GREENVILLE, Pa.—Bachelor of Science in Nursing major Gabrielle Klepeis ’27 is the first Thiel College student to participate in a prestigious nursing fellowship through The Susan Flynn Oncology Nursing Fellowship at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
The Susan Flynn Oncology Nursing Fellowship is a highly selective, paid summer fellowship for undergraduate nursing students that introduces future nurses to oncology (cancer) nursing through immersive clinical experiences at leading cancer hospitals. It was created to address a nationwide shortage of oncology nurses and to expose students to a specialty that many nursing programs only briefly cover. More than 3,200 applications were submitted with only 300 fellowship positions available. About 40 nursing schools and 20 hospitals are involved in the program. Depending on the hospital or school, the program is between 8-10 weeks long.
“My favorite part of the fellowship has been being there for the patients,” said Klepeis. “Whether that means getting something they need or offering emotional support to them.”
The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania is affiliated with Penn, an Ivy League institution, in Philadelphia. According to Penn Medicine’s website, Klepeis’ placement is rare not only because she is the first Thiel student, but also because Penn Medicine has only eight intern positions available.
“I think Thiel College has helped me prepared for this experience through my prior clinical experience but also the community of the school. It's easy to connect with my patients because I connect with people every day at Thiel!” said Klepeis.
Klepeis is from Bentleyville, Pa., and graduated in 2023 from Bentworth High School. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Klepeis is a member of Sigma Kappa sorority, Thiel Team, Dietrich Honors Institute, TC Environmental Club, Lambda Sigma, Nursing Club, and Active Minds.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.
