Welcome to the Upstate Nursing Alumni Association!
ABOUT THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The Upstate Nursing Alumni Association serves more than 3,000 alumni living and working across the United States. United by a commitment to nursing excellence, our alumni community supports the next generation of healthcare professionals while fostering lifelong connections among graduates, students, faculty, and friends of the College of Nursing.
From the first day of nursing school through every stage of a professional career, membership in the Nursing Alumni Association provides a lasting connection to Upstate. The association promotes engagement, mentorship, professional growth, and opportunities for alumni to remain involved with the college and one another.
OUR MISSION
The Nursing Alumni Association enhances educational excellence for Upstate nursing students and supports the professional development of alumni, students, and faculty in order to positively influence the health of our community.
OUR VALUES
Integrity • Professional Excellence • Lifelong Learning • Service • Inclusion • Mentorship • Community
WHAT WE DO
The Nursing Alumni Association strengthens the College of Nursing through scholarship support, professional development opportunities, student enrichment programs, alumni engagement events, and initiatives that advance nursing education and practice. Through philanthropy and volunteer leadership, we help ensure that students and alumni have access to the resources, connections, and opportunities they need to thrive.
SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF NURSES
Scholarships remain one of the association's highest priorities. Through the generosity of alumni and supporters, we help reduce financial barriers for students while recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to compassionate patient care.
A COMMUNITY FOR LIFE
Whether you are a current student, a recent graduate, or a retired nursing professional, you remain an important part of the Upstate nursing family. Together, we celebrate accomplishments, support future nurses, and continue a proud tradition of service, leadership, and excellence in healthcare.
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ALUMNI NEWS AND UPDATES
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2026!
Dear Class of 2026:
As you cross this important milestone, you join a proud community of Upstate nursing alumni whose dedication, compassion, and leadership have strengthened healthcare across Central New York and beyond. Whether you are completing a BS, Accelerated BS, RN to BS, Master’s, DNP, or PhD program, your journey has required extraordinary commitment, perseverance, and heart. You have developed the skills to care for patients, advocate for others, advance nursing knowledge, and lead meaningful change in healthcare.
We celebrate not only your academic achievement but also the countless lives you will touch throughout your career. We are honored to welcome you into the Nursing Alumni Association and look forward to supporting and celebrating your success for years to come.
Best wishes for your next chapter,
The Nursing Alumni Association
WHITE COAT ROCK: TAKE 2 ROCKS DOWNTOWN SYRACUSE
White Coat Rock: Take 2 (and call me in the morning) returned to Funk ’n Waffles on April 15 for a high-energy night of live music and community impact. The evening kicked off with special guests Southbound Train, whose mix of country and classic rock favorites set the tone for the night. Upstate Medical University’s own Spinal Chords followed with two full sets, featuring a dynamic lineup of students, faculty, and staff—including several new student members who brought fresh energy to the stage.
From powerhouse vocals to standout guitar and sax performances, the band kept the crowd engaged all night long in a packed venue. Beyond the music, the event supported Upstate Nursing and College of Health Professions students, helping fund the future of healthcare in Central New York.
See full photo gallery here
2026 DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE POSTER SHOWCASE
Dr. Mantosh Dewan looks on as a DNP candadate presents their work
DNP STUDENTS PRESENT INNOVATIVE PROJECTS AT 2026 SHOWCASE
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The College of Nursing proudly celebrated its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students at the 2026 DNP Poster Showcase, held April 7 at the Central New York Biotech Accelerator. The annual event highlighted the culmination of students’ scholarly work, featuring evidence-based projects aimed at addressing real-world healthcare challenges and improving patient outcomes.
The evening began with registration, poster viewing, and refreshments, followed by welcome and opening remarks from Emery Briggs and Jennifer Vaughn. Their remarks set the tone for an evening centered on innovation, collaboration, and the advancement of nursing practice.
Student presentations followed, with Lourdes Fulcomer, Breanna Lopez, Michael Schneider, and Lauren Wolff sharing their scholarly projects. Each presentation reflected the DNP program’s emphasis on translating research into practice, offering practical solutions to complex issues in healthcare delivery.
A panel discussion featuring Tess Bernardo, McKenna Burgwin, Kayla Butler, and Aisha Lubega provided additional perspective on the role of evidence-based practice in shaping the future of nursing. Panelists discussed the challenges and opportunities facing today’s healthcare professionals and emphasized the importance of continued innovation in clinical settings.
Closing remarks and recognition were delivered by Spencer Champagne, acting director of the Nursing Alumni Association, who commended the students for their dedication, perseverance, and contributions to the profession, and welcomed them into the community of Upstate nursing alums.
The event concluded with a poster viewing session, where attendees engaged directly with students including Leslie Burdick, Rachel Clement, Courtney Davis, Sundus Imam, Julia Kosowsky, Amy Lukacz, Kateryna Onufriychuk, Francesco Tangredi, Erica Wall, Matthew West, and others. The session provided an opportunity for meaningful discussion around projects addressing a wide range of healthcare topics.
The 2026 DNP Poster Showcase served as a powerful reminder of the impact of doctoral-level nursing education and the vital role DNP-prepared nurses play in improving patient care and advancing the healthcare system.
CLICK HERE to see the photo gallery
New season, new styles! Our online store is stocked with fresh spring and summer apparel featuring updated designs, vibrant colors, and alumni favorites like Care in Full Bloom. Whether you're repping your pride on campus, at work, or out in the community, every purchase helps support scholarships and programs through the Nursing Alumni Association.
Get yours now at our online store:
CLICK HERE