How alumni resources guided Mary Bucklin ’16 from research to industry success

Mary graduated from the Ģ����ý with an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering in 2016.

Making a career pivot can be daunting—especially when you’re stepping into uncharted territory. For Mary Bucklin ’16, shifting from academic research to a role in industry wasn’t just about changing jobs. It was about discovering new strengths, building confidence, and finding a support system that could help guide her through an uncertain transition.

Even after completing a PhD in biomedical engineering and working as a postdoctoral researcher, Mary was still figuring out her path. She had developed a passion for scientific writing—drafting grant proposals, preparing award-winning conference presentations, and realizing how much she enjoyed translating complex research into impactful narratives. But like many professionals looking to pivot, she was unsure how to take the first step.

“I had the skills,” Mary says. “But I didn’t know how to apply them in a different setting, or even what roles might be a good fit. That’s when I turned to the Career Resources offered to Ģ����ý alumni—and it changed everything.”

From uncertainty to action

A single email to the University unlocked a flood of opportunity. Mary was introduced to Mentorship Program, one-on-one career coaching, and a calendar of virtual events designed to empower alumni at any career stage. She jumped in with both feet.

“Working with a career coach and participating in mentoring gave me clarity,” Mary explains. “They helped me update my resume, refine my networking approach, and develop the confidence I needed to move forward.”

Mary also discovered how to use LinkedIn as a strategic tool. After attending a virtual workshop on personal branding and outreach, she began connecting with professionals in medical writing—a field she hadn’t previously considered. That single tactic sparked more than 50 conversations, opened doors to job interviews, and even led to direct referrals.

Community that lifts you up

For Mary, one of the most powerful takeaways has been the feeling of support and belonging.

“Getting a job is often about who you know,” she says. “The Rochester community has been that network for me. From coaches to mentors to fellow alumni, I’ve had people cheering me on and guiding me at every step.”

Her mentor offered firsthand insight into careers in industry and helped Mary understand the value of her academic background in new contexts. Meanwhile, her career coach encouraged her to reflect on what she really wanted and what she was capable of.

“It was about more than resumes or interviews,” Mary says. “It was about realizing that I had options, and I wasn’t alone in figuring them out.”

Encouraging others to reach out

Now actively pursuing roles in medical writing, Mary feels energized by the possibilities ahead. And she’s passionate about helping other alumni see what’s possible, too.

“My advice? Just send the email,” she says. “Explain where you are in your career and what you’re looking for. That’s exactly how I started, and I was blown away by the response.”

Mary’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to have all the answers to begin. What matters is taking that first step—and being open to what comes next.

“I’m so grateful for the guidance I received,” she says. “It’s made me more confident, more connected, and more excited about the future.”

**After this story was posted, Mary started a new position at Orthofix as a medical writer. She shared, “I’m very excited to start my new position, as I have both a deep passion for and a personal connection to the work I’ll be doing to improve musculoskeletal health.”

Through his journey, Thomas exemplifies the lasting bonds between alumni and their alma mater and inspires others to stay connected and give back.

Clayton Jones, Robert DeLeon ’21S (MBA), Tochukwu Iyke-Nzeocha ’25, Katherine Thomas ’22, Eugene Nichols III ’20, Courtney Thomas, Jr. ’18

Courtney Thomas, Jr. ’18 knows the power of giving back. As a student at the URochester, he immersed himself in campus leadership, serving as a Student Alumni Ambassador (SAA) and a member of the Senior Giving Committee. Today, as an alumnus, Thomas continues to make an impact, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to supporting the university that shaped his path.

Thomas’s journey to Rochester began with the Posse Foundation, a program that provides full-tuition scholarships to students from select cities. From his first campus visit, he was captivated by the university’s dynamic environment and open curriculum, which allowed him to craft a unique academic experience.

Arriving in the winter of 2014, Thomas quickly sought ways to stay engaged indoors (and in the warmth). This led him to explore student leadership roles, working in Wilson Commons, getting involved in student government, and joining key organizations like the Minority Male Leadership Association and the Douglass Leadership House. These experiences taught him valuable lessons about university operations, funding structures, and the critical role that alumni support plays in sustaining student initiatives.

Passion for staying connected

For Thomas, graduation was not a farewell—it was a transition into a new chapter of involvement. Recognizing that his own success was built on the generosity and dedication of others before him, he felt a deep responsibility to continue the cycle.

Courtney Thomas, Jr. ’18

Since graduating, he has remained actively involved in multiple alumni organizations, including the Young Alumni Council and the Black Alumni Network. He also mentors the Minority Male Leadership Association, helping to guide students. His dedication extends to the Posse Foundation, where he continues to support and engage with new cohorts of scholars.

A career rooted in service

Thomas’ commitment to public service is evident in his professional life as well. Currently serving as a key aide to the mayor of Rochester, he works at the intersection of community engagement, policy, and advocacy. His path to city government was unexpected but serendipitous. A chance encounter with then-City Council Member Malik Evans ’02, now Rochester’s mayor, at a URochester event led to an opportunity to become a City Council aide. That experience ignited a passion for civic engagement, and today, Thomas plays an integral role in city leadership, embodying the university’s motto, Meliora—ever better.

Encouraging others to give back

Thomas is a firm believer that every contribution to the university—whether time, resources, or mentorship—makes a meaningful difference. His advice to fellow alumni and students? Start small.

Liam Kirsch ’23, Franklin Hong ’23, Ben Schwartz ’23, Mayor Malik Evans ’02, Professor Gerald Gamm, Ari Drotch ’23, Blaine Doyle ’23, James Bentayou ’23, Courtney Thomas Jr. ’18

He emphasizes that giving back is not just about sustaining the university but also about creating opportunities for future generations. From participating in panels and speaking engagements to supporting fundraising initiatives, he encourages all alumni to find ways to stay engaged.

When Thomas reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave behind, he envisions a thriving, interconnected community of alumni who continue to uplift and empower students. He wants to see more students embrace study-abroad opportunities, take advantage of the university’s fifth-year programs, create their own majors, and immerse themselves in the city of Rochester’s cultural and professional offerings.

“Don’t just come here—stay connected,” he urges. “The Ģ����ý is a lifelong community, and staying involved is one of the best ways to make the most of that connection.”

Through his unwavering dedication, Courtney Thomas, Jr. exemplifies the best of what it means to be a URochester alumnus. His story is one of gratitude, service, and a commitment to ensuring that the doors of opportunity remain open for those who follow. In doing so, he continues to make both his alma mater and his community ever better.

Through nursing, Thaw Htoo ’23N supports Rochester refugees

Thaw Htoo ’23N

Thaw Htoo ’23N felt emotional when he visited the Children’s School of Rochester No. 15 early in the fall semester for the community health rotation of his clinical experience.

By a total coincidence, he’d been placed at his own elementary school. It holds a special place in his heart: Htoo came to the in 2008 as a refugee, having spent the first 11 years of his life at a camp on the border of Myanmar and Thailand.

After leaving Myanmar with his parents for an unknown future, Htoo recalled the Children’s School feeling like a safe haven. The school, a longtime partner of the Ģ����ý School of Nursing, is known for its robust refugee community and English-language learning support. Its student population represents nearly 40 countries and languages.

Years later, as an adult, Htoo joined two of his colleagues from the , to spend a morning delivering a presentation on healthy communication for sixth-graders, leading activities such as “emotion charades” and a question game with a multi-color beach ball focused on listening skills.

It was a perfect opportunity to give back to the community that once helped him find a sense of belonging in a brand-new country.

“It was really hard, because I remember when I first came to the United States, I did not know any English, but I was able to learn and catch up,” he recalled. “It was through hard work, dedication, and support that I got through the program.”

Nursing students have been working with the Children’s School as part of their community health clinical experiences since 2010. The relationship started when Assistant Professor Leann Patel, MSN, RN, and sixth-grade teacher Telesta Rice collaborated to create a program that helps refugee parents understand American health care systems. Eventually, the pair also noticed a need to expand the health education curriculum for students, and Patel pitched a program in which nursing students could fill the gap by teaching kids about topics such as hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention.

Spending time in the community, in settings such as schools, senior living facilities, and prisons, helps nursing students see the day-to-day lives of the people they’ll soon be caring for, Patel said. Experiences like that of Htoo and his colleagues at the Children’s School exemplify her vision for community health clinicals brought to life.

Visits from the School of Nursing offer a window into what opportunities might be available to Children’s School students in the future, said Principal Jay Piper.

Colleagues from the accelerated bachelor’s program join Dean Lisa Kitko, Assistant Professor Leann Patel, and Thaw Htoo at the Children’s School

“The nursing students are the vision we want for our students,” he said.

Piper had vivid memories of Htoo as a student, and held onto a copy of Htoo’s 2011 class photo to show him when he visited.

A fast learner, Htoo quickly grasped the English language, and wasted no time utilizing his new language skills to help others. He translated for parents and other new students from Myanmar’s Karen community, volunteered to help younger students onto their buses at dismissal, and became one of the school’s “fuss busters”—an older student who helps the younger ones work through problems and conflicts.

“He was a real leader who would embrace the younger kids and take them under his wing,” Piper said. “Looking back, it makes sense to me that he would take the path of nursing. He’s so nurturing. It’s a great honor to see him follow that path. It was meant to be.”

Htoo would agree—but it took a while for him to realize nursing was his calling.

“I had always wanted to work in the health field, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” said Htoo, who earned his first bachelor’s degree in biology from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

He worked in labs and pharmacies and spent the past three years working as a hair transplant technician at the nearby Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery. He felt a craving to do more, and remembered wishing he could perform injections like the nurses and physicians he worked with. Htoo began to realize that nursing would offer him a way to make a meaningful impact.

Htoo discovered interests in nephrology and pediatric nursing during his time at the University Rochester, but his overall goal, however, is to pay it forward.

The City of Rochester has been helping refugees resettle since the 1980s. In the past two decades, the city has welcomed more than 8,000 refugees, including nearly 1,500 from Htoo’s home country.

Leading by his gentle, humble example, Htoo wants to show what is possible for those who resettle in Rochester.

“Even though you might not know the language, or you’re introduced to a new culture, once you are adapted to the culture, the beliefs, and everyday living, you’ll be able to learn so many new things,” he said. “If you put in the hard work, you’ll be able to move forward.”

Explore its rich history, vibrant arts, and culinary scenes, and find out why nearly 3,000 alumni love calling the region home.

Jessica Rose ’16

“We all love the Liberty Bell, our sports teams, and cheesesteaks, but Philadelphia is so much more,” says Jessica Rose ’16, a pediatric nurse practitioner who lives in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.

“You’ll find fantastic food, art, and culture; loads of history and people proud of it; neighborhoods full of interesting people; and tons of green space, despite being a very urban place.”

If you have a chance to explore the city, here are a few of Rose’s recommendations—almost all in or within a short distance from Philly’s Center City.

Art and culture

A must for Rose is 🅐 Mural Arts Philadelphia (128 N. Broad St), the world’s largest outdoor art gallery and the country’s oldest program of its kind. She suggests taking a guided tour to learn the city’s visual history. Be sure also to visit the 🅑 Philadelphia Museum of Art (2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.), known as the cultural heart of the city (and for the Rocky Steps and the nearby Rocky statue).

For music, dance, and theatre buffs, Rose recommends the one-of-kind ��� Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (300 S. Broad St.) and the 🅓��Walnut Street Theatre (825 Walnut St.)—the oldest continuously operating playhouse in the United States.

Alleys and architecture

Rose says there’s no better way to experience Philadelphia than on foot. Wander the many hidden brick and cobblestone alleys of 🅔��Old City and 🅕��Society Hill; take a walking tour to learn the stories—and even the secrets—of the homes and their residents; or visit the ��� Betsy Ross House (239 Arch St.) where the nation’s most famous seamstress is long said to have stitched the country’s first flag. Have time for just one destination? Rose recommends 🅗��Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street and home to 18th-century artisans and tradespeople.

Iconic history

Of course, a must-visit is 🅘��Independence Hall (520 Chestnut St.), where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed (look for George Washington’s inkstand and chair). Rose also recommends a stroll across Independence Mall to the 🅙��Liberty Bell.

Gardens and parks

The Pennsylvania Historical Society offers 🅚��Pop-Up Gardens, great places to kick back and enjoy food and beer from some of the city’s best restaurants. Rose frequents the one at 1438 South Street. For a different experience, enjoy a hike and relax by the ancient 🅛��Schuylkill River (pronounced SKOO-kil). On its west bank, south of Center City, is Bartram’s Garden (5400 Lindbergh Blvd.), the country’s oldest botanical spot of its kind, and accessible by trolley. Be sure also to spend time at its Sankofa Community

Farm, a crop farm rooted in the African Diaspora. Rose notes that Philly, a city of about 10,000 acres, has more than 100 parks. Her favorite is Fairmount Park, an urban oasis north of the art museum and extending to both sides of the Schuylkill River.

Philly fare and other fine food

Founded in 1893, 🅜��Reading Terminal Market (1136 Arch St.) is one of Rose’s favorite places. Reading offers food from around the world, arts, crafts, books, flowers, clothing, and just about everything else. Grab a donut at Beiler’s Bakery, a cheesesteak at DiNic’s, or some delicious food at the Little Thai Market. Venture beyond the market to 🅝��Zahav (237 St. James Pl.) for authentic Israeli flavors (make a reservation, says Rose); 🅞��Vedge (1221 Locust St.), where Rose’s favorite is the sweet potato pâté; 🅟 Continental Midtown (1801 Chestnut St.) to sip a cocktail on its rooftop deck; 🅠��Dirty Franks (347 S. 13th St.), a dive bar and Philly institution; and Philly Pretzel Factory, at locations around the city.

Meet Simon EDI Alumni Council member Tayler Torry ’20S (MBA)

Tell us about your time as a student.

I decided to pursue my MBA at the Simon Business School after a career in the non-profit sector. I didn’t know anything about Rochester or the University, but after one visit, I knew I was going to have a great experience at Simon. And I did! I made incredible friends and was highly involved (maybe hyper involved) as a liaison for , admissions ambassador, and through SWiB (Simon Women in Business). I also participated in the immersion trips to Israel and South Africa.

After graduation, I completed a three-year MBA rotation program at Medtronic, the world’s largest healthcare technology company. I’m currently a market development program manager for the renal denervation business.

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?

I started volunteering very soon after graduating and became a member of the Simon EDI Alumni Council. Although, I haven’t been back to campus since graduation, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer through various virtual admissions programs.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

The most rewarding part of staying connected has been learning and collaborating with the other alumni volunteers. We only get to connect with so many alumni during the MBA program, but volunteering alongside others who’ve helped me during my time at Simon is a really cool full-circle moment. It helps me keep in mind how much alumni involvement can impact the student experience.

What advice do you have for others looking to get involved?

My advice is to get involved however you can and to give back in a way that makes the most sense for you. There are a variety of ways to be involved and it’s important to find joy in it too. Life gets busy, so seek opportunities that are rewarding and mutually beneficial.

Meet young alumna Gabrielle Dimoff ’18

Tell us about your time as a student (favorite classes, clubs, memories, etc.)

At Rochester, I was a chemical engineering major and I participated in the Off Broadway On Campus club, was a Senior EcoRep, and ran the Dining Services Instagram among other things. My friends often commented that I participated in so many things they had trouble keeping track. Some of my favorite non-chemical engineering classes were the American Sign Language (ASL) classes and a class on Ice Cores. My favorite memories are studying and hanging out with my chemical engineering friends. We all lived on campus all four years, often lived close to each other, and studied in the ITS (BEFORE the renovation). I’ll admit the renovated ITS is much nicer but lost some nostalgia.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

I am thankful to Rochester for providing me a quality education and the tools I needed to succeed in the workplace, but what I am most thankful for is the life-long friends. I am still close with my friends from Rochester and will be a bridesmaid in one of their weddings this October!

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?

I had no idea that Rochester had alumni groups outside of Rochester and New York, so when I heard about the Chicago group, I had to join. I was just so excited to reconnect with people from Rochester. The first couple events I went to, I basked in the ability to tell Rochester specific tales and reminisce about things I’ve missed. When I talk to other Rochester students, I often recall stories or people or classes I haven’t thought of in a while. Reconnecting with Rochester alumni helps me reconnect with my past experiences – it’s amazing.

What are you looking forward to next?

I am excited about planning the upcoming Global Days of Service Chicago-based volunteer sites and the Explore Chicago event. They are the next two events for the Chicago Alumni network and take place in the fall.

What advice do you have for others looking to get involved?

My advice to others looking to get involved is to that the different Regional Networks organize. They are easy ways to get involved and meet alumni since you can participate from anywhere. My first alumni event was a virtual one where they sent us painting supplies and had an artist give us a painting lesson while teaching about sea creatures.

A Hand to Hold in Tough Times

Stephen Romas ’20N came to the Ģ����ý Medical Center (URMC) as a lung biology researcher seven years ago after earning his bachelor’s at Mercyhurst University.

Following a calling to make a difference at the bedside, he earned his second bachelor’s through the accelerated program in 2020 and became a MICU nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital.

His experiences in the URMC community have affirmed his choice to pursue a new career in nursing.

“I love that nurses are the backbone and the heartbeat of the health care industry in this and many other countries,” Romas said. “We are the advocates at the bedside for the patient and their families. We spend the most time with them. We know them best behind their family members and grow to feel responsible for them. I love those responsibilities and bonding that I am able to do with those patients as a bedside nurse.”

Romas is now continuing his education as a graduate student in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program.

How did you know you wanted to become a nurse?

I had worked in lung biology research here at URMC after my first undergraduate degree. I knew I wanted to pursue some sort of clinical medicine but was unsure which track I wanted to pursue. I shadowed doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses, and fell in love with the RN role, with the idea that I would advance to become an NP in the near future. I wanted to make a difference at the bedside.

What’s the most rewarding part of being a nurse?

As a bedside ICU RN, I take pride in being there to help patients and families through some of the scariest and most emotionally fragile times in their lives and watching them build back up and move on from the ICU. Holding a patient’s hand during a procedure and providing comfort, education, and treatment to them in all other aspects to the best of my ability is what I take pride in most.

What was the best part of your School of Nursing experience?

I enjoy feeling like I am prepared to do my job and that what I am learning has meaning. I often find that topics or case studies discussed in my NP classes show up the next day in my clinical practice as an RN. I am gaining a true broad perspective of acute care from the RN role and now the provider role on a daily basis.

Where can you most likely be found if you’re not at work or school?

I am an avid golfer and lacrosse player. I played lacrosse in college and continue to play in men’s leagues, pickup games, and tournaments. I also officiate Section V lacrosse here in Monroe County at all levels from youth to varsity. I love giving back to a game that has meant so much throughout my life! I am also big into comedy and see many stand-up shows per year and listen to many comedy podcasts. Lastly, I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend, mother and her two cats. They are my wonderful support system.

What are your favorite features of Rochester?

I was born in Pittsburgh, PA and we moved to Pittsford, NY when I was in elementary school. I grew up in this area and came back after my first college degree and haven’t left since. I love spring and summer in Rochester, good golf, food, and beverage options in the area. I always recommend a garbage plate to anyone coming in from out of town!

UR Nursing helped this alumna change careers. Now, it’s part of her next chapter moving from Neurovirology researcher to wellness advocate.

Christina Mather ’17, ’18N found an interest in health care while at the URochester. She earned her first bachelor’s degree in microbiology and immunology across the street at the School of Arts & Sciences, where she participated in neurovirology research studies as an undergraduate, but craved more personal connections in her daily work.

“I have always had an innate passion for healing others and wanted a hands-on job where I could do just that,” Mather said.

Mather, who is originally from Rhode Island, knew the School of Nursing would be an excellent fit: “they welcomed diverse students like me from many different career paths in their program.”

The accelerated bachelor’s program helped Mather successfully start a career in the Neuromedicine ICU at Strong Memorial Hospital after graduation.

As an alumna, Mather found a supportive environment at the School of Nursing once again when she transitioned to a new role as a project nurse at the Center for Employee Wellness, and just recently, started to pursue her master’s degree in the Family Nurse Practitioner specialty.

Being part of the Employee Wellness team has helped Christina channel her love for preventative medicine.

How did the School of Nursing prepare you for what you’re doing at your current job?

The biggest lesson I learned from the School of Nursing is that nurses, first and foremost, are their patients’ most prominent advocates. I aim to advocate and educate my patients in my everyday practice.

Why did you choose the Ģ����ý Medical Center to start your nursing career?

My health assessment lab instructor, Jenna Gonillo-Davis ’15N (MS), encouraged me to pursue a career in critical care nursing in Strong Memorial Hospital’s Neuromedicine ICU, where she works as a nurse practitioner.

The Neuromedicine ICU welcomed me into my first nursing role and supported me through all the challenges that come with being a new bedside nurse. My preceptors, co-workers, and patients helped me foster strong critical thinking skills and inspired me to pursue a degree as an FNP in the future, hopefully specializing in neurological rehab.

Most importantly, URMC supported me after a severe car accident that shattered my right lower leg and left me physically unable to fulfill the role of a bedside ICU nurse. They provided me with both excellent medical care and job security, and connected me to new career opportunities when it became clear I could no longer work in the Neuromedicine ICU.

I never imagined that there could be so many different types of nursing careers out there. While grieving the loss of my identity as a bedside nurse, I wasn’t sure what jobs would be physically feasible for me to pursue. The School of Nursing’s Center for Employee Wellness helped reignite my passion for nursing and has supported me as I advance my education.

What do you find most rewarding about being a nurse?

I love that I can go home every day and feel like I have accomplished at least one tangible thing, whether it is helping educate a client on their risk factors for cardiovascular disease or even providing vaccinations to various clients the Center for Employee Wellness serves.

Answering the call to care

Kaitley Wozer ’18N

Since graduating from the Ģ����ý (SON) in 2018, Kaitley Wozer ’18N has plunged into her career, moving back to serve her hometown community of Buffalo, New York as a labor and delivery nurse. While working, she’s also pursuing her doctor of nursing (DNP) practice degree.

As a student, Wozer was the recipient of the McLouth Scholarship, an award established in 2002 with a gift from the estate of School of Nursing supporter, Charles McLouth III, which provides scholarship assistance to nurses with high potential who need financial aid.

Scholarships are critical to attracting and retaining the best and the brightest students, ensuring that they not only can attend the SON, but that they can stay. Wozer’s story is just one of many that demonstrate scholarships can make all the difference to lift those who answer the call to care.

“I chose the Ģ����ý’s School of Nursing because of its excellent reputation, overwhelmingly positive personal accounts from current and former students, and the ability to start my new career in nursing in such a short amount of time,” she says. “I appreciate every penny of my scholarship, and I can assure you that I will return that generosity in my own work.”

Here, Wozer gives an update and talks about her latest passions, pursuits, and personal growth.

How has your life changed since your graduation?

I graduated from the School of Nursing five years ago. That’s when I returned to my hometown to be with my family and started working at Buffalo General Medical Center on a med/surg/tele unit. I was there for two years, including the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic. My SON education prepared me well and made my transition to practice smooth.

Now, I work at the nearby John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital as a labor and delivery nurse, where I assess and treat high-risk laboring patients, perform operating room circulation for cesarean sections, work in the obstetrics triage center, and evaluate and treat medical complications in the peripartum period. In my nursing experience, I have also practiced as a nurse preceptor, oriented new nurses, and served as a charge nurse on my units.

In the last few years, I also got married and had my first baby, who is now 13 months old!��

In what ways have you continued learning?

In the fall of 2020, I went back to school to pursue my DNP degree at the University at Buffalo in the Family Nurse Practitioner program with the desire to provide care across the lifespan. I am halfway through my program and about to start my clinical rotations with expected graduation in May of 2025. I am in school part-time so that I can continue working at the job I love in the hospital while studying.

I have also really enjoyed my role as a graduate assistant, where I work with undergraduate nursing students to teach them clinical skills in the laboratory setting. I also assist with simulation exercises in med/surg, pediatrics, obstetrics, and end-of-life care by running scenarios and leading debriefing sessions. I love guiding the undergraduate nursing students, because it brings me back to my time at SON, where clinical simulation scenarios greatly enhanced my learning and our clinical skills labs set the foundation of my nursing skills that I use every day at the hospital. I feel privileged to contribute to the education of my future coworkers and people who will care for those in my community.

What is something you’ve learned in the last few years about yourself?

I have always known that I’m someone with too many interests for my own good—so I thought. When I switched from my former career path in virology research to nursing, I was nervous that I would just want to switch to follow some other passion in a few years.

What I have realized now in is that nursing is the perfect field for someone like me who has many interests and passions. If you discover an area that interests you, you can switch specialties without requiring another degree. If you want to increase your depth of knowledge within your specialty, you can go on and receive a nursing certification or attend continuing education seminars, which are in abundance. If you want to teach, you can do so at the bedside with your patients, you can precept new nurses, or earn another degree in nursing education. If you find you like to lead and manage, you can become a nurse manager, a charge nurse, or the head of a committee at your hospital. If you like research, you can conduct quality improvement research projects right on your unit without switching jobs or earning another degree or go back to school for your PhD or DNP in nursing. If you want to change the level at which you provide care, you can go back to school to become a nurse practitioner.

Where do you see yourself a year from now?

I plan to continue working as a labor and delivery nurse and continue teaching in the undergraduate nursing program. Once I graduate, I hope to work in an outpatient women’s health clinic. Eventually, I also want to teach in undergraduate and graduate-level nursing programs.

What do you find most rewarding about being a nurse?

I see nursing as the most rewarding profession there is. When you have the heart for it, nursing allows you to give every cell of your being to caring for others, which fills you with joy, fulfillment, and breathes life back into your tired body at the end of a shift. Nursing asks you to think critically, collaborate with other health care professionals to solve problems, and to be the eyes, ears, nose, and hands at the bedside.

— Emily Gillette, April 2023

Michael Dymond ’13, the first student to become a George Eastman Circle member, leads the 2023 Senior Giving Campaign Challenge

Michael Dymond ’13

Michael Dymond ’13 felt so strongly about giving back to the Ģ����ý that he joined the George Eastman Circle when he was a student. He is grateful for his experience at Rochester and feels that it is particularly important to guide senior undergraduates through the transition from college to career. This year, Michael has offered to match all gifts made by members of the class of 2023, up to a total of $7,500, for the Senior Giving Campaign Challenge. By leading this challenge, which will also be part of the 2^nd annual Student Day of Giving, Michael hopes to inspire future generations to contribute to the unique institute of the URochester.

Q: Why did you decide to join the George Eastman Circle?

A: I joined as a reflection of the great experience I had at Rochester. I think that great experience is probably a result of three things. The first is that I almost ended up somewhere else, which would not have been a great fit for me. At a later point that became clear, and I was very grateful that I ultimately landed at Rochester. The second is that Rochester opened a tremendous number of opportunities that I otherwise would not have had. For example, when I was a freshman, I went to Spain for a one-month study abroad program. That happened because I was in my pre-major advisor’s office and said, “I want to travel more!” He asked me what languages I was studying and then called up the Spanish department right then and there. They soon found me a unique summer opportunity. The third, and probably most important part of the great experience I had at Rochester, was due to the investment and dedication of my mentors. I had a number of mentors at Rochester, and it made my college experience very rewarding and unique. I now do the same when I can for undergraduates. I have been able to recruit Rochester students to my past and current firms and have helped them out in their career paths.

Q: What did it mean to be a student and a member of the George Eastman Circle?

A: I hope it helped lead others to contribute to our class gift. My first George Eastman Circle gift went to the economics department and to the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections. It was a reflection of the great experience I had with both departments. I had an intense job search as a senior and ended up at exactly the right first employer. The Greene Center supported me the entire way. And I was very proud to be part of the economics department as they gave me a great education. It was funny when, after my gift was made, one of my professors found out and he, anonymously of course, used the exact gift and amount as an example in class to describe the implications of charitable giving in the tax code. I got a chuckle out of that one.

Q: What did you take with you from your time at the URochester that you still use today?

A: It taught me to think and solve problems. There are some other specific skills I still use, but the critical reasoning you develop in a great undergraduate education is probably the most important skill and is what I use daily now. I learned about perseverance too. Rochester is unique among the major private research universities in the United States. It’s an incredible school that commands a significant amount of respect in academia and among people who know it. Though, when I was a senior, I noticed that in my career field, it doesn’t carry the same visibility as compared to some other schools. So, I had to work just a bit harder. And I think that’s a good thing. When I interview people, one of the traits I look for is perseverance. I developed some of that at Rochester, and I think most Ģ����ý students develop perseverance as well.

Q: Why did you decide to lead this year’s Senior Giving Campaign Challenge?

A: I believe in leaving things better than I found them when I can. Universities are unique institutions in society, in part because they are perpetual. They’ve been around for centuries, and the majority will continue to be around for centuries to come. When I can help make Rochester better for future generations and, hopefully, motivate others to join in, I am always happy to do so. I find doing things that have resonance with and that are motivating to seniors at a unique juncture in their lives and careers particularly fun and appealing. I hope it will inspire someone, or hopefully several or many, current seniors at Rochester to do something similar very soon.