The World Needs

THE BEST YOU

Two things that drew me to NDMU were the opportunity for in-person instruction and the program’s assistance in finding clinical placements. I’ve enjoyed my experience here – the School of Nursing provides students with support and flexible scheduling to allow us to balance full-time job responsibilities and our education.

Alyson Geckle was academically driven throughout her time at Notre Dame, and an internship with the Maryland State Police last summer helped confirm that she had chosen the right path as a criminology major. Outside of the classroom, Geckle was a two-sport athlete who successfully transitioned to tennis this spring after two years on the field hockey team. She filled her remaining hours as a member of Omega Phi Alpha, NDMU’s service sorority, serving as the organization’s president for the 2023-24 academic year.

A two-sport athlete who was a key performer on NDMU's soccer and lacrosse teams during runs to the CSAC tournament, Cesia Diaz also excelled academically throughout her time at Notre Dame while majoring in behavioral neuroscience.

I have been a nurse for nearly 20 years, including eight years in the ambulatory setting. I hear firsthand how patients are struggling to find primary care providers. As a nurse practitioner, I will be able to work with patients to help meet that need.

The faculty is exceptional, providing engaging instruction and invaluable real-world insights. There’s an emphasis on hands-on clinical training, with amazing simulation experiences. NDMU also finds clinical sites for students - something many FNP programs don't offer. I love the supportive, personalized learning environment. I believe the program is comprehensively preparing me for a rewarding career as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

For close to three years, Amelia King worked a 4:30 to 9:30 a.m. shift at Amazon before heading to NDMU for her classes. She also mixed in a second job selling insurance for State Farm on the side. All in all, King worked six days a week for a majority of her college career, using her one “off day” to catch up on coursework and her personal life. Her perseverance, however, paid off in the end, as she already has a full-time job lined up at an accounting firm downtown where she interned this semester.

Governor Larry Hogan appointed Jenell to the Maryland Board of Nursing as the Registered Nurse-At-Large member. She began her term in February 2018 and will serve for four years by bringing a firsthand perspective of the issues and trends impacting nursing care in Maryland. Jenell has been a registered nurse for five years and works at Johns Hopkins Bayview.

Mackenzie Lookingland will be graduating early from NDMU, needing only three years to complete the undergraduate portion of a program which will allow her to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in elementary education. Despite the shortened timeframe, Lookingland has filled her schedule with more activities than most students could manage in a typical four-year experience, serving as vice president of NDMU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, president of Gators Teach, and a Resident Advisor in Doyle Hall. In recognition of all her efforts on campus, she was the recipient of the University’s Legacy Award in February.