Dr. Angela Herman, Chair of the Health Sciences Programs within Wilmington University’s College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences, delivered a memorable speech at the 2024 VISTA Millennial Superstars Awards Reception & Celebration last month at the Penn State Great Valley Conference Center.

Below is her speech in its entirety.

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Good evening. What a pleasure it is to be here tonight for this wonderful event. My name is Angela Herman, and I serve as the Chair for the Health Sciences Programs at Wilmington University. I’m also a registered nurse.

I want to join everyone here in offering my sincere congratulations to each of you. As this year’s VISTA Millennial Superstars, you are leaders who are shaping the future of Chester County.

Wilmington University is extremely proud to acknowledge one of our own alumni, Dr. James Thomas, who is among those celebrated here tonight. James, as you will hear, is now Director of Nursing at Main Line Health. Prior to this, he served a critical role as the Nurse Manager in the Emergency Department of Nemours Children’s Hospital. Both are vitally important roles in serving the health of local communities.

It is a perfect week to honor James, along with all nurses, as it is National Nurses Week. Nurses like James exemplify the versatility of our profession; the roles of a nurse are amazingly diverse, yet all compellingly significant for our patients and their caregivers. My own background provided me the opportunity to practice in cardiovascular research, intensive care, and a veterans hospital — all prior to changing my focus to helping to educate nurses.

I know many of you have likewise experienced different versions of yourselves in your professional careers. In each, the impact you bring to Chester County — serving the community, the businesses, and those in need — is invaluable. Organizations such as (Exton-based) Home of the Sparrow, one of tonight’s beneficiaries, personify how we can all help those in need. Their work to help with housing services for single women or mothers is so inspiring.

In my role as Chair of Health Sciences at Wilmington University, I have the privilege to work with students whose goal is to make an impact on the health of others through many different pathways. Our bachelor’s program encompasses both novice and seasoned allied health professionals aspiring to leadership, education, or advanced clinical roles like Occupational or Physical Therapy, as well as individuals seeking non-clinical positions in patient support, research, or health information technology.

Our associate degree in Health Sciences offers an early entry point into healthcare in roles such as patient navigation or healthcare practice management, while our newly launched master’s degree prepares graduates for teaching or roles in environmental or population health.

Wilmington University’s programs are designed to meet the unique needs of working adults. Our student-centered mission is embedded into every aspect of our academic offerings. We are committed to providing accessible higher education for every student seeking success in whatever their career paths are.

The theme for National Nurses Week is “Nurses Make the Difference,” but I would maintain that all of the honorees here tonight have and will continue to make a difference as well.

Congratulations!