Rising Star Award Winner

The Rising Star Award is presented to an alumna/us 35 years of age or younger who has made an impact in his/her career, community or contributions to Clarke.

Roane Hand ’21 – Rising Star

Since graduating from Clarke in 2021, Roane Hand has built a nursing career centered on leadership, patient advocacy, and service. She currently works as a registered nurse at UW Health University Hospital, where she recently transitioned into the cardiovascular and cardiothoracic ICU after four years on the medical and pulmonary intermediate care unit.

Roane credits Clarke’s nursing program with preparing her for both the technical and human side of healthcare.

“I have my time at Clarke to thank for everything I have now,” she shares. “The nursing program set me up very well for my career, but Clarke also helped me become a more well-rounded person through leadership opportunities, service, and involvement across campus.”

While at Clarke, Roane participated in lacrosse, Spanish Club, Wind Ensemble, and CSA, experiences that strengthened her leadership skills and broadened her perspective. She also built professional connections that continue today through fellow Clarke alumni working throughout the UW Health system.

After joining UW Health through its nurse residency program, Roane quickly became involved in leadership and mentorship initiatives. She served as her unit’s Magnet Champion, helping prepare the hospital for its fifth Magnet designation, and later represented UW Health at the national Magnet Conference. She also served on unit council for several years, first as secretary and later as chair.

One of the projects she is most proud of was helping develop an eight-month mentorship program for new nurses. The program was designed to help nurses feel more confident navigating difficult clinical situations and adjusting to the demands of patient care. Roane later presented the project at the UW Health poster fair alongside colleagues and leadership.

Throughout her career, Roane has remained committed to teaching and supporting others. She has served as a preceptor for nursing students, new graduate nurses, and experienced nurses transitioning into new roles.

Her work as a transplant and critical care nurse has also provided meaningful opportunities for growth and reflection. She was selected by hospital leadership to attend the Doug Miller Symposium on Organ Donation, where she heard firsthand stories from donor families and transplant recipients.

“It is such a selfless gift that literally changes lives,” she says. “It is amazing to be part of that as a transplant nurse.”

Roane continues to live out the BVM Core Values through both her profession and volunteer work. She volunteers with the River Food Pantry in Dane County and has organized volunteer opportunities for coworkers to serve alongside her. She also volunteers with Dane County Parks, helping restore prairie land and remove invasive species.

“The values of education, charity, freedom, and justice connect deeply to nursing,” she says. “Advocating for patients, supporting equal access to care, and continuing to learn are all part of the profession.”

Receiving the Rising Star Award holds special meaning for Roane because of the lasting impact Clarke had on her life.

“I am so grateful for my time at Clarke and everything it gave me — not only an education, but also friendships, family, and memories,” she shares. “This award reminds me that I am on the right path and encourages me to continue helping others and using what I learned at Clarke to its fullest ability.”