Student exemplify empathy in campus emergency

Nazareth University Campus Safety commends two Nazareth students for their quick thinking and compassionate leadership during a campus emergency. Rylee Keiffer ’27, an environmental science major from North Tonawanda, and Hailey Trank ’28, a nursing major from Penn Yan, rushed to aid a visitor in distress.

On January 28, a visitor to campus suffered a severe fall. The two students ran toward the scene to help, prioritizing the visitor’s safety and dignity, while alerting Campus Safety and 911 to ensure professional help was on the way. Putting her nursing skills to use, Trank assessed the situation and provided first aid to manage the injury, while Keiffer assisted in managing the scene. Together, they remained by the visitor’s side, offering comfort and reassurance until emergency responders arrived. 

“Their response went beyond simple bystander intervention. It was a clear example of the compassionate leadership Nazareth strives to cultivate,” said Campus Safety’s Tom Milliman, A shift officer in charge.

Keiffer, a junior, plans to work in environmental protection, focusing on water pollution control or wetland delineation. Trank, a sophomore, plans to become an emergency or critical care nurse practitioner.

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2026 January
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