 alumni worldwide, �� is thrilled to celebrate the vibrant network of graduates who are leaving a lasting impact across industries and communities. But what truly sets our alumni community apart is how many of them return to WCU to give back — many as guest lecturers, mentors, and even faculty members.

More than 100 alumni return to the classroom each year to inspire the next generation, bringing invaluable real-world experience and igniting students’ passion for their chosen fields.

“I knew there wasn’t anywhere I would rather work than at WCU,” said Amanda Woolery, a nursing instructor who earned her Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from WCU in 2018 and 2021, respectively. “I had such a wonderful experience here as a student, it was only natural that I would want to come back to my ‘home’ to teach the next generation and bring it full circle.”

Alumni faculty embody WCU’s commitment to creating lifelong connections, where students become professionals and then mentors, each generation inspiring the next.

Valerie Cromwell-Perry, who earned her Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) from WCU in 2020, was encouraged by her professor to return to the university as a lab assistant, which ultimately led to her becoming an assistant professor in the OT department.

“As a mentor, I see my role as one of guiding and nurturing students’ growth and understanding,” Valerie said. “I consult with my students on the first day of class to better understand their preferred learning styles — fostering a richer learning experience.”

Every story is a testament to the power of knowledge, compassion, and community. Our alumni often say that WCU instilled in them the skills for their profession and a profound sense of responsibility to make a difference. Through their dedication, our alumni remind students that anything is possible with hard work, compassion, and resilience.

Could you be the next to join them? If you’re interested in becoming an alumni faculty member, please e-mail Marina Harrison to explore current opportunities that may be a perfect fit for you.

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Alumna and Veteran Talks Teaching, Serving and Working With Kids

�� — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0000

Kelly W., a �� alumna, veteran, and scholarship recipient, recently shared her inspiring journey.

At 17, Kelly made the decision to enlist in the military and had begun boot camp by the time she turned 18. Over the course of the next 12 years and two military tours, she developed invaluable skills and values that she later applied to her civilian career in healthcare.

In 2009, Kelly began her nursing education as part of WCU’s first graduating class in the LPN to ADN pathway program. She went on to earn her bachelor of science in nursing from WCU-Ontario in 2013, eventually becoming a nurse practitioner and clinical instructor at her alma mater.

For the past five and a half years, Kelly has worked in a pediatric emergency room while teaching clinical pediatrics students at WCU. She is deeply committed to supporting students and advocating for children. Recently, she embarked on a new academic journey, pursuing an MBA with a focus on healthcare. In recognition of her contributions to the community, WCU awarded her a scholarship to support her continued education.

What led you to join the Army?

My childhood was not easy, and I didn’t think I could support myself financially to get an education. While in high school, I joined the ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) and learned about the military. I joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 2002 in a medical unit. I reenlisted and did two tours overseas. Overall, I stayed for 12 years, so I enjoyed it.

How did the Army lead you to nursing?

I was working with a lot of medics, nurses and people in the healthcare field. I wanted to continue on and do more than just screening and triaging. I deployed in 2004 and was in the field. I came back and worked as an LVN but wanted to return to get my RN.

Why did you choose to attend WCU?

I saw they had the LVN to RN bridge program, and they were a GI school. Coming from the military, I wanted to use my benefits. I was happy the university was supporting veterans and was accredited. Given my background, I was able to grow in my career.

How do the skills you gained in the military impact your work as a nurse?

I live by Army values every day: selfless service, integrity, honor. I love it. I’m disciplined now because of my time in the military. I don’t take the little things for granted. I’m also reliable and responsible – I’ve stayed in most of my jobs for a long time because I feel devoted.

What made you want to return to teach at WCU?

When I graduated as a pediatric nurse practitioner, I got a job working in the pediatric emergency department. I also applied to teach at WCU. I love what I do and I wanted the students to realize what it is to take care of kids. Being in the emergency department, I felt I could bring a new perspective.

How did you run your clinical sessions as an instructor?

The feedback I often got was that they loved that I was so hands-on. I would take them to the emergency department and if there were baby catheters or IVs, I always volunteered to do it with my students so I could teach them the skills. They were grateful and excited to accomplish something with a patient. We would huddle at the end of the clinical and they would discuss their cases and feel proud of what they did.

Why are you #WCUProud?

I feel proud that I am recognized as an alumnus. I think it’s great that there’s unity within the university. I remember being there, and we had a veteran group. There was a lot of camaraderie. I also want to say thank you to WCU for continuing to support my career progression. I feel a family connection with the university, given the longevity I’ve had with them as both a student and a professor. I feel honored to be a recipient of this scholarship.

Editor’s Note: This interview was edited for length and clarity.

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7 Tips for Future Nursing Students from WCU BSN Alumni��

�� — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0000

We talked to BSN graduates from four campuses in three states about their advice to future nursing students. The replies varied but had one common theme: When you’re ready to be a nurse, don’t let anything stop you — including yourself.��

Check out what our alumni had to say:

Do your homework.

“Take your time. Do your research. Carefully look for the things that matter most to you, meaning class sizes, the times that they have availability, and their flexibility to work with your schedule and your life. Just because we go to school doesn’t mean we can put the rest of our life on pause. Having that option of flexibility and a school that works with you, and professors that are willing to give you resources and help you, is really the No. 1 priority.” — Tiffany C., WCU-Miami BSN ’23��

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When in doubt, dive in – headfirst.

“If you’re on the fence about it, I say do it because you’re going to talk yourself out of it. Even if it’s something you’ve wanted your entire life, you’re going to end up talking yourself out. So, if you’re ready and you have the means to do it, just jump in headfirst. You won’t regret it.” — Lauren A., WCU-Los Angeles BSN ’22

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You’re not alone.

“Utilize all the resources that you have. We have students tutoring other students; we have some of our professors tutoring for their classes. Go to every resource that is offered to you.” — Haneefah M., WCU-Ontario BSN ’23

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Don’t wait to get help.

“Use their resources. �� provides you with tons of resources. There’s PAL tutoring, there’s your professors. Use all your resources early. Don’t wait until it’s like Week 5 or Week 6.” — Esther N., WCU-Texas BSN ’24��

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Don’t give up.��

“Stick it out. It’s difficult while you’re here, but the end result is just so worth it. Just find things that bring you joy in the little moments. You need that to make it through because it is a tough road.” — Shelby L., WCU-Los Angeles BSN ’17

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You will find the right fit.

“Go for it. Don’t think about it, don’t dwell on it — especially if you’re at a point in your life where you want to be in the healthcare field and you just don’t know where you’ll fit in. I think nursing is a beautiful career because you don’t necessarily have to be in a hospital setting. You don’t have to be in a clinical setting. You can pretty much do whatever you want.” — Melani G, WCU-Miami BSN ’20

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It’s worth it.

“Nothing in life is easy that is worth it. If it is worth it, most likely, you’re going to have to put some effort into it, some sweat and some tears. That’s good — it sharpens you.” — Monica B., WCU-Miami BSN ’17

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WCU-Los Angeles BSN Alum Followed Family’s Footsteps to ‘Most Rewarding’ Career��

�� — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Growing up in a family rooted in the medical field, Shelby L. has always been passionate about helping others – and she may not have had a choice in the matter. Shelby’s career path seemed almost preordained, with a doctor for a father and a dietician for a mother – who met for the first time in a hospital.��

“I’ve always had a passion for helping people,” Shelby said. “I always enjoyed caring for people. I enjoyed science, so I thought that nursing was a great career for me.”

However, the road to becoming a nurse wasn’t easy. Now a proud alum of ��-Los Angeles’ BSN program, Shelby faced numerous challenges along the way but was driven by her desire to support those in need.��

“Nursing school was really difficult,” she admitted. “I struggled through it, but once I finished, I was able to go and work in a hospital, help people who really needed it, and be with people through the toughest times of their lives. That is what pushed me through because I wanted to be there for people in the future.”��

Shelby found valuable support through the PALS tutoring program at WCU-Los Angeles. Having tutors who had recently navigated the same challenges provided a unique and effective support system for students, she said.

“I would recommend PALS tutoring for anyone struggling with any class because it’s led by someone who has just gone through this. They understand the instructors, they understand the exams, they understand the material,” she added.

Today, Shelby finds immense satisfaction in her role as a nurse. The moments of joy and relief she witnessed in her patients made all the hard work worthwhile.

“Nursing is very rewarding. I love being a nurse. I love helping my patients,” she said. “I love when a patient comes to me when they get their test back saying they’re in remission. That is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever felt in my life.”

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WCU-Miami BSN Student Found Right Path After Paralegal Career��

�� — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000

While her journey to nursing was far from traditional, Amanda M. is excited to write the next chapter in her career as she nears the finish line of her BSN program.

Before enrolling in nursing school at ��-Miami, Amanda worked at a law firm, having earned her paralegal certificate. Despite her success in the legal field, she found her true passion in healthcare while working as an ER scribe. This pivotal experience sparked a profound interest in nursing, leading her to shift careers.

“I became a scribe to see a different world,” she said. “And I found a love for nursing.”

Amanda’s transition from law to nursing was supported by her family, especially her mother and aunt, both of whom are experienced nurses. While initially surprising to her mother, who had seen Amanda deeply invested in the legal field, the shift was met with support and encouragement. Amanda’s mother, a single parent, is particularly excited about her daughter’s upcoming graduation, and she looks forward to the emotional moment when she will pin Amanda at her cohort’s ceremony in March 2025.

As Amanda approaches her final semester, she reflected on the challenges and triumphs of her nursing program. Her most recent semester in pediatrics was particularly demanding, but with the help of her professors, peers, and extensive resources like tutoring, she managed to navigate the difficulties successfully. Amanda praised �� for its comprehensive support system, which has significantly contributed to her academic and personal growth.

“It’s definitely been a rocky road because you have to learn so much material, but it’s been a good experience,” she said. “It exceeded my expectations because all the teachers are there for you. They help you understand the material, not just learn and pass the classes and exams, but to take in that knowledge and understand you’re going to be taking this with you to the hospitals.”

The supportive environment within her cohort has been another key factor in her success. Amanda described her classmates as a close-knit group that functions like a family, providing mutual support and encouragement throughout their rigorous studies.

“For someone starting nursing school and ��, this is your best choice. You’re going to do really well here,” she said. “If I made it here and all my peers have made it to this moment, you can too.

Looking forward to her career, Amanda was eager to make a positive impact in the nursing field. She is committed to not only applying her medical knowledge but also offering compassionate, patient-centered care. Her goal is to be a source of support for her patients, helping them through their illnesses and contributing to their healing process.

“I say nursing is not only about being the smartest person and knowing everything but actually being there for your patients – to understand them, to understand their illness or what they’re going through and help them heal,” Amanda said. “That’s the main goal.”

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Graduate Q&A: Abey G., WCU-Miami BSN ’23

�� — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 17:54:02 +0000

How has WCU helped you get to where you are today in your career?

WCU provided the necessary resources to help me achieve my ultimate goal of becoming a nurse. Apart from the resources that the school has to offer, WCU staff has been nothing but helpful, friendly, and informative. WCU gave me the tools to carve my own path and achieve my goals.

What is your specialty and what path did you take to attain your career as a nurse?

I work in an acute care cardiac surgical stepdown unit. I took the path of the BSN program.

Tell me more about your journey to work in acute care.

My journey in this specialty was not expected by any means. I had applied to other hospitals in different specialties and the unit that I work for now gave me an offer before anyone else. I trust that god puts people in places where they are needed. I am more than happy to be in the unit that I am in.

What has been the most incredible part about your job so far?

The most incredible part about my job so far is being able to help patients recovering from surgeries as well as attending to the needs of more critical patients. The unit I work in is very exhilarating and it takes being calm under pressure to be successful.

How does your job connect back to your coursework at WCU?

My job connects back to the coursework at WCU in many different ways, for starters the most important thing WCU taught me was how to properly and promptly perform a head to toe assessment. That is very fundamental skill in nursing. Other ways WCU connects to my job are the different skills I have learned along the way, such as peripheral IV placement and Foley catheter insertion.

Were there any classes or professors that influenced where you are today?

A class that influenced me a lot was my pediatrics class, it influenced me because it was the most challenging class in my WCU experience, it taught me to work and study harder, and to really dig deep to achieve my goal. I would like to give a special shoutout to professors Andrea Cianes, Cindy Ayala, Emilio Xiques, Roselle Samson-Mojares. They were all very influential in my WCU experience.

What advice do you have for students who want to follow your path?

An advice I have for students is to just be prepared to make sacrifices. This career path is very time-consuming and requires a lot of effort and attention. Be ready to say no to going out for the weekend or going on vacation for the time being, but the other side is very rewarding, so the sacrifice is worth it.

How has your alma mater influenced your relationship and life journey post-graduation?

My alma mater has influenced my relationships and life post-graduation in many ways. For starters, it has taught me that now is the time to really put the pedal to the metal and hit the ground running in terms of working and absorbing knowledge. There are many goals we want to achieve, like buying a house and starting a family, and there needs to be a financial foundation set up in order to proceed with that. At the same time, it has taught us to take advantage of the free time we have to spend with each other and with friends and family, time is short in this life and making the most of every minute is the way we want to carry on throughout life.

What made you both want to continue your legacy of being in nursing school together?

After a couple of years in community college bouncing around majors, not knowing what to study or what to do, we set out a goal of becoming nurses because of our desire to work in the healthcare field, and nursing is a career that has many doors for you to open and many opportunities to explore, being a bedside nurse is the first phase of the nursing career.

Are there any funny or memorable stories from your time as a student that you often reminisce about?

Yes there are many memorable stories from our journey. One memorable story was post Covid-19 when the school decided to go back to in-person clinical rotations. Our first live clinical experience was in our mental health class, rotating through a mental health hospital for the first time is very intimidating, to say the least, but we had each other’s backs and our classmates as well and the experience was very positive. Besides that, we can think of the countless Starbucks runs before clinicals, as well as carpooling with classmates to the rotation sites, as well as being part of many study groups.

Tell us about your sweetheart journey and your love story.

Our love story began in high school. We had known each other since freshman year of high school because we went on the same school bus together, and we became acquaintances at first and later turned into friends and leading up to our senior year, we decided to pursue something romantically. We have been together for nine years and every year is better than the last. We have our arguments like every couple, but good communication goes a long way. We are very happy to have gone through the WCU experience together and now we are excited for the next phase of our lives.��

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WCU instructor finds passion over 37-year nursing career

�� — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 23:33:52 +0000

Laureen S., MSN ’23, first discovered her passion for nursing while watching the popular TV series “M*A*S*H.”

“It’s the only thing I ever wanted to do,” Laureen shared. “I loved the physical sciences and wanted to be a surgical nurse like Margaret Houlihan.”

After high school, Laureen attended college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1987. Her subsequent 37-year career spanned numerous technological advancements, a global pandemic, and multiple nursing specialties.

Laureen’s first job was in the medical oncology unit, where poor nurse-to-patient ratios and grueling night shifts made her question her career choice. She then moved to the step-down unit of the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU), where she discovered her calling in cardiac care and patient education.

Her career continued as she worked in the ICU, home health care, and the adult critical care unit’s flow pool. Eventually, she transitioned to the NICU, where she found her true passion for neonatal care and spent 20 fulfilling years.

“My mom had always wanted me to be a pediatric nurse and I never had any interest, let alone in babies,” Laureen recalled.

Laureen went on to work at �� – Ontario as a pediatric clinical instructor, where she has taught for the past seven years. Her time at WCU has been marked with new opportunities and experiences in nursing.

After teaching for nearly five years, Loreen was informed that her role now required a master’s degree.

“I was 56 years old at the time and didn’t want to go back to school. I hadn’t been a student since 1987,” she said.

Several months later, Laureen learned that she qualified for a grant to cover the cost of the program. As a result, she was able to start the WCU MSN online program in Nursing Education in January 2022 and conclude in December 2023, graduating at the top of her class and earning a nomination into Sigma Theta Tau. She also won the Daisy Award in October 2023.

One of Laureen’s greatest outcomes from her master’s program was her introduction to the simulation center.

Laureen quickly fell in love with simulations and in January, she transferred from the nursing department to the simulations department. In the fall, Laureen will begin as the newest pediatric simulation instructor at WCU.

“I never thought I needed or wanted a master’s degree, but now, because I have it, I am a simulation instructor.”

Laureen is excited about her future and remains dedicated to teaching and helping the next generation of nurses thrive.

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Alumni Spotlight: Brenda L.

�� — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 23:21:34 +0000

When WCU-Miami alumna Brenda L. (BSN ’23) graduated high school, she struggled to make a decision about her career path. On the one hand, she had the option of following in her parents’ footsteps. They were both nurses, and Brenda was familiar with the profession. However, she also had the option of forging her own path and trying a different occupation.

During her years in community college, she changed majors a few times and seriously considered pre dentistry, but she just couldn’t find a program that clicked as well as nursing.

The answer became clear: nursing was her true calling. That’s when she sought information on pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at �� — and it was a perfect fit!

Now Brenda is a WCU-Miami alumna working in the pediatric ICU. Check out what she has to say about her nursing journey!

Q&A With Brenda

WCU: Were there any classes or professors that influenced where you are today?

Brenda: A class that influenced me a lot was pediatrics. This was the most challenging course while I was in school; it taught me how to study and how to critically think.

WCU: How did you end up working in the pediatric ICU?

Brenda: My journey to work at this specialty started when I did my clinicals at the hospital. My clinical professor asked us what our interests were. I said pediatrics, and she took me to the ICU. I fell in love with the unit; I saw myself working there, and I applied as soon as I graduated.

WCU: What are some of the top ways your nursing education helped prepare you for this role?

Brenda: WCU has helped me get where I am today by providing very valuable resources. The staff at WCU are very helpful and friendly, from administration to professors. WCU provided me with the tools I need to become a nurse.

WCU: What advice do you have for students who want to follow your path?

Brenda: The advice I have for students who want to follow this path is to never give up on their dreams, no matter what life throws at them. This is a beautiful and rewarding career. Also, study hard from the beginning and find what works best for you.

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