Meet Your 2021 Commencement Ceremony Student Speakers


At Aspen University, we’re always amazed by our students and their accomplishments. Working toward a university degree presents a unique set of challenges and goals, especially for those pursuing education during the pandemic. The faculty and administration of Aspen University commend all our graduates for persevering through it all to reach their dreams and anticipate … Keep Reading

Gayle Achieved Her BSN Dream and Embraced Every Detour Along the Way


Completing the RN to BSN program with a perfect GPA was a professional and personal victory for Gayle Coyne. Decades earlier, when she applied to a music program in Wisconsin, the university would not accept her hard-earned nursing diploma and told her she wasn’t college material. She triumphantly proved them wrong. Now at 75 years … Keep Reading

Get to Know Jaclyn: RN to BSN Student and Phoenix Scholarship Recipient


Jaclyn Sonenschein started preparing to become a nurse when she was a young child. Crafting casts out of paper and tape, she wanted to help all her imaginary sick toys feel better. These days her patients are children themselves at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH), where she works as a floor nurse and relief charge nurse … Keep Reading

Dolly Greene Earned Her BSN at 72 and Gained Newfound Confidence


Going back to school as a working adult is never an easy task. For Dolly Greene, embracing the challenge in her 70s was part of her dedication to learning and constantly evolving as a nurse. She graduated from Aspen University’s RN to BSN completion program in 2020, proudly achieving her dream of having the three … Keep Reading

RN and BSN Alumni Sandra Tripp’s Advice on Overcoming Self-Doubt


Throughout her childhood, Sandra Tripp had many career ambitions, but years of self-doubt fueled by naysayers stopped her from pursuing them. That was until her sick grandmother encouraged her to follow her nursing dream. After becoming a registered nurse, she decided to take her education even further, and in 2020 she graduated from Aspen University’s … Keep Reading

How This Alumni Triumphed Through Anxiety to Achieve Her MSN at 50


Longtime nurse Rose Tyler always had her mind set on becoming an RN. But a discouraging setback led her on a path of anxiety that delayed her career goals. Years later, with the support of her loved ones, Rose achieved her RN dream and advanced her education even further. In 2020, she graduated from Aspen … Keep Reading

How This Alumni Found Hope In Nursing Following Tragedy


We share this inspiring essay from Maggie Ross, who initially left medicine after enduring a tragic loss. Years later, she became a nurse and completed Aspen’s RN to MSN Bridge Program in 2020, with a Nursing Education specialization. She hopes to continue her education even further and help other students with their goals.   From the … Keep Reading

Spotlight Wrap-Up: Looking Back On Aspen’s Amazing Students


This past year has been filled with challenges, and we continue to face public health obstacles amid the pandemic. With all that we’ve endured during this unprecedented time, Aspen is immensely proud of all the accomplishments our community achieved.   Our students and alumni come with unique backgrounds and experiences. As we enter into a … Keep Reading

Student Spotlight: Dyslexia Can’t Stop This DNP Candidate


Aspen University DNP student Simone Kessler, RN, BSc, BSN, MSN, began her nursing journey when she was 13. The England native was introduced to the field through vocational and pre-nursing courses that she took throughout her teens. She loved biology, and nursing felt like a natural fit for her. “We learned how to bandage, take … Keep Reading