Leading with Purpose: Valpo Alumni Transform Healthcare Leadership

For Lauren Marciniak ’20, MBA, Meaghan McArdle ’21, ’22 MHCA, and Amanda Trojanowski ’23, ’24 MHCA, their journeys through Valparaiso University’s undergraduate healthcare leadership program were more than just academic experiences – they were stepping stones toward careers where leadership meets impact. Now thriving at NorthShore Health Centers, these alumni not only built meaningful careers but also forged connections that continue to shape the future of healthcare.

Their stories, each unique yet intertwined, highlight the power of a Valpo education, the strength of alumni networks, and the unwavering drive to lead with purpose in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Each of these women took a different route to find their home at Valparaiso University. Lauren, a Valpo native, always knew the university would be home. Amanda, from LaPorte, Indiana, initially started at another school before transferring, drawn to Valpo’s reputation and the opportunities it provided. Meaghan, hailing from Michigan, originally pursued a pre-physician assistant track before discovering that healthcare leadership was her true calling. “I knew I wanted to be in healthcare,” Meaghan shares, “but I realized through clinicals that direct patient care wasn’t for me. I still wanted to make an impact, but in a different way.” That realization led her to Valpo’s healthcare leadership program, where she found the perfect blend of administration, strategy, and service.

For Lauren, the decision to pivot from nursing to healthcare leadership came from a desire to work behind the scenes, ensuring strong systems and access to quality care. “I loved that the program gave me a wide range of career possibilities,” she says. “I didn’t have to be locked into one path – there was always room to grow.”

A common thread in each of these experiences? Hands-on learning. Each of them credits Valpo’s practicum and internship programs as the key to launching their careers. Amanda’s journey in particular is a testament to how internships lead to careers. “I was placed at NorthShore for my practicum,” she recalls. “I met Lauren through that experience, and later, she hired me. It’s wild to think about how those opportunities led me to where I am now!”

The connections don’t stop there. Valpo’s vibrant community of alumni continues to support one another, offering internships, mentorship, and job opportunities to the next generation of students. “When hiring, I always look for that Valpo connection,” Lauren says. “There’s something about Valpo grads – their drive, their initiative, their passion. It makes a difference.”

A Valpo education isn’t just about coursework – it’s about mentorship. The professors in the College of Nursing and Health Professions played a pivotal role in shaping these alumni’s futures. “Professor Samis-Smith was my biggest supporter,” Lauren shares. “Even after I had her classes, she kept checking in. She helped me realize I was in the right profession.”

Meaghan and Amanda also found unwavering guidance from faculty members like Clinical Assistant Professor Joseph Zart, MSN, who provided career advice, networking support, and a genuine investment in their success. “The [master of healthcare administration] graduate program was even more personal,” Amanda adds. “The small class sizes meant we could really connect with our professors. I knew I could go to them for anything.”

Now established in their careers, Lauren, Meaghan, and Amanda continue to grow as leaders, stepping into human resources, development, and strategic planning roles. They are shaping the healthcare landscape by ensuring access to high-quality, community-centered care. “I want to create partnerships that serve our community,” Lauren says. “Because everyone deserves quality healthcare. That’s what Valpo instilled in me – a commitment to service and leadership.”

Their advice to current and future students? Take every opportunity – even the unexpected ones. “You don’t always know what you’ll love until you try it,” Meaghan says. “Step outside your comfort zone, explore different aspects of healthcare, and don’t be afraid to take on something new.” Amanda agrees, adding: “Network. Go to career fairs, talk to alumni, build connections. That’s how doors open.”

For these Valpo alumni, healthcare leadership isn’t just a career – it’s their calling. And through mentorship, opportunity, and a strong alumni network, they’re ensuring that the next generation of Valpo graduates is ready to take the lead.

Inspired by their journey? Discover how Valpo’s healthcare leadership program can help you build your future in healthcare or how our master of healthcare administration can help you strengthen your skills today.