Karen Guy says NIU opened the gateway for her to "follow her childhood dreams."

As a first-generation student at NIU, Karen Guy, ’68, like so many others, got her start in nursing at NIU.  Now, after retiring from nursing and nursing education, Guy mentors future nurses on campus.

NIUAA: Tell us about your experience leading up to and choosing NIU.
Guy: My father’s sister was a nurse, and I always admired her compassion and the joy she received from being a nurse. I began working in the hospital setting as a junior volunteer and then working in the dietary department. I received an Illinois State Scholarship, and, for financial reasons, I needed to attend a state school. After researching the schools with nursing programs, I decided that NIU was the best fit for me.

NIUAA: In a few sentences, please share the impact NIU has had on your life.    Guy: NIU opened the gateway in my life that allowed me to follow my childhood dreams.

NIUAA: How did NIU prepare you for your current profession?     
Guy: NIU provided me with a sound education and experiences not only to be a nurse but a nursing administrator and an assistant professor teaching nursing.

NIUAA: What are you most proud of in your professional career?     
Guy: I was able to teach nursing at two major universities and help others follow in the path that I took after graduation.

NIUAA: What would you want to tell current and prospective students about NIU?     
Guy: At NIU, you are entering the doors to great opportunities. 

NIUAA: What do you enjoy most about volunteering?     
Guy: I appreciate meeting alumni of all ages, backgrounds and professions and sharing our enthusiasm and gratitude for NIU.

If you are looking for other ways to be an NIU volunteer, please check out NIU Nexus, or contact Liz McKee at lmckee1@niu.edu or 815-753-7400.