Connie M. Westhoff

"My career in medical sciences and research was inspired by the professors and mentors in the Biology and Chemistry departments at Northern. They sparked and nurtured an interest in the process of scientific discovery, and taught me firsthand the importance of mentoring by giving me the opportunity to be a teaching assistant for a number of student biology labs. The success I experienced at Northern formed the foundation for my career, and gave a girl from small-town rural South Dakota the confidence to contribute to my field on a national level. I give back because I believe that all students should have the opportunity to use their experience at NSU to make a difference, regardless of their financial situation."

Connie Westhoff
Director of Immunohematology and Genomics
New York Blood Center, New York City
Class of 1972, Medical Technology Major