Each year, St. John’s College of Nursing honors one distinguished alumna or alumnus who is nominated and selected by their peers. This afternoon, the college honored Dr. Jane Diers, RN, a 1985 graduate known for her resiliency and contributions to pediatric and intensive care nursing, as well as faculty and student development.
Dr. Diers served as a nurse at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital in pediatrics and the intensive care unit. She also served at the college’s dean of academic affairs for five years. Dr. Diers is a lifelong learner and furthered her education at Illinois Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and at Illinois State University where she earned a Doctor of Education.
“Jane is the kind of person one wants as an employee, a nurse, an educator and a friend,” wrote one of her nominators. “Jane wrote the book on resiliency.” Dr. Diers raised five children while working full time and advancing her nursing degree to attain a doctorate in nursing education.
Other common themes from Dr. Diers’ nominations were her skills with mentoring faculty as they build on their academic skills to reach students, her ability to be effective in committee work, and her balance in setting high expectations for students while at the same time, providing students with the right tools to be successful. Dr. Diers is known for being a natural at connecting with students and colleagues.
Jacob Bunte, MSN, FNP, RN, was also recognized as the college’s Young Alumus honoree. He is the college’s first doctoral student.