Meet the Alumni Relations Director: Erika Juengst

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I grew up in a small town in Colorado and received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado in Boulder. I moved to Baltimore to pursue my graduate degree in vocal performance from the Peabody Institute, and have been here ever since. (For the record, I’m a soprano and I do still perform on occasion!)

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE SCHOOL OF NURSING?
After graduating from Peabody, I spent many years performing in the area, managing a non-profit arts organization, and having two kids. There came a point about six years ago when I decided to get what musicians call a “real job” and was delighted to find just that in the Development and Alumni Relations department at Peabody. This fall, when I heard the alumni relations director position was available at Nursing, I thought it was the perfect fit! I was looking for a new challenge, and with my experience at Peabody and the Hopkins knowledge I’ve gained over the past five years, I felt like I had something to offer the Nursing alumni community.

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU THE MOST IN YOUR TIME AT JHSON?
I am constantly blown away by the diversity of nursing career paths. In addition to the bedside patient care, which is far more varied than I could have imagined, there are researchers, lawmakers, community health and patient safety experts, and so many more working around the world. They all seem to have one thing in common, however. They are seemingly tireless in their efforts to make a difference.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE COMING YEAR?
I have three areas of focus right now.

1. I intend to honor the traditional activities of the alumni association, while keeping my eyes open to new engagement opportunities both in Baltimore and throughout the country. To start, I’m looking forward to Alumni Weekend on campus in September, during which we’ll have a lecture eligible for Continuing Medical Education credits, and I’m planning to collaborate with the dean, faculty and Student Affairs to host regional alumni events.
2. Consistent communication and information will be sent through an annual Dean’s Update letter and quarterly Alumni e- newsletter. (Please send me your updated email at ejuengst@jhu.edu!)
3. Finally, I want to make sure the students know they are part of a strong network of Hopkins Nurses. Through the mentor program, alumni panels, alumni networking, and even a cupcake social or two, I want to help provide a foundation of support of the students from the moment they walk onto campus.