Senior Spotlight: Jenae Orluck
By Calli Delsman
University Communications Student Assistant
studentpio@minotstateu.edu
MINOT, N.D. – Jenae Orluck, a Beach native, was given the opportunity to tour Minot State as a senior in high school. Along with having friends and family in Minot, this was the turning point of when she decided on Minot State.
“I completed all four years of college at Minot State. I was impressed with their Department of Nursing. A great education with lots of hands-on experience is very important to me, and that’s exactly what the MSU nursing department has to offer. MSU also offered me a great scholarship, so that was a plus, too,” Orluck said.
Throughout her time at Minot State, she has worked hard to be one of the highest achieved students. Receiving multiple awards for her academic achievements, she will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Honors.
“A few of the awards that I’ve been honored to receive include the 2021 Minot State University State Leadership Award, 2020 MSU Student Nurse of the Year Award, Student Leadership and Engagement Award, Great Plains Exceptional Scholar Award, and Summa Cum Laude honors,” she said. “Along with staying busy with academics, I’ve loved being involved with clubs on campus. I have served as a student leader for Cru the past three years, served as the public relations/fundraising officer for MSU's Nursing Student Association, participated in tons of MSU Life events — bingo being my favorite — completed the Mile-High Challenge three times and the Triathlon Challenge two times at the MSU Wellness Center, and organized and donated at blood drives on campus.”
Orluck has kept busy the past four years at Minot State, and gives credit to the many people in her life for her successful college career.)
“First and foremost, I thank the Lord for giving me the breath that I breathe, the passion that I have for nursing, and the physical and mental ability to get through nursing school. My parents and nursing professors have poured so much time and energy into shaping me into who I am today,” Orluck said. “My great aunt Marlys has been so supportive throughout my time at Minot State, especially these past two years. And then everyone needs great college friends to encourage you, challenge you, and just have fun with you, and I found these friends through Cru.”
She holds great appreciation for her academic advisors who helped push her in the right direction while challenging her at the same time.
“My advisor Dani Reinisch (nursing assistant professor) did a great job of making sure I knew what classes I needed to take, how to apply for the nursing program, which semesters of the program were more challenging, and so on. Jessica Smestad, director of the Honors Program, is also a rockstar. This last year she’s been so flexible with my crazy nursing class schedule and clinical hours schedule,” she said.
After completing her education, Orluck has a job lined up through Sanford Health in Bismarck as a registered nurse. She plans to work there for a few years, then will see where she ends up. She hopes to help overseas on a mission trip using her nursing degree, but also has shown interest in pursuing a master’s in nursing while beginning her family.
Although she’s looking forward to her future endeavors, Minot State will always hold a special place in her life.
“Hands down, the people at Minot State are what I’ll miss most. I’ve made so many great friends, both on campus and in the community. I plan on staying in touch, but it’ll be different not living in town and not being part of campus life. I’m so thankful for this amazing chapter of my life, and I look forward to all God has in store for this next one,” she said.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
| Published: 05/10/21 |
