Q&A with College Advisory Board Member Carrol Gubana, Vice Chair

December 2, 2021

 

What inspired you to get involved and support the College of Nursing as an advisory board member?

I was inspired to support the College of Nursing as an advisory board member after my husband passed away, following a battle with Leukemia, as well as Lymphoma. He had many rounds of chemo therapy and eventually a stem cell transplant which gave him an additional two years of quality life. I remembered the compassionate comfort and caring that every nurse in each of the local hospitals and the Cancer Center in Tampa had given to my husband as well as to me. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of helping nursing students reach their goals of graduation by advocating and fundraising for them in both local and surrounding communities.

What do you admire most about our students? 

I admire the enthusiasm and dedication that each nursing student has in learning the caring science of nursing each and every day. During this Covid-19 pandemic and because of the nursing shortage, many have stepped forward to help in any way they can while still carrying a full class schedule. Our students are from diverse cultures and backgrounds, and many plan to go back to their communities after graduation to care for those in need.

What is your hope for the future of the College?

I'd like to see the College continue to grow its various degree programs, maintain its leadership role in caring science, and expand enrollment to even more students with a passion for nursing.

Could you share professional and personal interests?

I have enjoyed living in South Florida for over 50 years. I retired a few years ago from a 16 year career in banking, lending, and investments. I really enjoyed helping my clients with the financial aspect of their lives. I previously worked in the airline industry as a flight attendant for 23 years. Today, I am still fulfilling my love of traveling the world, meeting people of all cultures and ethnicities, and enjoying Mother Nature's magnificent beauty.