This Spring 2026, Riley Wagner graduated from the Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, taking with her a passion for patient advocacy, pediatric mental health and supporting families through difficult moments.

Inspired by her mother and grandmother, who are both nurses, Wagner says nursing felt like the perfect blend of science and caring for others.

“I’ve always loved science and people; nursing happens to combine the two,” Wagner said. “Additionally, my mom and grandma are both nurses, and I was inspired by them to help take care of others through my career.”

While Wagner found purpose in the classroom and clinical settings, much of her personal and professional growth came through her involvement with Kesem at the University of Nevada, Reno, a national organization with a student-led chapter that supports children whose parents are affected by cancer.

Wagner joined Kesem during her sophomore year after learning about the organization at a campus club fair.

“Once I heard what they did for the community, I knew I had to be a part of the organization,” Wagner said.

Over the next two years, she served as both a general member and outreach coordinator, helping oversee camper recruitment and retention while building relationships with children and families navigating the effects of cancer.

“Kesem means connection and understanding,” Wagner said. “Its mission is beautiful. When a child’s parent faces cancer, its aftermath can be devastating to that child. Kesem can be a sanctuary for others facing similar hardships. I’ve witnessed incredible venting of feelings while supported by sympathetic peers and wonderful counselors.”

Wagner says the experience transformed the way she views healthcare and reinforced the importance of family-centered care.

“Kesem has illuminated the effect disease can have not only on a patient, but on their families as well,” Wagner said. “As a nurse, it is your duty to care for an individual and prioritize their needs and desires. Kesem is more holistic and is a nonprofit designed for psychological needs when cancer affects a family.”

Her involvement with Kesem also connected her with faculty mentor Dr. Stacy Demitropoulos, whose leadership and mentorship played an important role in Wagner’s journey through nursing school.

“Dr. Demitropoulos has been an incredible mentor for me,” Wagner said. “I admire the dedication she has to helping others. Not only does she work as a nurse, but she is a professor and oversees a large nonprofit as well. She is inspiring and has helped guide me on my journey at Orvis.”

Demitropoulos has volunteered with Kesem since its inception on the University campus in 2020. She has served each year as a camp nurse and has provided support and mentorship for the student chapter. Wagner says seeing Demitropoulos showed her what compassionate leadership can look like in practice and inspired her own long-term goals in healthcare advocacy and community service.

“My experience in the nursing program has been extremely positive,” Wagner said. “I’ve felt incredibly supported by professors and made great connections with peers.”

One clinical experience during Wagner’s third semester confirmed she was exactly where she was meant to be. During a labor and delivery clinical rotation, she spent time comforting a patient preparing for an emergency C-section. The experience strengthened Wagner’s desire to support women and families during vulnerable moments in healthcare.

Wagner plans to work as a full-time labor and delivery nurse while also continuing work in behavioral health. Long term, she hopes to improve access to pediatric mental health resources and eventually create a nonprofit providing free therapeutic and medical services for children.

“I hope to make systemic changes in pediatric mental health,” Wagner said. “Kesem and my apprenticeship have shown me the adult challenges children face. I would love to help connect them to resources, like Kesem, which may benefit them before a crisis. Ideally, I would love to start a nonprofit providing free therapeutic and medical services for children struggling with mental health. Kesem has inspired me to give back to this vulnerable population.”

Wagner says she is grateful for the education, mentorship and opportunities she found through the Wolf Pack community.

“I feel incredibly grateful for the quality education I’ve received at the University of Nevada, Reno,” Wagner said. “I’m so happy to be an alumnus at such an incredible institution.” 

Her journey reflects the core of The Wolf Pack Way, a commitment to community, compassion and making a positive impact beyond oneself. Through her dedication to patient advocacy, service with Kesem and future goals to expand access to pediatric mental health care, Wagner embodies what it means to uplift others, support those in need and lead with empathy.