Vesper Berrie was an active high school student at Canton McKinley High School when he began his journey with Aultman. An honors student, he competed on the school’s speech and debate team and was a member of the JROTC. In 2019, he enrolled as a College Credit Plus (CCP) student at Aultman College. 

Following high school graduation, Berrie decided to pursue a nursing degree. With a multitude of options, Berrie chose to continue his path with Aultman College. His aunt, an Aultman College graduate, “always had positive praise for the education she received,” he said.

Berrie also selected Aultman College because of the small class sizes and the student-instructor interaction. “Being a CCP student, I was able to see firsthand how the staff and faculty interacted with students and the true concern for their success,” he said.

In particular, Berrie connected with Kristi Rohm, associate professor of nursing, and Colleen Wiley, assistant professor of nursing. They “both create a positive learning experience and have helped me understand how theory related directly to patient care,” Vesper said.

Hands-on education is a cornerstone of the Aultman College experience, and Berrie has appreciated that aspect. “I really like the opportunity to participate in simulation labs,” he said. “The ability to ‘practice’ in a safe space allows all students to become confident when dealing with high-pressure situations and to learn from your mistakes in a safe, supportive environment.”

Recently married, Berrie is the primary earner for his family and financially assists his mom and siblings. He has applied for and received several scholarships to help with funding his education, including the Mary Roden Endowment and Academic Achievement Scholarship.

“Nursing school is hard and stressful. Knowing that some of your financial pressure is lessened when you are awarded a scholarship is such a blessing,” he said. “Receiving scholarships has helped me focus on my learning, decreased my debt and allowed me to learn with the goal of being the best nurse I can be.”

With only three semesters remaining before he graduates with his Bachelor of Science in nursing, Berrie appreciates the complete package Aultman College has offered from the first day he started with CCP. To him, the small-college experience, access to a career post-graduation and ability to receive financial assistance make Aultman College a great path to success.