Associate Professor of Nursing Debbie Strickert retired on a high note with more than 30 years as a Newman University faculty member.
“Debbie has dedicated her time, talent and education to more than 1,500 nurses across Kansas and the United States,” said Melissa Romaneschi, associate professor of nursing, during the Newman nurse pinning ceremony May 9.
A caring career in nursing
Strickert worked as an ARNP, PRN at Via Christi Family Medicine Clinics and PRN as a diabetic nurse educator. She taught at the St. Francis School of Nursing and St. Mary of the Plains School of Nursing before being hired by Newman in 1992. Strickert has maintained a strong connection to the clinical practice community and continues to share her expertise in diabetes through the Ascension Healthcare system.
At Newman, Strickert served as a faculty sponsor for the Nurses Christian Fellowship Club for several years, supporting students in their development as holistic nurses who support each other throughout the rigorous nursing program.
Romaneschi, an alumna of Newman, experienced Strickert’s teaching firsthand.
“One of the best things she imparted on me was having compassion for all of my patients no matter where they came from,” Romaneschi said. “I’ll never forget how she was a ninja who checked on her students even if we didn’t see her. I want to thank Debbie for not only being an amazing professor to me but also moving on to being a colleague and mentor and one of my best friends.”
One of the best things Debbie imparted on me was having compassion for all of my patients no matter where they came from.
Associate Professor of Nursing Melissa Romaneschi
Newman alumna and Associate Professor of Nursing Nancy Lugo-Baez recalled Strickert’s willingness to collaborate and help others, even when Lugo-Baez was an instructor for a different employer.
“A lady at Wesley (Medical Hospital) used to say, ‘Instructors need to play nice in the sandbox,’ because sometimes instructors can get a little territorial,” Lugo-Baez said. “Debbie was never that way. She was always so gracious at St. Joe, we worked well together as instructors and I just remember in those years since I was still pretty new, I really appreciated that.”
Strickert shared her own words of thanks with the graduating class and her fellow nursing faculty members.
“These students have been wonderful,” Strickert said. “One of my best accomplishments is seeing them on the units. They always come back and give me a hug and say, ‘I didn’t understand it at the time why you made me do this,’ but they do later. And I’m very proud that I’ve taught so many. Thank you all very very much.”
“We wish her a happy retirement,” Lugo-Baez said.
Apply for a job at Newman University
Join the Newman University team that works together to empower students to transform society for the better.
