CUAA deepened her faith and passion for service, from blood drives to mission trips. She follows her calling to care for others through nursing.
Junior nursing student Alison Doerr is preparing for a life of service to Christ, her church, and those in need. Beginning her nursing journey three years ago, she has run several blood drives at CUAA and plans to continue them no matter where life takes her.
After applying for an opportunity with the American Red Cross National Headquarters through CUAA’s former Student Athletic Leadership Team (SALT), Alison was chosen to travel to Washington, D.C., for two weeks in summer 2024 as part of the Red Cross Collegiate Leadership Program. There, she honed her leadership skills while learning how to run blood drives.
“I got to hear stories about people who were impacted — they had accidents and needed blood to survive,” said Alison. She donated blood for the first time at the headquarters and has donated several times since, saying, “Now I understand how important it is.”
Her faith flourished through connection
In her spare time, Alison works closely with her church, University Lutheran Chapel. She is a barista twice a week at the Common Cup coffee shop located in ULC and is planning to join their spring mission trip to Tanzania, Africa. She is thrilled to pour into the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children, providing loving care and Christ-centered discipleship.
One of her mentors, Amy Duncan, the director of worship and outreach for ULC, said, “Alison is a light of faith to all that she comes in contact with.”
Alison’s faith comes through in her work at the Common Cup, in teaching Sunday school at ULC, and in her involvement in campus ministry. “She is trustworthy, hardworking, and most of all, fun!” Duncan shared. “She makes everyone smile when she walks into a room. I love her beautiful spirit.”
Every Wednesday, Alison also attends ULC’s All Student Gathering for Bible study, dinner, and community. This has been a big part of her student journey in Ann Arbor since her freshman year.
Something of significant impact in her world: Alison’s father passed away unexpectedly the summer before she began at Concordia. Thinking back to that time, she said, “I was very thankful and grateful God placed all those amazing people and Concordia Ann Arbor in my life.”
“There were people my freshman year — staff — that knew me by name,” Alison said. “That always stood out to me.” She continued, “I feel like it was God that called me to Ann Arbor, and my faith has grown so much over the last three years.”
Her profession encompasses her passion and purpose
Alison’s mom is a nurse. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Alison felt called to follow in her mother’s footsteps. “Seeing her take care of my grandparents and use her nursing skills in that way was always really inspiring,” she said.
One of her professors and mentors from CUAA — Anita Simmons, MSN, RN — has been there since day one, supporting her throughout the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
“Alison is a great representation of a Concordia student and a future nurse,” Simmons said. “She has a compassionate, servant’s heart, and we will be lucky to have her caring for any one of us one day. Her organization of the blood drives on campus has been a huge asset for us at Concordia and, of course, for those in need.”
With God as her steadfast foundation, Alison is navigating college with a community-oriented focus. She appreciates the flexibility of the nursing profession and is currently interested in exploring pediatrics because of her love for working with children. She is also considering the possibility of becoming an ER or ICU nurse.
Five fun facts
- If you could choose a theme song for clinicals, what would it be? “Suddenly I See,” by KT Tunstall
- What’s your go-to comfort food when you need a pick-me-up? Chili’s chicken bacon ranch quesadillas
- What’s something small that never fails to make you laugh or smile? Sunsets
- What’s one nursing tip or fact that surprised you when you first learned it? Teamwork is crucial — it’s very important in this field, and you’ll be able to work with a variety of different professions.
- If you could volunteer or practice nursing anywhere in the world, where would you go? Honduras
Additional information
- On Dec. 4 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Alison is hosting a blood drive at CUAA.
- To apply for the Red Cross Collegiate Leadership Program, click here.
- This March, the ULC will host a week-long rotating shelter to provide a safe, comfortable place for men experiencing homelessness.
- To learn more about CUAA’s DE-MSN nursing program, read “From Calling to Career: CUAA’s Mission-Driven Nursing Path.”
Want in?
CUAA offers flexible programs, faith-integrated learning, and a community that truly cares, you can become the kind of nurse the world needs. Explore our DE-MSN program today and discover how CUW can help you lead with compassion and purpose.
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