Nancy L. Curll, DNP, CRNA-ret, CDR, NC, USN (Ret.)

Because of my GMercyU education, I felt ready to take on the challenges presented to me as an officer in the Nurse Corps of the U.S. Navy.

I grew up in suburban Philadelphia and after graduating from high school, opted to participate in a nursing school’s diploma program. I finished that course of study in 1975 and was then eligible to take the state nursing board exams even though I had earned absolutely no college credits. When a friend at work told me about then Gwynedd Mercy College’s “two plus two” program, I thought that would be a good option to get some college experience under my belt.

Experience in Nursing Program

It wasn’t easy. I worked full-time and went to school part-time, even offering to work every weekend. Fortunately, I had an understanding boss who helped me juggle my schedule! I really enjoyed my classes at GMercyU and especially remember taking a statistics course with Sister Mary Gregory. I still recall how she had us sit in assigned seats and write our row and seat numbers on all our assignments! She was a good teacher, though, and I learned a lot from her.

I also enjoyed my Spanish for health personnel class with Dr. Louisa Dussault and being able to travel to Spain with her as a guide. I must say that all my instructors were instrumental to my success and when I worked as a clinical instructor, I utilized many of the concepts I had experienced through their teaching methods.

Post-Graduation Journey

Each year, a variety of hospitals and military representatives visited campus for recruiting purposes. A year after completing my bachelor’s degree, I received a commission in the Navy and attended Officer Indoctrination School in Rhode Island before being assigned to the former Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland (now part of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center). Because of my GMercyU education, I felt ready to take on the challenges presented to me as an officer in the Nurse Corps of the U.S. Navy.

I worked as a staff CRNA in Outpatient Anesthesia at the former Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC for 15 years after I retired from the Navy. I was also a Clinical Instructor and an Adjunct Lecturer at the Wake Forest School of Medicine for the Nurse Anesthesia Program there. 

Giving Back to GMercyU

When I was asked to join the alumni board, I didn’t hesitate. I received an excellent education and wanted to ensure the University and its students continued to prosper.

Since its founding by the Sisters of Mercy in 1948, GMercyU has grown significantly in size and offerings, while maintaining a commitment to student success and the Mercy Mission. I am especially excited about the Griffin Edge, a distinctive, co-curricular program that helps develop important character-building skills. Today’s Griffins continue to be exceptional leaders, and their achievements serve as my inspiration to keep giving, something I have done nearly every year since I graduated.