Oakland’s School of Nursing alumni take their compassion and ambition outside of the health care setting in which they work. A new SON Alumni Committee began earlier this year with about a dozen alumni aiming to give back to the school that fostered their growth as professionals. The goals for the committee include developing relationships with recent graduates and current students to provide guidance through mentoring and networking programs as well as community outreach initiatives.
Ashlee Barnes, recent graduate and motivated member of the alumni committee is also currently a mentor to three students in the SON’s rigorous nursing program. She and her fellow graduates take pride in assisting and preparing the nursing students for any challenges they may face in their classes.
Other objectives for the group include facilitating community service events, fundraising for student scholarships, organizing future reunions and pinning ceremonies, networking and planning workshops and seminars for continuing education credits. The committee plans to become more involved in various nursing related events on campus and in the community.
Barnes believes, “Positivity and optimism are key when you are at the beginning stages of developing an alumni group like this.” Barnes and the other committee members are enthusiastic and inspired to make a difference. The group also anticipates increased involvement in various nursing-related events both on campus and in the community.
Fellow alumni and soon to be graduates are encouraged to join the committee. For more information, please contact Amy Johnson at johnson2@oakland.edu.