Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat! Below you'll find our most recent Alumni Spotlight interview.
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Alumni Spotlight: Veronica Braman '23
Veronica Braman attended 51ÁÔÆæ from which she graduated in 2023 with a BS in nursing.
What brought you to 51ÁÔÆæ?
I chose 51ÁÔÆæ because it truly offered the best of both worlds. As a commuter who grew up in Greensburg, I appreciated being close to home while still receiving a high-quality education backed by the University of Pittsburgh. 51ÁÔÆæ provided the academic rigor I wanted for nursing, along with a close-knit campus where students are known by name and genuinely supported.
Were you a commuter or a resident?
Commuter
What activities were you involved with as a student?
I was very involved in the nursing community during my time at 51ÁÔÆæ. I served as a supplemental instructor and teacher assistant for Anatomy & Physiology I and II, which allowed me to support fellow students while developing a passion for teaching. I was also an active member of the Student Nurses Association and participated on the executive board, which helped me grow as a leader and advocate for nursing students.
Did you have a favorite professor, staff member, coach, or mentor that really impacted your life?
Dr. Byrns had a profound impact on my life and academic journey. She was my Anatomy & Physiology I and II professor and later asked me to serve as a teacher assistant and supplemental instructor—opportunities that completely changed my path. She was my biggest cheerleader both inside and outside of the classroom, constantly encouraging me to believe in myself and my abilities. Her mentorship inspired my love for teaching and played a major role in my decision to pursue nursing education.
Of all the classes you took, what is the one class that most impacted you or was your favorite? Why?
My favorite class was my senior-level critical care course. By that point, I had already accepted a position as a critical care nurse after graduation, so it was incredibly meaningful to learn about the conditions, technologies, and patient care scenarios I knew I would soon encounter firsthand. The course helped bridge the gap between student and professional nurse and gave me confidence as I prepared to enter practice.
What do you remember most vividly from your time at 51ÁÔÆæ?
What stands out most is the strong sense of community within the nursing program and across campus. From long study sessions to supporting one another through challenging semesters, 51ÁÔÆæ felt like home. The relationships I built with classmates and faculty created a supportive environment that made even the most demanding moments rewarding.
What have you been up to since graduation?
Since graduating from 51ÁÔÆæ, I have been working as a registered nurse in critical care while also pursuing my master’s degree in nursing education. Alongside my clinical role, I have remained deeply committed to teaching, mentorship, and professional development for nursing students and new graduates. One of my most meaningful post-graduation endeavors has been founding the School of Nursing Alumni Council (SONAC). Creating SONAC allowed me to stay connected to 51ÁÔÆæ while building a space where nursing alumni can support one another, give back to current students, and remain engaged with the School of Nursing. Through this work, I have been able to combine my passions for nursing, education, and community.
How did your experiences and education at 51ÁÔÆæ prepare you for life after college?
51ÁÔÆæ prepared me academically through a rigorous nursing curriculum and clinically relevant coursework, but it also prepared me professionally and personally. Leadership opportunities, mentorship from faculty, and hands-on teaching experiences helped me develop confidence, communication skills, and a strong sense of purpose. These experiences laid the foundation for my career in both nursing practice and education.
As an alum, how do you support 51ÁÔÆæ?
As an alum, I support 51ÁÔÆæ by staying actively engaged and giving back to the community that shaped both my personal and professional journey. I am proud to serve as the founder and president of the School of Nursing Alumni Council (SONAC), which is dedicated to strengthening connections between nursing alumni, students, faculty, and the University. One of SONAC’s most meaningful milestones has been hosting the first-ever Nursing Futures Fair, where nursing alumni returned to campus to share their stories, career paths, and advice with freshman nursing students. Events like this help students envision their future in nursing while reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines 51ÁÔÆæ. In addition to alumni leadership, I recently had the opportunity to give back by participating in the Anxious Generation panel discussion, where I shared insights from my experiences as a nurse and educator. Engaging in conversations like this allows me to support students beyond academics and contribute to important discussions surrounding student well-being, resilience, and mental health.
What advice do you have for your fellow Bobcats?
My advice to fellow Bobcats is to get involved, build relationships, and never be afraid to ask for help. Take advantage of the opportunities 51ÁÔÆæ offers, whether that’s leadership roles, mentorship, or campus involvement, because those experiences can shape your future in ways you don’t expect. The people here truly want to see you succeed, so lean into that support.
For fun:
What is the last book you read? Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
List 3-5 fun facts about yourself that most people probably wouldn’t know.
- I love roadtrips with my fiancé.
- I am an avid reader.
- I'm an arts and crafts enthusiast.