Mennonite College of Nursing

James Kramer '18 ’20

While completing an undergraduate degree in recreation and parks administration at ISU, James found an unexpected passion. He realized while working part-time as an emergency medical technician with Redbird Emergency Medical Service that healthcare was the career path he wanted to pursue. Following completion of his initial major in 2018, James enjoyed working with the special needs’ population. He empowered individuals of all ages with disabilities, partnering with them to build strength and independence.

James enrolled in Mennonite College of Nursing’s accelerated BSN program and by 2020, had achieved his goal of becoming a registered nurse. Today, James is an oncology nurse with Advocate Aurora Health where he helps patients understand and navigate cancer treatments. In addition, he is a triage nurse with JourneyCare, which is a home health and hospice care provider in Illinois. He received the Mennonite Nurses Alumni Organization’s Early Career Achievement Award in 2025.

Lynne Kusnerick ’87

With an energy that conveys her zest for life and a determination to empower others, Lynne has positively impacted individuals over the years since graduating from Mennonite College of Nursing in 1987.

She began her career as a hospital float nurse and transitioned to employment with a home IV company before becoming an outpatient cancer center oncology nurse. For the past 22 years, she has worked in a school setting, currently serving at Goshen Elementary School in Edwardsville, which enrolls 450 students from pre-kindergarten through second grade. She goes above and beyond providing medical care and education on health issues to offer emotional support that fosters a positive environment. She is so exceptional in her work that she was the school’s Certified Educator of the Year for 2022-2023. She received the Mennonite Nurses Alumni Organization’s Spirit of Nursing Award in 2025.

Rebecca Sapp Ferguson ’79 ’00, M.S. ’03

Rebecca earned her nursing diploma from the Mennonite School of Nursing in 1979. During a mission trip to Romania, a physician encouraged her to pursue the additional training needed to become a nurse practitioner. She returned to MCN to complete her BSN and MSN.

Rebecca now serves as a nurse practitioner at the Pueblo Pintado Clinic under the Crownpoint Service Unit in New Mexico, caring for a population of 20,000 Navajo individuals, from newborns to the elderly. Many of her patients live without running water or electricity in their homes, and Rebecca provides compassionate, comprehensive care in this challenging environment. She also established the Rebecca L. Sapp Ferguson Scholarship to support non-traditional students in the Mennonite College of Nursing and looks forward to partnering with the college on future transcultural nursing opportunities. In recognition of her contributions, she received the Mennonite Nurses Alumni Organization’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2025, the highest honor the organization bestows.