Hometown: Greensburg, KY
Graduation Years: 1973
Degrees: Nursing
Campus Involvement: Phi Theta Kappa
Why Midway University?
I was influenced by my early experience working as an operating room technician at a local hospital in Greensburg right after high school. With the encouragement of a surgeon and a nurse anesthetist, I applied to several nursing schools and was accepted into Midway’s program just weeks before classes began.
Favorite MidwayU Experience:
My favorite experiences at Midway were the sing-a-longs with Bill McDonald and Mike Moore and the Night of Lights ceremony, where candles were set along the creek.
Current Employment:
I spent my entire career in the operating room, beginning as a staff nurse at Methodist Evangelical Hospital in 1973. I worked my way up to become the nurse manager of the Pavilion surgery suite, a position I held for 25 years before retiring in February 2018. Currently, I work PRN for Dr. Julene Samuels, a plastic surgeon.
Skills Gained at Midway:
I credit Midway for teaching me independence, the ability to interact with others, and the skills necessary to become a registered nurse.
Advice for Future Eagles:
My advice to future Eagles is to “stay focused and never give up, as the time spent at Midway lays the foundation for the rest of their lives.”
Favorite Things About Midway:
My favorite thing about Midway was the camaraderie of dorm life and the lifelong friendships I made, many of which I still maintain. Life at Midway was strict at the time; students weren't allowed to cross the railroad tracks, and dresses were always required, which was a stark contrast to today's more relaxed environment.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy reading, gardening, cooking, cross-stitching, knitting, genealogy, and spending time with my two granddaughters.
Interesting Facts About You:
My husband and I spent five years traveling the backroads of Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, and the Carolinas, logging over 50,000 miles on our Harley Davidson motorcycles before trading them in for a Porsche after a motorcycle accident.
Anything Else You Would Like Us to Know:
I have been married to Wyatt Gragg, a talented bronze sculptor, for 45 years. His work includes notable pieces such as the Daniel Boone Sculpture at the Kentucky National Guard Post in Frankfort and several pieces at the Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati and Brandenburg. Together, we have two adult sons, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and two beloved granddaughters.
Favorite Quote:
"When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt