Ruth Unhoch Wenzel `88, `90, `98 has the true commitment of being an outstanding nurse.
At age 12, she became very curious as to what was going on with her father when he experienced a heart attack. Ever since that moment, Wenzel has dedicated her life to learning how to be the best nurse and applying it to her daily work. Wenzel has received three degrees from Shenandoah University—an Associate of Science in Nursing in 1988, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1990 and a Master of Science in Nursing in 1998.
I am proud to be a graduate of Shenandoah. I feel that Winchester is fortunate to have Shenandoah University as a part of our community. Attending SU equipped me for the real-world workforce.”
Wenzel was born and raised in Winchester and admits to completely enjoying the area. Her love of the Shenandoah Valley was a huge reason why she decided to attend Shenandoah. After graduation, Wenzel continued to stay close to home. She has worked for Valley Health for 24 years, dedicating every day to the betterment of her patients.
Like many Registered Nurses, Wenzel has worn various hats throughout her two decades of practicing. She began her career as a staff nurse on a general medical/surgical unit. After two years, she transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for nine years. In 1999, she became a Nurse Practitioner for the Diabetes Management Program.
I absolutely love being a nurse. When I give talks to high school students at their career days, I tell them if they choose a profession that they enjoy, they will never work a day in their life. I can honestly say that I look forward to my workday, every day.”
As a new member of the Alumni Board of Directors, Wenzel is very excited to get involved in the community that she already knows so well. She feels that she will be able to bring a lot to the table to help the board because of her many connections on both a personal and professional level.
Wenzel was not only an exceptional nursing student while at Shenandoah. She excelled in athletics as well and played on the volleyball, basketball and softball teams. She is eager to bring her husband and two daughters (ages 10 and 12) to many of the athletic events.
I think that SU has a lot of great talent in the athletic world and I am looking forward to sharing that with my family.”
Joining the Alumni Board of Directors is not Wenzel’s first involvement with the university since graduation. She has served on the SU Nursing Advisory Board as an alumni representative, has presented at SU’s annual Rho Pi Chapter of Sigma Theta Nursing Research Day, and has most recently presented the Outstanding Graduate Award at the 2011 Division of Nursing Pinning and Hooding Ceremony.