Mennonite College of Nursing

Charlene Aaron, M.S.N. '06

Dr. Charlene Aaron's nursing journey began in high school as a certified nursing assistant in Fairbury, Illinois, sparking a lifelong commitment to compassionate care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University in 2006 and now serves as president of OSF HealthCare College of Nursing—Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in Peoria and Saint Anthony College of Nursing in Rockford.

In 2015, Aaron established the Aaron Junior Geriatric Award to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional compassion for older adults in the nursing home setting. In 2024, she was named to Fierce Healthcare's "Most Influential Minority Executives in Health Care" and received the Illinois Wesleyan University Distinguished Nursing Alumni Award. In 2026, she will receive the Mennonite Nurses Alumni Organization's Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor bestowed upon its graduates.

Dominic Antonacci '17

Dr. Dominic Antonacci began his nursing career in emergency care as an EMT-B before becoming an emergency room nurse at Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University, where he graduated in 2017. Recognized early as a leader, he advanced to emergency department educator, mentoring nurses and improving care quality. He later expanded his impact as a quality assurance nurse with the McLean County EMS System, strengthening coordination between EMS providers and hospitals.

In 2023, Antonacci earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Illinois Chicago, focusing on population health. He now serves as an instructor, education specialist, and emergency room nurse, continuing to shape the future of healthcare while delivering exceptional patient care. In 2026, he will receive the Mennonite Nurses Alumni Organization's Spirit of Nursing Award.

Jasmine Gluba '19

Jasmine Gluba graduated summa cum laude from Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University in 2019 and has since built a career focused on professional development, quality improvement, and mentorship. She currently serves as a nursing professional development specialist at the University of Louisville Hospital, where she leads nurse residency and fellowship programs supporting new nurses in their transition to practice. Gluba holds specialty certifications in medical-surgical nursing (MEDSURG-BC) and nursing professional development (NPD-BC).

A dedicated alumna, Gluba returned to Mennonite College of Nursing in 2021 to speak with the Student Nurses Association about women's health nursing and navigating out-of-state licensure. Her excellence in practice has earned multiple DAISY Award nominations in 2022 and recognition as Women's Specialty Unit Nurse of the Year in 2021. In 2026, she will receive the Mennonite Nurses Alumni Organization's Early Career Achievement Award.

Sue Collins Grant, M.S.N. '17

Sue Collins Grant earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1995 and a Master of Science in Nursing in 2017 from Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University. A nontraditional student, she served as a peer support person and student nursing organization president before graduating.

Grant retired as supervisor of community health services at the McLean County Public Health Department in 2018 before transitioning to teaching at Mennonite College of Nursing and Illinois Wesleyan University. Her community impact spans numerous boards and initiatives, including the Illinois State Alumni Association, local health councils, and United Way. She received Mennonite College of Nursing's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012 and was named Illinois Public Health Worker of the Year in 2015. She also established the Collins/Hade Scholarship supporting nontraditional students. In 2026, she will receive the Mennonite Nurses Alumni Organization's Service Award.