Graduation

School of Nursing Convocation

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Information for 2025 Graduates

(August 2024, October 2024, January 2025, and May 2025 Graduates)

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Speaker – Cheryl Krause-Parello, PhD, RN, FAAN

Cheryl Krause-Parello completed her PhD in Nursing Research at Rutgers University, where she developed a program of human-animal interaction research. Her dissertation research (2007) examined the relationships among loneliness; pet attachment; social support; and well-being in older adults. The results demonstrated that pet attachment mediated the effect of loneliness on aspects of well-being.

Over the past decade, Krause-Parello has expanded her research and investigates the relationship between human-animal interaction and stress biomarkers in vulnerable populations, including military veterans and children of alleged sexual abuse. The long-term goal of her program of research is to implement effective interventions to modulate the long-term effects of PTSD on returning active duty military and veterans and to identify additional populations where this intervention can be effective. One of Dr. Krause-Parello’s prospective goals is to provide the evidence to support changes in public policy so that service dogs are covered as a reimbursable medical expense for those recovering from a service-connected condition.

Krause-Parello has developed and is the director of a university-based health research initiative for veterans; Canines Providing Assistance to Wounded Warriors (C-P.A.W.W.)™

Dr. Krause-Parello is a well-funded researcher receiving many federal, foundation, and other grant types to support her program of research. She has authored a multitude of peer-reviewed journal publications and has presented at numerous national and international conferences to disseminate her research findings. Dr. Krause-Parello’s work on animal-assisted interventions has received national attention from the media; including U.S. News & World Report; NEWS4JAX; 69 WFMZ-TV News; WNDU-Channel 16; WDAM-7; WTMJ-TV Milwaukee; 7News Denver; The American Nurse; Pets in the City; Cat Fancy; USA Weekend; Boca Raton Magazine; Parklander Magazine; and PCORI Digest; to name a few. Krause-Parello serves on nursing journal editorial boards and is a member of several national and international professional organizations related to her discipline.

Dr. Krause-Parello is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) and an AAN Edge Runner for the C-P.A.W.W. model of care. Dr. Krause-Parello is an American Nurses Foundation Scholar and her research achievements have been recognized by her peers receiving a numerous number of awards including International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame Honoree, Sigma Theta Tau International, The Rutgers School of Nursing Outstanding Alumnus Award, Florida Nurses Association Icon Award-Nursing Research, Southern Nursing Research Society  Leadership in Nursing Research Award, Florida Nurses Association Nursing Innovation and Creativity Icon Award, School Nurse Educator of the Year-National Associate of School Nurses, Denver Metro Regional Nightingale Luminary Award, Jessie M. Scott Award, Institute for Nursing: New Jersey State Nurses Association among many others.

Dr. Krause-Parello continues to expand her involvement in professional research, training, and community engagement to advance the health and well-being of members of the armed forces and their families.

Dr. Krause-Parello and her husband-a marine veteran-are the proud parents of rescue dachshund Heidi.

Transitioning from Student to Alumnus

Let’s not say goodbye. How about see you later? After graduation, we encourage you to keep in touch with us by being an active part of the SON Alumni Association, Check out the job board, or keep us updated on your accomplishments for our newsletters. Join the Alumni board or become a committee member to give back to our school and our profession. There is no charge; you automatically become a member when you graduate. Let’s put your membership into action.

Update My Info and More – We want to stay in touch with you, but you’re going to have to meet us halfway.  Click here to update your contact information, share personal or professional news, and sign up to get a print copy of Rutgers Magazine.

Welcome to the RUAA! – Your Rutgers journey is just beginning – because now you’re part of a powerful alumni network with more than 500,000 members living around the world.  When you stay Scarlet Forever by connecting with the university and keeping up with your friends and classmates, you’re unstoppable.

Things to know.

• CONNECT accounts (Email, Onedrive, etc.) are locked 2-3 weeks after graduation, but you can keep a Rutgers Scarletmail address as an alumni. You may want to set automated replies or retain other info BEFORE your account is locked – View instructions.
• Stay Connected & follow Rutgers Alumni – Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• Career Hub resources offer professional support to alumni through career coaching, upskilling, recruitment, networking, industry insights, and more.
• Tips for New Grads, from alumni to our recent graduates featured on LinkedIn:
  • Tips for New Grads: Pivoting to Your Passion
  • Tips for New Grads: Thoughtful Approaches to a Wide Range of Challenges for Young Professionals
• Alumni Benefits (continuing ed, insurance deals, alumni access to libraries & fitness facilities, etc.)
• Get Rutgers Gear at the Alumni Shop

Photos and video from prior graduations

Check out our YouTube channel and Flickr Albums for media from prior years.