Legacy in Nursing and a Future in Critical Care

For Shane Levine, Hofstra has always felt like home. A legacy student whose parents both graduated from Hofstra – and whose father also taught as an adjunct professor – Shane grew up on Hofstra’s campus. So, when the opportunity arose to join Hofstra’s inaugural undergraduate class in the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, it felt like the natural next step in continuing the family tradition while forging his own path.

“Hofstra’s partnership with Northwell Health offered an unmatched level of clinical exposure,” said Shane. “We were in clinicals starting our first year – an experience most nursing students don’t get elsewhere.”

Shane’s time at Hofstra sparked a passion for critical care, which he plans to pursue through nursing fellowships after graduation. His journey has been shaped by dedicated faculty like Mary Ellen LaSala, Barbara Callahan, Amy Smith, and Andrew Wong.

“Each of them believed in me and taught me the importance of self-advocacy,” he said.

His favorite memories come from the long hours of collaborative study with classmates, filling whiteboards from ceiling to floor with notes and ideas. “It made the hardest work feel like a team effort,” Shane recalled.

As he steps into the next chapter, Shane says he’ll miss the daily camaraderie the most – but he leaves ready, knowing Hofstra gave him everything he needs to succeed.

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