On May 4th, Rockford Promise held its third annual Promising Futures celebration. The event honored our newest cohort of Scholars, celebrated the accomplishments of our graduates, and recognized individuals and organizations that have made a meaningful impact on Rockford Promise and the broader Rockford community. One of the evening’s special recognitions was the Alumnus of the Year award.

Alyssa Giardono exemplifies the “to, through, and back” ethos that is central to Rockford Promise’s mission. After receiving the Rockford Promise scholarship, she earned her nursing degree from Rockford University, becoming the first in her immediate family to complete a college degree.

“I am grateful and ready to give back to the community that has made me,” Alyssa once stated—and she has lived up to this commitment. Today, she serves as a trauma specialist nurse in the neuro-trauma burn unit at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford, where she has earned four critical care nursing certifications.

Alyssa’s dedication to Rockford extends beyond her clinical work. She recently spearheaded fundraising efforts during Burn Awareness Week for Camp I Am Me, organizing a poster fair at the hospital that helped raise over $27,000 to support young burn survivors. Her passion for service was evident even during college, when she participated in a service trip to help build a playground in Ecuador.

A dedicated animal lover, Alyssa has volunteered her time at Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter. While she plans to pursue additional nursing certifications, she remains committed to bedside nursing for now, providing direct patient care in her hometown community.

As a Rockford Promise graduate, Alyssa represents the program’s successful investment in local talent and its vision of creating a cycle of education, achievement, and community reinvestment. Her journey from scholar to healthcare professional and community advocate showcases the transformative impact of educational opportunity combined with a commitment to hometown roots.