I have been married to my wonderful wife, Roxanne, for 35 years, and together we have one beautiful daughter, Ruth, who works as an ICU nurse. We have called the Northwest side of Chicago home for the past 40 years.

In my thirties, I made a promise to myself: life was too short for just one career. I decided I would change professions at age 50, though I didn’t yet know what that new path would be. After 28 years in the business world—working in finance and mortgage origination—I enrolled in the Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) program at DePaul University in Chicago at the age of 52.

Upon completing the program, I began my full-time nursing career in a medical-surgical department, ultimately transitioning to oncology nursing. Thirteen years later, I concluded my inpatient nursing career while also teaching part-time in DePaul’s MENP program.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to step away from inpatient care. I was honored when Dr. Lori Thuente invited me to join Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science as a full-time faculty member. Since my first day, it has been a truly rewarding experience. The support of my colleagues, the dedication of our students, and the university’s mission have created a professional environment that is both dynamic and nurturing.

I consider myself deeply fortunate—in both my family life and my professional journey.