In February, nearly 90 seniors and juniors from the Avila University School of Nursing began vaccinating first responders at North Kansas City Hospital and Overland Park Regional Medical Center. The students then participated in community vaccinations for the remainder of the semester.

Senior Connor Wingate said the experience challenged him and his fellow students, but their training gave them the skills and knowledge to adjust to any situation.

“By the time we stepped into the vaccination clinics, we had plenty of clinical experience and hands-on skills training to help us feel comfortable screening patients and administering vaccines,” he said. “Once we began, the pace was very fast, and we had to learn how to streamline our patient interactions to get as many people through as possible.”

For Wingate, who has already accepted a position with the Emergency Department at the University of Kansas Medical Center, the reactions he received after patients received their vaccinations made all the challenges worth it.

“It felt great knowing we got to help people who had been isolated for months missing their families, and it was amazing to see so many people working together for such a wonderful cause” he said. “All of the senior citizens told us about how excited they were to see their families for the first time in months—I have never seen people so excited to get a shot!”

"ACCENT" in light purple text on purple background

"ACCENT" in light purple text on purple background

Contents

A Legacy Defined
As a student and administrator, Sue Willcox ’79 has been central to the Avila story for more than 40 years.

Whapham Named VP of Academic Affairs

The Show Must Go On
Avila Theatre caps memorable season with outdoor performances of Pippin

Planting the Seeds
In only five years, the Buchanan Initiative for Peace and Nonviolence has made an indelible mark on the entire Avila community

Champs!
In the best season in program history, Avila Football earns share of KCAC Conference Title

Bowling, Wrestling Newest Avila Athletics Programs

Opening the Door
Jennifer Lindsey ’10, ’15 seeks opportunities for STEM students of all backgrounds

Nwaomah ’13 Sets Her Sights on Mars

Nursing Juniors & Seniors Help Vaccinate Kansas City

Opportunities Seized
CSJ values guided Mary Morrow-Bax ’64 during pivotal personal and professional challenges

Coming Soon!

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