Community Conversations: From local to global engagement
Season 1
Veteran Voices: A Story of Service and Advocacy
Healing Beyond Borders: The Intersection of Nursing and Education
by Dr. W.
Dr. Lisa Wisniewski has the honor of interviewing Mr. Craig Jordan, Veteran’s Coordinator at Goodwin University. Craig grew up in East Hartford, Connecticut and was inspired by his parents’ service and commitment to the community. Taking that inspiration with him to Providence College, he joined the ROTC and was sent to Vietnam after graduation as a second lieutenant. He became a platoon leader after his captain was killed and received the Bronze Star for his service. Leaving themilitary, he was a recreational director before beginning his long service as an educator, culminating in 14 years as principal of East Hartford High School. Upon retirement, he began collaborating with Congressman Larsen and met MarkScheinberg, president of Goodwin University who, along with others, convinced him to become the Veteran’s Coordinator at Goodwin. Craig oversees Veteran’s community events and Veteran’s Oasis at the university where he advocates andfor student veterans. His work and outreach on behalf of veterans earned him a spot on the Connecticut Veteran’s Hall of Fame. His work in student affairs and in the Oasis Center allows him to assist, support, and mentor veterans and their families who are using their benefits in completing an education. His recent efforts to make Goodwin University a veteran’s access center is opening the door to everyone. In service as an award-winning soldier, educator, mentor, and now veteran’s coordinator, Craig has left a legacy in his community, state, andcountry.
In this latest podcast, Dr. Lisa Wisniewski interviews Dr. Vivienne Friday, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Goodwin University. From her early years in Jamaica where Dr. Friday’s life was one of “not having a lot but just enough,” she was inspired by nurses coming into her tiny community to pursuing nursing. Dr. Friday speaks of her work in hospitals where she learned from her work in the Jamaican Red Cross and her hospital work through the National YouthService. Answering a recruiting call for nurses in the U.S., she systematically studied to educate herself earning a bachelor’s, two master’s degree and a doctorate. She details her expertise in health literacy, gerontology, and family centered care. She recounts the challenging educational journey as a first generation, immigrant and highlights what it takes to be successful to be an award-winning nurse and educator.
This podcast series is dedicated to the memory of Ken Marion. He was a friend and supporter of the series since the beginning. May his memory be a blessing.