A Celebration of Rich and Diverse Backgrounds
They were volunteers, a theatre manager, biology teachers and a pitching assistant. They were a software designer, publishing assistant, consultants, and business managers. They worked as a radiologic tech assistant, a physical therapy aide and an entrepreneur. They hold degrees in Biomedical Engineering, Business Administration, Religious Studies, Education, Biology, Kinesiology, Economics, Political Science, HR, PR, Occupational Therapy and Neuroscience, to name a few. Some even earned their master’s degrees in Secondary Education, Theology, Counseling and Business Administration. This evening, all 98 of these men and women brought their rich and diverse backgrounds together and celebrated the completion of their Bachelor of Science in Nursing through either the 14-month Second Degree Accelerated Track or the 23-month Second Degree Track. Each added BSN to their list of accomplishments. Each became a Villanova Nurse.
Family and friends gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates during an event held in the Villanova Room. Dean Donna Havens acknowledged the dedication, hard work and commitment these students demonstrated in the successful pursuit of their nursing degree. She challenged them to continue their nursing role beyond the bedside and to promote health in communities and affect populations through policy and innovation. “Be brave. Be ethical. Be leaders. In short, be the embodiment of a Villanova Nurse.”
Chelsey Nehila and Logan Hones completed the accelerated track with a technical GPA of 3.984 and were presented with the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing Medallion for Distinguished Academic Achievement, an award presented to the student (in this case, students) with the highest technical GPA. Chelsey, a former competitive gymnast and biotech commercial development professional, earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and media and communications from Ursinus College. From an early age she was exposed to the health care system after several injuries and surgeries. Energized by the fast pace of the hospital and inspired by her experiences with nurses to help people at their most vulnerable point, Chelsey chose to pursue nursing. She intends to become a pediatric acute care nurse in the field of oncology or cardiology.
Logan Hones graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering. Through research, she found interest in improving health care and upon her undergraduate graduation, joined a Temple University team focused on patients with balance issues, especially those with Parkinson’s disease and concussions. It was here that Logan found her inspiration to become a nurse and her passion for improving the lives of others. Logan has accepted a position in the pediatric intensive care unit at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
To learn more about Villanova’s Second Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing track, visit villanova.edu/nursing.