Nikki Laska ’97 has been employed in Baltimore, Maryland for more than nine years with MedStar Harbor Hospital. Holding the position of Marketing and Communications Director, Nikki is responsible for all marketing functions, internal communications, public/media relations, advertising and Web development. She is also a member of the Society for Health Care Strategy and Market Development. Her days are never dull as she and her staff strive to be creative and professional in representing their company.
Being active on campus helped Nikki hone her skills as a great communicator and team player. She was a member of the Student Government Association and the Activities Programming Board, as well as the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, where she served as President. Nikki recently shared that she has carried leadership skills learned at Gannon with her throughout her professional career and in her daily lifestyle. “The values instilled while a student at Gannon – from appreciation of community and principles of faith go with me in life, and I would be remiss not to mention the lifelong friends I made at Gannon. I will always be grateful to Gannon for helping shape my life in such a forward, meaningful direction,” Nikki added.
When asked about her favorite professors, Nikki quickly pointed to several that she liked a great deal, naming Dr. Thomas Szendrey, Dr. David Gustafson, Dr. Ali Muhammed, Dr. Paul Kim, Dr. Parris Baker and Mr. John Young. As a member of the Greek community, Nikki fondly remembers Greek Week and Homecoming activities (especially the parade, working on floats, and “skit” routines). She also enjoyed the annual commemoration of Earth Day.
“My Gannon education provided a strong and solid foundation to become the writer/editor I am today. My love of the written word was nurtured during my days at Gannon. The liberal arts platform expanded my horizon beyond measure; and helped me become well-rounded, well-versed and interested in a wide variety of topics. I became a more cultured, creative, compassionate and contentious individual,” Nikki shared and then added, “Thank you, GU!”
Nikki enjoys getting together with her fellow Gannon friends, whom she now considers family. She also likes attending movies and theater, traveling, yoga, and environmental and animal activism. Her final advice to current students is to “absorb as much as you can while at Gannon and enjoy every minute you’re there. You will carry the invaluable lessons and education received while there throughout your lifetime. Cherish all of it.”
(published August 2017)