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

Student Spotlight

Aleecia Moyer ‘20
Associate of Science in Nursing

Aleecia MoyerSince graduating from high school, Aleecia Moyer has dreamed of becoming an oncology certified nurse, and one day, working at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. She became even more passionate about her dream after her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. Aleecia first studied to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), earning those credentials in 2009. Over the past ten years, she has enhanced her knowledge and skills by working in various areas of nursing. Aleecia’s experience includes personal care, skilled care, and home health, and she now works full time in an oncology office.

Ready to take the next step toward her career goals, Aleecia enrolled in PA College’s Associate of Science in Nursing program through our LPN Advanced Placement program. “I chose PA College because it offered a program that fit with my career aspirations and schedule in a way that no other program could,” shares Aleecia. “With the evening and weekend track option I can continue to work full time, support my family and still be able to afford school. Guaranteed clinicals also alleviated any additional delays and frustration dealing with school transfers and waiting lists.”

Aleecia lives in York, PA and is the mother to David, 21 and Taylor, 16. She is also planning an August 2020 wedding with her fiancé, Joel. Aleecia loves to run and has completed 6 marathons, 12 half marathons, a few 10k’s and numerous 5k races. She also took part in several triathlons! Favorite family activities include going to the movies, camping, time at the beach, and visiting Disney World and Universal Studios. After earning her RN, Aleecia hopes to also go on a medical mission trip.

Alumni Spotlight

Lavina Zimmerman, RN (BSN ‘13, ASN ’10)
Long-term Care Nurse, Night Shift Campus Supervisor

Lavina Zimmerman
Now a two-time alumna and a successful nurse, Lavina Zimmerman wasn’t always sure that she’d even be able to finish high school. Severe learning disabilities including a visual deficit disorder, dyslexia and ADD made schoolwork an extreme challenge. In fact, she didn’t learn to read proficiently until the fourth grade. Luckily, intensive tutoring over the summer helped Lavina catch up with her peers and find her way forward.

Determined to continue her education, Lavina enrolled in PA College, earning her Associate’s degree in nursing in 2010 and her Bachelors’ degree in 2013. Despite an additional diagnosis of Fibromyalgia during her college years, and her existing learning disabilities, Lavina pushed on toward her goal of becoming a nurse. Thinking back on her student days, she shares a point of pride: “overcoming my writing challenges for all those papers in the BSN course. I was forced to read and re-read my work, which slowly improved my grammar and spelling to the best it has ever been.” Today, Lavina is gratified that her degrees from PA College allow her to help support her family and care for others.

Lavina values the hands-on bedside care she has been able to offer for the past 12 years, working at a long-term care facility in Ephrata. For the last 8 years, she has been the night shift campus supervisor there. Previously, Lavina taught part-time in the LPN program at the Willow Street Lancaster County Career & Technology Center. “I love teaching informally in my current role and maybe one day will return to teaching,” Lavina adds.

Lavina is married and has two children. In her free time, she enjoys acro yoga and scrapbooking.


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!

PA College News