At the end of this semester, the Lumen will be losing its beloved business manager, Lauren McDonald, to graduation. Lauren, says concerning her post-graduation plans, “I hope to get a year or two of experience and then go back to grad school for a master’s in epidemiology or infectious disease; I hope to work with the CDC someday, looking at infectious diseases and outbreaks.” Note: This passion existed long before the COVID pandemic began.
As her career path unfolds before her, one that began with her brother’s inspiration and a constant interest in the occupation, Lauren took some time with the Lumen to reflect on her career at Viterbo: four years filled with passion, accomplishment, and care.
Looking back at the activities that have made her time at Viterbo memorable, Lauren fondly remembers her freshman-year involvement in Student Nurses Association and Student Alumni Ambassadors. Thinking about that influential year, she says her advice to her younger self would be, “Be more social; join as many clubs and go to activities on campus. It’s harder to jump into the game sophomore to junior year. Even if the [activities are] easier, just be more active on campus.”
The most impactful extracurricular during her undergraduate career has been dance team, in which she was a competitor and leader for three years. Lauren recalls, “When I came as a freshman, I had no idea that there was a dance team. One day, I saw the chalking on the sidewalk and decided to join the informational meeting…” The rest is history. Her passion for dance, which began at the age of two, led her to a milestone in her professional development. She led the team as co-captain and coach prior to and during its transition into official athletic team status. That change, Lauren says, brought professional coaching and additional funding for the dancers, who, under her leadership, took first place at national competition. This title was brought home when the team was still completely student-coached–a one-in-a-million leadership accomplishment that would certainly stand out on a healthcare resumé.
The passion Lauren has demonstrated in her extracurriculars and the classroom extends into the relationships she has formed during her time at Viterbo. When asked who has made an impact on her undergraduate career and who she feels thankful for, a list of individuals springs to her mind. First, she would like to recognize Megan Smith, her clinical coordinator and instructor for Adult Health and senior capstone, followed by Sheryl Jacobson, her advisor for academics and Public Health classes. Lauren notes that Jacobson has encouraged and facilitated her passion for public health from the get-go—support that she could not be more grateful for.
Extending her gratitude to all of the nursing faculty for their professionalism and care, Lauren also recognizes Brandy Cleveland, her clinical coordinator. Cleveland, who has been with Viterbo since 2005, was first introduced to Lauren as chaplain for the dance team. Lauren is deeply appreciative of Cleveland’s work, noting, “[She] has been amazing through everything. She’s always been there to listen and has gone the extra mile to make sure everyone gets everything they need.”
Regarding how the COVID pandemic has affected the lives of student nurses, Lauren acknowledges, “[Working online] has its challenges, but it has been beneficial and convenient times.” That positivity, along with her proven work ethic, will undoubtedly serve her well as she makes Viterbo proud in the field of public health research. The Lumen staff congratulates Lauren on her graduation, thanks her for two years of stellar service, and wishes her all the best in the years to come.
