Alumni

Back row (from left): Kathryn Klima, Fahael Khan, Bima Agrawal, Nydia Agrawal and Sam Afshar. Front row (from left): Callie Byrd, Christina Merritt and Laura Lindner.

Alumni Weekend 2016

August 24, 2017

Graduates enjoy tour of new academic center, dean’s luncheon, dinner/auction and fellowship.


The Long School of Medicine is approaching its 50th anniversary of the doors opening to the medical school building on Sept. 3, 1968.

Medical School to Celebrate 50th Anniversary in 2018

August 22, 2017

The Long School of Medicine will celebrate 50 years since its door opened in the fall of 1968.


Victoria M. Flores, M.S.N., RN, is a B.S.N. alumna working on her Ph.D. while employed in a non-traditional nursing role at a San Francisco biotech company. (Photo courtesy of Elisabeth Fall Photography)

The Road Less Travelled

May 23, 2017

Victoria M. Flores, who received her B.S.N. in 2013 from the School of Nursing, found her perfect match in a non-traditional nursing role with a biotech company in San Francisco.


Barbara Aranda-Naranjo, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, has served in numerous nurse leader positions locally and nationally. Her diverse experience includes participating in a health mission trip to Oaxaca in Mexico.

Fulfilling Her Mother’s Prophecy

May 23, 2017

Barbara Aranda-Naranjo, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, grew up the child of a migrant worker, but her mother knew she was destined to be a nurse.


Retired Col. Patricia A. Patrician, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, now serves as the Donna Brown Banton Endowed Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing.

Surpassing a Childhood Goal

May 23, 2017

Alumna Patricia A. Patrician, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, always wanted to be a nurse. After 26 years in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, she continues today to fulfill her childhood dream.


Dale (from left) and Vicky Dittmar, M.S.N., RN, visit with Adelaide Emery, M.S.N., RN, who was the first scholarship recipient of the Dale and Victoria Dittmar Nursing Endowment. The couple created the endowment to honor their fathers.

Advancing Veterans’ Health Care

May 22, 2017

Assistant Professor Vicky Dittmar, M.S.N., Class of 2001, and husband Dale Dittmar chose to honor their fathers’ military service by establishing the Dale and Victoria Dittmar Nursing Endowment.


Odette V. Denisa, M.S.N., RN, ACNP-BC, is president of the School of Nursing Alumni Association.

A Message from Alumni Board President

May 12, 2017

Odette V. Denisa, M.S.N., RN, ACNP-BC, president of the School of Nursing Alumni Association, shares an update on the association’s activities and programs.


The Department of Lifelong Learning offers live and online continuing education, hosts three annual conferences, and provides an online RN Refresher Course.

Keep Learning: Department of Lifelong Learning Reaccredited

May 1, 2017

The School of Nursing’s Department of Lifelong Learning offers both live and online continuing education.


Scott Leune, D.D.S., and Cassandra Leune, B.S.D.H., both Class of 2005 in their respective programs, with their children: Sophia, 9; Ethan, 7; Colin, 4; and Christian, 2 months

Alumni Profile: Scott and Cassandra Leune

November 28, 2016

Scott Leune, D.D.S., and Cassandra Leune, B.S.D.H., both Class of 2005, strive to find a healthy balance between their national company and their growing family.


Mario Rapanotti, D.D.S., Class of 1983, and Elva Rapanotti, D.D.S., Class of 1988

Alumni Profile: Mario and Elva Rapanotti

November 28, 2016

Mario Rapanotti, D.D.S., Class of 1983, and Elva Rapanotti, D.D.S., Class of 1988, share a marriage, dental practice, and belief in giving back to the community.


Ray Scott, D.D.S., Class of 1983, and his wife, Kathy Scott

Alumnus Profile: Never Forgetting His Roots

November 28, 2016

Ray Scott, D.D.S., Class of 1983, credits the School of Dentistry for giving him the opportunity to become a dentist. Now he helps current students.


Warren B. Branch, D.D.S., Class of 1981, and his wife, Melissa Branch

Alumnus Profile: Following a Family Tradition

November 28, 2016

Warren B. Branch, D.D.S., Class of 1981, continues his family’s legacy of volunteering locally and globally. He also believes in supporting his alma mater.