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Dear College of Health Community,
I am thrilled to share wonderful news with you. Mark A. Kadzielski ’68, a distinguished healthcare attorney and proud JCU alumnus, has established two inaugural awards for the College of Health: one recognizing excellence in teaching and another supporting a distinguished senior nursing student.
We are deeply grateful to Mark for this generous contribution, which reflects his deep commitment to Jesuit education and highlights the strength and spirit of the College of Health. The inaugural awards will be presented during the College of Health’s Health Professions Summit in April, 2026.
With gratitude,
Melissa Cole, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC
Dean, College of Health
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Inspired by Jesuit Values
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Supporting the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders: Mark A. Kadzielski ’68
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The College of Health is honored to announce two new awards established by Mark A. Kadzielski ’68—a proud Cleveland native, Jesuit-educated leader, and distinguished healthcare attorney. These awards will recognize excellence in teaching and honor an outstanding senior nursing student. Based in Los Angeles, Kadzielski has spent more than five decades representing healthcare providers and institutions nationwide.
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"I wanted to recognize the importance of education in providing a foundation for the achievement of excellence in healthcare. Dr. Cole and her staff have made significant strides in a short period of time through staffing, building academic programming and increasing enrollment. It is fitting that the College of Health will join the other JCU Colleges with this inaugural faculty and student award."
— Mark A. Kadzielski ’68
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These awards recognize the essential partnership between exceptional teaching and outstanding student achievement—a partnership that advances our mission of graduating ethical leaders, innovative thinkers, and compassionate healers. Each recipient will receive a monetary stipend and plaque, with the inaugural awards presented during the College of Health’s Health Professions Summit in April, 2026.
The Jesuit ideal of "Men and Women for Others" is reflected throughout Kadzielski’s career and philanthropic support. He was recognized for 20 years of providing Pro Bono legal service to the 65-member Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center Foundation in Los Angeles and has served on numerous healthcare boards over the years.
Additionally, Kadzielski has been a longtime supporter of Jesuit education, serving as President of Alpha Sigma Nu, the Honor Society of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, and providing philanthropic support to many Jesuit institutions. He was the visionary behind the Saint Ignatius High School President’s Visiting Committee, which he chaired for more than a decade.
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Pillar 2: Drive Healthcare Innovation
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As part of our strategic plan, the College of Health is committed to driving healthcare innovation. Learn how we're preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders to transform the field.
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Learn How We Are Driving Healthcare Innovation
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Upcoming Events
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Mark your calendars for these important College of Health events. Join us for engaging professional development, networking, and learning opportunities.
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November Online Webinar
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November 21, 2025
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We are delighted to invite you to an enriching and educational journey at John Carroll University. With the theme "Seeing the Forest Despite the Trees: Acknowledging and Appreciating Professional Growth".
Professional growth as counselors can be difficult to recognize—especially during stressful times. This session offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate the progress made at every stage of the counseling journey, from intern to educator.
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Date: November 21st, 2025
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Location: Zoom Link
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Time: 1:00 - 2:00PM
Register for Webinar
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News and Past Events
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Catch up on recent happenings and highlights from across the College of Health.
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Featured Story
JCU Nursing Program Earns CCNE Accreditation
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has granted full accreditation to our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through December 31, 2030—the maximum initial term possible.
The CCNE Board of Commissioners confirmed that our program meets all four accreditation standards with no compliance concerns, recognizing the quality, rigor, and mission alignment of our curriculum and clinical partnerships. Accreditation is retroactive to March 12, 2025, following our on-site evaluation earlier this year.
This milestone—just two years after the program’s launch—reflects the dedication of Dr. Dawn Boettcher, our nursing faculty and staff, and the many campus and community partners who helped make this program a reality. Most importantly, it honors our students, whose professionalism and compassion exemplify the very best of JCU including our commitment to developing ethical leaders, innovative thinkers, and compassionate healers who will shape the future of healthcare.
The bachelor of science in nursing program at John Carroll University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
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Pre-Health Event Recap: Film Screening & Dialogue on Shot in the Arm
Earlier this month, members of the JCU community gathered in Donahue Auditorium for an engaging screening of the documentary Shot in the Arm. The film explored the history of vaccine hesitancy and its ongoing impact amid recent public health challenges.
Pictured: Stephanie Diaz, Dr. Christina Randolph, Stephen Lengel, Dr. Shanna Botos, Brittany Kincaid
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Following the screening, attendees participated in a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion using the sustained Dialogue framework. The conversation was moderated by JCU Staff members Stephanie Diaz, Assistant Director for Library Engagement and Enrichment, and Brittany Kincaid, Assistant Director of Pre-Health Professions. Panelists Dr. Christina Randolph, DO, Developmental Pediatrician; Shanna Botos, DNP, JCU Faculty and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner; and Stephen Lengel, local health reporter led the conversation and answered questions from the audience.
The panelists shared personal insights from their professional experiences, reflected on the film’s themes, and explored how trust, communication, and community engagement shape public health outcomes. The evening fostered meaningful dialogue and reflection, leaving attendees with a deeper understanding of how individual perspectives and systemic factors intersect in conversations about vaccines and healthcare.
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Nursing Trunk or Treat
Nursing students went to Saint Adalberts in Cleveland for Trunk or Treat!
For Trunk or Treat, the students collected treats to distribute at Saint Adalbert's Grade school, and in an underserved community on East 83. Students interacted with their students, some dressed in costumes and helped pass out candy. The Nursing Director Dr. Dawn Boettcher, Professor Helen Tagliaferro, and Dr. Shanna Botos, were there to lead the way!
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Department Updates
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Stay informed about services, opportunities, and announcements from across the College of Health.
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Dean's Office Hours Now Available
Dr. Melissa Cole is excited to announce new open office hours, now available to book online through this convenient Google Calendar link: Book Office Hours with Me.
Whether you're a student, faculty or staff member, alumni, or community partner, you're invited to schedule a time to connect – to ask a question, share ideas, discuss collaboration opportunities, or simply have a conversation.
By making office hours easier to schedule, Dean Cole hopes to create even more opportunities for connection, insight, and shared vision across the College of Health community. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to meet one-on-one!
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Nursing Spirit Wear Fundraiser
The Nursing Club is hosting a fundraiser featuring JCU Nursing spirit wear and equipment packs. These versatile packs are perfect for clinical rotations and make excellent gifts for nursing students and professionals. All proceeds support the Nursing Club’s activities and initiatives.
Items are available for $20 each while supplies last. To place an order or for more information, please contact Professor Helen Tagliaferro at htagliaferro@jcu.edu.
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Faculty and Alumni Updates
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Celebrating the achievements and contributions of our exceptional faculty members and accomplished alumni.
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JCU Counseling Faculty and Students Attend AOCC in Columbus, Ohio
The All Ohio Counselors Conference (AOCC) is Ohio’s largest annual gathering for counseling professionals, offering opportunities for collaboration, professional development, and the dissemination of innovative clinical and research practices. It brings together counselors, educators, and students to advance culturally responsive and evidence-based approaches in the field.
Presentations:
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Cultic Trauma: Supporting Clients Who Have Been Members of Cults — Dr. Laura Caputo & Alexis Gilan
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Behavioral Health Navigators: Enhancing Wellness and Support for Counselors in SUD & BH Treatment — Dr. Martina Moore, Dr. Tanya Middleton, & Alexis Gilan
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Exercise Science: Carol Mack Presents at Beaumont School
Carol Mack presented at the inaugural meeting of Beaumont School’s Pre-Med club on careers in sports medicine and John Carroll’s Exercise Science and Pre-Health programs.
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Nursing: Dr. Dawn Boettcher Leads Program to CCNE Accreditation
Under the leadership of Dr. Dawn Boettcher, Director of the Nursing Program, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has achieved full CCNE accreditation through December 31, 2030—the maximum initial term possible. This milestone, achieved just two years after the program’s launch, reflects Dr. Boettcher’s exceptional leadership and the dedication of our nursing faculty and staff in building a program that meets the highest standards of nursing education.
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Nominate an Outstanding College of Health Professor
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The College of Health is now accepting nominations for the inaugural Mark A. Kadzielski ’68 Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. This award honors a full-time College of Health faculty member (with at least one year of service) who demonstrates excellence in teaching, advising, and leadership.
All current JCU faculty and students are invited to nominate a deserving professor. Submissions require a letter explaining how the nominee excels in Teaching & Mentorship, Clinical/Professional Impact, Service & Leadership, and Commitment to Jesuit/Catholic Values.
Nominations are open until January 23, 2026. Please submit all materials through the official Google Form.
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On Campus Services
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Essential resources and services available to support your health and wellness at JCU.
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Free Nursing Tutoring Available in the Learning Commons
The Learning Commons (2nd floor of Grasselli Library) now offers free tutoring in Nursing for all JCU students.
Our tutor this semester is: Kayla Trogu - ktrogu28@jcu.edu
Nursing Tutoring Hours:
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Monday: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
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Wednesday: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
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Friday: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Tutoring is offered in a drop-in study table model, and students may also make appointments through WC Online.
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Physicians and Nurses on Campus at Student Health Services
Physicians from the Cleveland Clinic Health System staff are on campus every Monday and Thursday afternoon to address your medical concerns.
Registered Nurses are available on campus daily to see any student with medical questions/concerns. There is no fee to see the nurse for undergraduates.
For questions or to make an appointment, please call 216.397.4349.
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Mentor the Next Generation of Health Professionals
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Do you work in healthcare or a healthcare-related field and are interested in mentoring current JCU College of Health Students? Please complete the survey form below to express your interest in providing networking, shadowing, or research opportunities for our students!
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| Submit Interest Form |
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We Value Your Feedback!
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Help us make the College of Health newsletter a valuable resource by sharing your thoughts, suggestions, and stories. Let us know what topics interest you, how we can improve, or if you have an inspiring healthcare or education story to share.
Please send your input to coh@jcu.edu - we greatly appreciate your contributions!
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