The NIU School of Nursing recently welcomed approximately 30 guests including valued clinical partner organizations and members of the nursing faculty and staff for its Stakeholder Breakfast, a morning dedicated to collaboration, inspiration and shared commitment to advancing nursing education.
The event featured Peggy Norton-Rosko (’87), Chief Nurse Executive for the University of Maryland Medical System and proud NIU alumna, as keynote speaker. Norton-Rosko reflected on the role her NIU education played in shaping her career and her ongoing connection to the university.
“I love to stay connected to the NIU School of Nursing because I credit my NIU degree with providing me the education and professional foundation that led to an amazing career,” Norton-Rosko shared. “I hope my involvement contributes to a meaningful educational experience for future nurses. I was excited to participate in the stakeholder meeting so I could also help other health system leaders learn about an innovative approach to partnering with the school that’s advantageous for all.”
The program also featured an engaging presentation, “Bridging the Gap: Clinical Judgment and
Practice Readiness in Nursing Education,” by Jessica Madrigal, Human Patient Simulation Coordinator, and Assistant Professor Janna Woodard. Their session highlighted the ways NIU is preparing students to transition seamlessly from the classroom to the clinical setting, ensuring they are confident and practice-ready upon graduation.
The purpose of the breakfast was to share program updates, strengthen relationships with clinical partners, and discuss the evolving needs of healthcare organizations. This ongoing collaboration helps ensure that NIU’s nursing curriculum remains aligned with real-world practice and workforce development.
Interim Chair Jeanette Rossetti emphasized the importance of these connections:
“Our partnership with clinical stakeholders is at the heart of how we prepare the next generation of nurses,” Rossetti said. “By working together, we ensure that education and practice stay deeply connected so our students are practice-ready to meet the realities of patient care with skill, compassion and confidence.”
After a pause during the pandemic, the School of Nursing is excited to reestablish this annual tradition, continuing to build meaningful partnerships that support students and strengthen the future of nursing.
If you’re inspired by NIU’s commitment to excellence in education and would like to volunteer or share your time and talents, the reach out to chhs@niu.edu to get involved.
