Tofarati Adebise in front of a green hill and blue sky.

Five questions with nursing’s Tofarati Adebise, Class of 2026

People | May 05, 2026
Story by: Laura Dorr

For students at Case Western Reserve University Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, graduation is a moment to pause and take stock of just how far they’ve come. What began as a pursuit of science and skill evolved into something more—an understanding of the responsibility that comes with caring for patients and improving lives, one interaction at a time.

Along the way, long hours in the clinic and classroom, collaboration with peers and mentors, and hands-on experience shaped not only their nursing knowledge but also their confidence and perspective.

As members of the Class of 2026 look ahead to the next chapter, many are also reflecting on the experiences that defined their time at CWRU. We spoke with Tofarati Adebise, a native of Lagos, Nigeria, and a student in the Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree program in nursing and public health, about what she will take from her undergraduate time at CWRU as she heads into her next stage of graduate study.

Answers have been lightly edited.

A group of nurses poses in white scrubs.

Community nursing programs were a big draw to CWRU for Adebise—who also built her own community with classmates.

Five women pose in green and white Nigeria jerseys.

Active in campus groups, Adebise was the vice president of the Nigerian Student Association and enjoyed celebrating Nigeria with friends.

Adebise holds a phone to take a selfie while wearing blue scrubs.

Adebise was drawn to the combined Bachelor's/Master's program because of her interest in public health and global health outcomes.

Five women smile at the camera inside a baseball stadium with the diamond behind them.

One of the reasons Adebise chose CWRU was its location in vibrant Cleveland and the long list of things to do in the area, including taking in a Guardians game with friends.

A group of women smile in a courtyard in front of a hospital.

A trip to Portugal and the Centro Hospitalar Universitario Lisbon Norte made for a fun—and educational—international adventure.

Some of Adebise's best memories of her undergraduate experience came from spending time with friends.

1. What initially drew you to CWRU?

I was first attracted to CWRU by its highly regarded nursing program and its proximity to major hospitals, which offer rich clinical and learning opportunities. Coming from abroad, I also felt reassured knowing the school is in a well-known, vibrant city rather than a remote college town. Together, that academic strength and dynamic location made CWRU feel like the right fit for me.

2. What course or campus experience shaped your education most?

My community nursing courses had the greatest impact on my education. Going into the community and working directly with different populations helped shape my passion for public health. Beyond clinical care, these experiences pushed me to think more deeply about what brings people into the hospital in the first place and what gaps exist in prevention and care. That curiosity led me to explore how we can improve health outcomes at a population level, which ultimately strengthened my commitment to both nursing and public health.

3. What is your favorite memory as a student at CWRU?

My favorite memory would have to be Springfest during my second year. It was a moment where I could step away from academic pressures and just enjoy being present with friends. Everyone felt relaxed and connected, and I got to spend time with people I don't often see. Between the music, food and overall energy, it was just a really fun and memorable experience.

4. What’s next for you after graduation?

After graduation next month, I will remain at Case Western Reserve University to complete the second year of my MPH degree. During that time, I plan to pursue public health internships to gain hands-on experience. My long-term goal is to work in healthcare consulting, nonprofits or philanthropic organizations focused on improving population and global health outcomes.

5. What advice would you give to new students in your program?

One piece of advice I live by comes from a proverb: “above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Meaning, be intentional about the environments you place yourself in, like the people, the energy and the experiences you engage with. Protecting your peace helps you stay grounded and open to growth. When you manage stress and negativity well, you give yourself more room to explore, take risks and fully enjoy your journey.