ADVANCING THE MISSION
2021 Alumni Recognition
Distinguished Alumni Award Loyal Alumni Award
JOANN IOANNOU ’ 94
JoAnn Ioannou , DNP , MBA , RN , NEA- BC from the Villa Julie Nursing Class of 1994 is this year ’ s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award , presented to a graduate who has achieved a high level of success in their professional career and has made outstanding contributions to their community . Ioannou was nominated by Judith Feustle , Sc . D ., RN , Associate Dean of Nursing in the Sandra R . Berman School of Nursing and Health Professions .
Ioannou holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Villa Julie College as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Towson University . She also holds a Master of Science in Nursing , a Master of Business Administration , and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from The Johns Hopkins University .
“ We never stop learning , even after we graduate . My advice is to find areas you are passionate about and take the time to learn and grow .”
Ioannou currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Hospital Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center ( GBMC ). She recently became the highest-ranking woman in the GBMC organization . In her role , she is responsible for identifying , designing , and implementing systems for the highest levels of clinical quality and service , patient experience , health outcomes , and optimization of resources towards greater efficiencies in the provision of health care services .
“ The most rewarding aspect of my work is serving our community . I am proud that we treat our patients as we would our own loved ones . I also believe it is my professional obligation to mentor
JoAnn Ioannou ’ 94
upcoming leaders because ultimately it makes the organization stronger .”
Ioannou values the importance of collaboration at every level of the organization and works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer .
“ I have been fortunate to have had incredible mentors who took the time to help me grow and learn . My mentors would set the bar high and then kept pushing me to reach for the stars . A great mentor will always tell you the truth and make sure you don ’ t stay too comfortable in your current role .”
Ioannou has maintained a strong connection to her alma mater through the years having served as an adjunct professor in the Berman School of Nursing and Health Professions . Additionally , she is a current member of Stevenson ’ s Nursing Advisory Board .
“ It is both my personal and professional commitment to give back to my alma mater . They helped me become the person I am today .”
SHEILA WALSH ’ 92 ’ 03M
Sheila Walsh from the Villa Julie Classes of 1992 and 2003 is this year ’ s recipient of the Loyal Alumni Award , presented to a graduate who consistently demonstrates loyalty and commitment to the university , works to advance Stevenson ’ s mission , and provides steadfast philanthropic support to their alma mater .
Walsh holds two degrees from Stevenson . She earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems in 1992 and her Master of Science in Advanced Information Technology in 2003 . Walsh attended Villa Julie College as an adult student when she was raising her two sons .
“ The staff at Villa Julie were totally supportive of me in my pursuit of both my B . S . and M . S . I received help on many levels to make sure I could successfully complete my course work . It had been 20 years since I had graduated high school and the teaching methods had completely changed in that time . As a dyslexic person , I had a difficult time spelling correctly , and my teachers and tutors found ways to help me . Also , Economics Professor Gil Ermer realized I was a dedicated student but I had a hard time on tests . He worked with me to understand my educational needs and find a solution to my dilemma .”
Upon earning her bachelor ’ s in 1992 , Walsh began an impressive career in the IT field . She retired in 2011 after a ten-year tenure with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services as Webmaster Supervisor .
Walsh enjoys hiking and being outdoors , painting and other art endeavors , and participating in the Women ’ s Club of Roland Park . She also volunteers with Thread , a nonprofit that harnesses the power of relationships to create a new social fabric of diverse individuals deeply engaged with young people facing the most significant opportunity and achievement gaps .
“ My involvement with Thread has helped me to grow and understand the mechanics of relationship building . Thread is an organization to help low performing Baltimore City Public
27 | VENTURES / WINTER 2021-2022