KINGSTON, R.I — October 26, 2005 — When you speak with Rebecca Russo, you realize that the nursing profession is in good hands. The University of Rhode Island student from North Reading, Mass., talked about her love of nursing and URI before 200 University supporters at the annual Donor Recognition Brunch.
Russo, 22, didn’t realize that she wanted to be a nurse until her sophomore year. “After a year studying biology, I knew that I wanted a more hands-on, health-related field of study,” Russo told the crowd at the Ryan Center. “Nursing seemed like the best option, and I have fallen in love with this field of expertise.”
“Nurses are leaders, facilitators who share their skills and knowledge with others,” said Russo.
She is also the recipient of four scholarships provided by University donors. “These scholarships have allowed me to contribute the majority of my free time giving back to the campus community without the burden of employment,” said Russo. “All of my endeavors and all of my plans for the future would not have been possible without these scholarships.
Russo has been the president of the Student Nursing Association for the past two years, a member of Dean of Nursing Dayle Joseph’s fundraising committee, a URI 101 mentor, a nursing ambassador and also a nursing mentor. She is also an honor student who will be graduating at the top of her class as a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the nursing honor society. Russo is also a course tutor for pathophysiology and medical surgical nursing.
“We need more outstanding quality professional, bright leaders such as those who graduate from URI,” said Russo. “After graduation, I plan to work in a city hospital while continuing my education on to the master’s level.
“It is also a dream of mine to one day teach at a nursing school, where I will be following my mother’s and sister’s footsteps, both of whom are extraordinary nurses,” said Russo. “The amazing faculty here at URI has inspired me to touch the lives of fellow students forever, as they have done for me.”
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PROUD MOMENT: University of Rhode Island nursing student Rebecca Russo, (third from left), of North Reading, Mass., is joined by her father, Robert Russo her mother, Maureen McRae, and URI Nursing Dean Dayle Joseph after she gave the keynote speech at URI’s Annual Donor Brunch. URI News Bureau photo by Nora Lewis.