For Jacksonville University nursing student Seth Rostker, making a difference isn’t a dream, it’s a daily practice. A Kirbo Scholar, peer mentor and immersive learning enthusiast, Rostker embodies the spirit of service and academic excellence that defines the Keigwin School of Nursing.
Originally from West Bloomfield, Michigan, Rostker was accepted to the University of Michigan, Michigan State and Duke, among others, but ultimately chose Jacksonville University. “When I toured JU, I instantly knew it was something special,” he said. “From its breathtaking waterfront views to its many outdoor study spaces, it truly took me by surprise. The passion the professors have at JU is unlike anything I have ever seen before.”
Currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Rostker is thriving in the classroom, the skills lab and helping others do the same. As a Kirbo Scholar, he has led more than 50 exam review sessions and supported students in mastering critical nursing techniques. “If I could help by making nursing school a little less stressful, that was my goal,” he said. “We all have things going on outside of nursing school, so the support matters.”
Rostker also serves as a nurse tech at the Jacksonville Mayo Clinic’s cardiovascular unit, where his patient-first mindset guides every shift. “My goal each shift is to make an impact on at least one patient's journey,” he said. “Nobody wants or plans to be in the hospital, so if I can be that one person who puts a smile on a patient's face, then and only then I am doing my job correctly.”
Faculty members have taken notice of Rostker’s dedication. “Seth is a go-getter. He is someone whose whole heart is dedicated to becoming a nurse and caring for others,” said Dr. Ginger Strong, clinical assistant professor of nursing. “He seeks out information and experiences above and beyond the classroom. He is dependable and a model for student engagement.”
This fall, Rostker’s impact will extend internationally. He departs in August to study abroad at the Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy. It will be his first time traveling outside the country, and he will serve as the program’s first-ever Residential Assistant. “I will make it my goal to ensure that each student feels like I am there to support them, mentor them and help them through all of the stress that they may have.”
Looking ahead, Rostker hopes to join the United States Air Force as a nurse. His plans are inspired by the legacy of his grandfather, a Holocaust survivor who found freedom in America. “I want to join the United States Air Force to give back to the country that gave my family so much,” he said. “My goal in life is to travel the world as a nurse and activist for individuals who can’t or don’t have the opportunity to fight for themselves.”
From Jacksonville to Italy and beyond, Seth Rostker’s journey is a powerful reminder of how purpose, service and education can shape a life and transform the lives of others.
