We are excited to feature Katie Harshman (McNeill) '93, in this issue of the Alumni Soundings!
Memories from Saint Joe: Katie fondly remembers her years as a student at Saint Joe. She recalls the thrill of her freshman class winning the Golden Gopher spirit award, outshining the seniors! Her time on the soccer team under Coach Johan Kuitse, competing in multiple state championships, also stands out. While they never clinched the title, the journey itself was unforgettable. Beyond soccer, Katie was active in extracurriculars like the HOPE Club, Student Government, and occasionally tagging along on Ski Club trips. She also ran track for Coach Amato and has fond memories of extra algebra help sessions with Mrs. Derwent and geography class with Mr. Chandler. Katie still reminisces about the cafeteria treats from Miss Edna, and, of course, the creative art of dressing to beat the heat in the non-air-conditioned classrooms!
Nursing Journey: Katie’s decision to pursue nursing was inspired by her mother and older sister, both of whom are nurses. Seeing their dedication to healing and comforting others led her to follow a similar path. With her love for science, Katie has enjoyed a diverse and flexible nursing career for over 24 years. She cherishes how the profession has allowed her to work in various healthcare settings across different states while maintaining balance as a mom.
Education & Work Background: Katie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Kentucky in 1997 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Mary's College in 2000. Her nursing career has taken her from Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital (OHSU) to Bethesda North Hospital in Cincinnati and back to South Bend at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. Since 2018, Katie has shifted from hospital care to school nursing, starting at St. Joseph Grade School and now at Saint Joe, where she’s been since 2021.
Family & Community: Katie’s Saint Joe legacy runs deep. Not only is she one of six McNeill siblings who graduated from Saint Joe, but her husband Marty, Class of 1993, also comes from a Saint Joe family. Their legacy continues with two of their sons currently attending Saint Joe: Sam, a senior, and Joey, a junior. Their youngest, Teddy, is set to join the Saint Joe community in the fall of 2025.
A Day in the Life of the Saint Joe Infirmary: Every day in the Saint Joe Infirmary is unique. Katie assists an average of 30–40 students daily, supporting them with various health concerns, medications, and providing a listening ear. She helps students manage concussions, chronic illnesses, and post-surgical recoveries. Her role allows her to offer comfort and care, ensuring that students have a space to come when they need support.
What Katie Loves Most About Working at Saint Joe: For Katie, it’s all about the students and the Saint Joe tradition. She finds great joy in supporting students during their formative years, knowing the external pressures they face. Providing them with a safe space is a priority for her. Katie feels fortunate to remain connected to the Saint Joe family, not only as a proud alumna and parent but now also as a staff member.
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