Homecoming attendees - Barbara Dusterberg '61, Marie Blain '61, Joan Short '48, Debbie Michael '72

Homecoming celebrated in person for the first time in three years

The MCAA Homecoming Celebration was held on September 24, 2022, at The Grand Event Center in Grandview. Student volunteers and Alumni Board members were on hand to greet the 72 alumni who attended.

Alumni were able to bid on silent auction items that were donated by various organizations, businesses, and alumni and their families. There was a 50/50 cash raffle and a “Nurse’s Quilt” raffle.

President Pat Skunda ’72, ‘10, ‘14, MS, RN, opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and asking Debbie Longstreth Michael ’72, RN, to lead us in prayer before dinner. During the meal, Pat gave an update on the Alumni Association and the College. A tribute video about former President and Dean of the College, Dr. Ann Schiele, who passed away earlier this year, was shared with attendees.

After dinner, recognition of all the Honor Classes - with a little trivia about what was happening in the world when they graduated - was enjoyed by all.

Prior to closing, the 50/50 cash raffle winner, Jessica Conley ’94, BSN, RN, was announced, as well as quilt raffle winner, Theresa Heitzenrater ’72, RN. The quilt was created and donated by Barb Wiswell, sister of Pat Skunda. All silent auction items were awarded to the winning bidders. All proceeds from the cash and quilt raffle and silent auction items are donated to the MCAA Scholarship fund.

Mark your calendars. Next year’s Homecoming Celebration will be held on September 30, 2023, at the Grand Event Center, once again in Grandview.

Barb Wiswell, who created and donated the quilt, Pat Skunda

Our Legacy of Learning Campaign raises more than $3 million for MCCN

The conclusion of the successful two-year Our Legacy of Learning Campaign was celebrated on Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Hilton Easton, just prior to the 2022 Scholarship Awards and Donor Recognition Dinner. The campaign raised more than $3 million to strengthen, support, and sustain MCCN.

Although the campaign has formally concluded, you can still make a gift if you choose.

2022 Scholarship Celebration recognizes students, donors - highlights the legacies of Kathy Espy and Dr. Ann Schiele

At this year’s Scholarship Celebration alone, a total of $663,680, with $543,500 coming through our Foundation, in scholarships were provided to MCCN students. A total of 272 scholarships were provided to 135 students this year. The MCAA were able to give out twelve scholarships to students this year.

The event also featured video tributes celebrating the lives of Kathy Espy and Dr. Ann Schiele, both of whom were leaders of and donors to the Our Legacy of Learning Campaign.

MCSN Class of 1965 reconnect at informal class reunion

Seated, left to right: Barb Hoffman Doyle, Sharon Johnson Miller, Jane Gordon Kritzer, Joan Geyer Rucker, Gene Winters Coleman. Standing, left to right: Barbara Muller, Loraine Schuh Smith, Mary Ellen Thomas, Sharon Raybuck Huber, Joyce Young, Carol Crum. Also attending but not pictured, Sharon Greiner Pecko.

Niche ranks MCCN best value college

MCCN was rated as the 2023 best value college by Niche, a site that uses public data and 140 million user reviews to produce rankings and report cards on every school and college in the U.S.

The ranking is based on U.S. Department of Education data on net price, alumni earnings, graduation rates and student debt. Niche gives the biggest priority to “average return on investment by age 30” data, which considers the differential between estimated earnings at 30 and the cost of college.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing took the No. 1 spot because after a net price of $14,454 per year, median earnings for students six years after graduation were $57,700 per year.

The college has an 80% graduation rate and 98% of alumni are employed two years after graduation.

Excerpted from a Columbus Business First article published Aug. 29, 2022.

Meet Barbara Muller, ’65, RN, CNP

Professional highlights

In 1975, I was asked by a head cardiologist to leave the hospital ICU nursing and join his practice as a Nurse Practitioner. He had a vision to improve patient outcomes in those early days of coronary artery bypass surgery. I became the first Nurse Practitioner employed by a cardiology practice. For 35 years I was able to make a difference, helping each patient and their families deal with the diagnosis, treatment and recovery, by giving them the emotional and educational guidance they needed.

It was very exciting to be part of the early evolution of the Nurse Practitioner role. I had a most rewarding career and have always been grateful for the high quality education and guidance I received from Mount Carmel School of Nursing.

Original Hometown

Tiffin, Ohio

Current Hometown

Pittsford, New York

When did you feel the first call to be a nurse?

From the time of my earliest memories, I always wanted to be a nurse. I did not have a role model in my circle. I just knew I wanted to be a nurse. My first job at age 16 was as a nurse’s aide at my hometown hospital. That experience cemented my desire.

What is your favorite memory of Mount Carmel?

There are many favorite memories, including the fun times in the Rec Room, walking ‘underground’ from the dorm/school to the hospital, the instructors that gave extra help when needed. I especially remember the sense of family. Everyone became a friend.

It’s been important for me to help us stay connected through the years post-Mount Carmel.

How has your Mount Carmel network helped you in your life, personally and professionally or both?

The strength of the forever friendships brought much support for my life personally and professionally.

What advice would you like to share with other nurses as they move from students to alumni of Mount Carmel?

Always see the whole person behind any diagnosis. Never label a patient as “non-compliant.” Have empathy for individual mental, social, and physical limitations that make following your advice not completely attainable.

Mount Carmel Alumni Association Board

• President: Pat Skunda ’72, ’10, ’14, MS, RN
• Vice President: Open
• Secretary: Jami Nininger ’87, DNP, RN
• Treasurer: Suzanne Martin ’66, JD, RN
• Members-at-Large:
  • Jody Gill Rocha ’08, ’10, MS, RN
  • Angela Snider ’10, ’14, MS, RN, APRN-BC
  • Freida Gill ’91,’97, ’09, MS, RN
• Ex-Officio: Alyssa LaTorre, senior development officer, Mount Carmel Foundation