President's Medallion: Arianna Moen

By Mia Carvalho

March 31, 2026

 

Senior Arianna Moen is passionate about volunteering and leadership – a passion inspired in part by her years-long involvement in the Nursing Society of Student Mentors at the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing.  

Initially a mentee, Arianna has transitioned into a mentor – a full-circle moment for the Franklin, Wisconsin native, and she takes pride in giving younger nursing students life, study, and career advice.  

“Nursing school isn’t easy,” Arianna said. “To simply be a listening ear and a helping hand for my peers is something I truly love doing.” 

Arianna is Loyola Nursing’s recipient of the 2026 President’s Medallion, one of the most prestigious awards conferred by Loyola University Chicago. The honor recognizes her extensive involvement in student organizations at Loyola Nursing, where she is vice president of the senior class Nursing Student Council and an active member of Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing honor society.   

Arianna also participates in the Inclusive Excellence Nursing Student Council (IE-NSC).  

“It’s been amazing to see how IE-NSC has been growing and helping us make sure our care is inclusive to all populations,” she said. “I'm honored to be a part of it.” 

Arianna said her clinicals gave her a holistic view of patient care. At Northwestern Medicine, for instance, Arianna learned about social determinants of health as she cared for patients of different backgrounds from across Chicago. 

Some were unhoused. Some spoke different languages and Arianna had to rely on an interpreter to communicate with them. 

Loyola’s Jesuit values – of service to others and cura personalis, or care for the whole person – shaped her approach to caring for patients.  

“Taking a holistic viewpoint in caring for the whole patient really shaped the way in which I approach patient care,” she said. 

She learned that whether it’s being by a patient's side when they receive their diagnosis or talking them through their medications, nurses are patients’ “right hand,” she said. As she prepares to graduate, Arianna said she represents a uniquely “human” side of health care and is a consistent presence for patients. 

This doesn’t just mean providing care for the patient – it also involves simply “being by their side,” she said. 

Arianna hopes to get her master's degree and even teach other future nurses. She looks forward to a career in emergency care, critical care, and psychiatric care. 

“Being able to care for patients who are often overlooked and showing them that they are seen, heard, and cared for has been incredibly fulfilling,” she said of her time at Loyola.