Students enrolled in the URI Pathways to Nursing program shared their challenges and achievements over the past semester, and looked forward to continuing their journey toward a nursing degree during the program’s annual end-of-year reception April 22.
Program administrator Diane DiTomasso welcomed the group, congratulating them on their successes and urging them to continue displaying the leadership they have shown on campus and in their communities. Guest speaker Marie Ghazal, a URI alumna and former director of the Rhode Island Free Clinic, spoke about her career as a nurse, her return to school to pursue her graduate degree, and her experience in public health administering more than 500 area physicians, nurses and specialists providing comprehensive medical services at no cost to the patient.
Two of the 44 students currently enrolled through the Pathways program are graduating this year, and DiTomasso presented them with an honor cord to wear on commencement day. She and Ghazal also handed out awards to some of the top achievers in the program. Award winners include:
• Emely Padilla Duran – Academic Excellence Award
• Sofia Dela Cruz – Academic Excellence Award
• Samantha Pinheiro – Academic Excellence Award
• Ariela Santos Sanchez – Academic Excellence Award
• Melaney Feliz Garcia – Clinical Excellence Award
The Pathways to Nursing program at URI supports nursing students from historically underrepresented populations. Aiming to reduce health care inequalities and achieve health equity by increasing diversity in the nursing workforce, the program provides students with resources and support to attain bachelor’s degrees in nursing.
For more information on the Pathways to Nursing program and to apply, contact DiTomasso at dditomasso@uri.edu.
