We’re proud of the ambitions and accomplishments of our students and alumni – learn some of their stories in our monthly feature:

Student Spotlight

Theresa Louie ’23
Associate of Science in Nursing

A combination of life experiences inspired Theresa Louie ’23, a student in our evening and weekend ASN program, to become a nurse. Previous work as an anesthesia technician initially piqued her interest, and Theresa adds: “I also enjoy working with children and am even open to working with brain injured patients. My daughter sustained a traumatic brain injury and through watching and accompanying her through her recovery, I have become even more interested in helping others through the same process. The brain is a complex organ and it fascinates me all that it can do.”

Theresa has wasted no time in exploring this topic. This summer she wrote a persuasive essay for her English 100 course at PA College on ImPACT testing – baseline cognitive testing that is usually done prior to playing sports. Theresa argued that while this test is typically only offered for high impact sports at the high school level, since concussions are more common among younger children, it should be done at the start of the school year for all youth. She noted that the tests are relatively low-cost and doing so comprehensively would offer baseline cognitive functions prior to any injury. Currently working at the Neuroscience Institute at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, where concussion and brain injury patients are treated, Theresa discussed her essay with her employer. She shares: “I am excited to say that my workplace is currently looking into implementing this!”

Married with three children, ages 16, 14 and 11, Theresa and her husband also run a TaeKwon-Do school together. She also enjoys reading, painting and spending time with her family. Theresa notes: “Our schedules are crazy, but we are making it work. While it has been 20 years since my first round of college, I am excited to dive into learning once again!”

Alumni Spotlight

Regan Kilgore, ASN ’15, BSN ’18
Labor, Delivery, Recovery & Postpartum Nurse, UPMC Memorial

Regan Kilgore may have started down the nursing path thanks to an encouraging nudge from her parents (her mom Dr. Kari Cellini, is Assistant Professor and Program Director of our RN to BSN program), but her successes just a few years in the field reveal her commitment to her chosen profession. After a start in open studies, Regan earned her ASN degree at PA College in 2015. Through the RN to BSN program, she earned her bachelor’s degree in 2018 while working as a full-time nurse.

Of her experiences as a two-time alumna, Regan shares: “I had many instructors that were obviously passionate about their area(s) of expertise, loved teaching, and genuinely cared about their students’ learning experience. And I made really good friends who I have been able to watch grow into excellent nursing professionals.” As a bachelor’s prepared nurse, Regan now feels passionate about nurses furthering their education to better healthcare, better nursing, and most importantly better patient outcomes.

Regan currently works at UPMC Memorial in York, on a combined labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum unit. She provides direct patient care to moms and babies and is also a charge nurse and preceptor. Regan is certified in neonatal resuscitation and breastfeeding counseling, has begun UPMC’s nursing career development pathway, and won their award for nursing excellence in 2018. She was also recently featured on a local billboard advertisement for UPMC Memorial!

York is also home to Regan and her husband, Casey, who she calls “one of my biggest supporters since day one of my pursuit of an education and career in nursing.” The couple recently moved into their second home together and have been spending the summer settling in, camping, going to the beach, and jet skiing and boating on the Susquehanna River. They are also preparing for a new daughter eagerly expected in October.

Seeking People of PA College

Do you know an exceptional current student or alumnus whose experiences and accomplishments would help tell the PA College story? Or someone who has overcome an obstacle or reached a challenging milestone during their PA College experience? Please email your suggested names (and identify them in one of these categories) to Karen Jenkins. Self-nominations are also welcome!