Nursing has always been more than a career path for Conner Buraszeski and Ali Buraszeski, née Roeder. More than a calling, nursing is the thread that connected them at The University of Toledo.
Today, they’re balancing graduate school, demanding full-time jobs and newlywed life, all while preparing to walk across the stage together on May 2 to receive their master of science degree in nursing, with a concentration as family nurse practitioner.
Conner Buraszeski and Ali Buraszeski are balancing graduate school, demanding full-time jobs and married life, all while preparing to walk across the stage together on May 2.
Their story as a couple began in class — through neither expected it to lead to marriage.
Both were enrolled in the mostly online M.S.N. Program, which requires hands-on checkoffs. Conner reached out to Ali on Facebook, asking if she wanted to be his checkoff partner. Ali, who had gained early experience by becoming a state tested nursing assistant (STNA) in high school, thought he simply needed study help.
“I quickly realized I was the one learning from him,” she said.
Their study sessions soon turned into long conversations and, eventually, into something more.
When Conner proposed to Ali, he chose a place that meant everything to them: Carlson Library. On the same floor where they had first studied side by side, he got down on one knee during a birthday photoshoot Ali had arranged as a surprise.
“It made the place that brought us together even more special,” Ali said. “It is a memory we will carry with us forever.”
Shared Challenges, Shared Strengths
Their time at UToledo has been filled with challenges, but they’ve faced them together.
Conner, a Waterville native, always knew UToledo was his first choice, especially after utilizing the College Credit Plus program in high school to get an early, cost-free start on his education. He graduated with his B.S.N. in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped healthcare.
“The high acuity of patients, limited resources and expedited training helped me develop critical thinking skills that shaped my career,” he said.
He now serves as assistant director of nursing in the surgical intensive care unit at University of Toledo Medical Center.
Ali’s path included its own hurdles. After earning her UToledo B.S.N. in 2018, she began working full time at ProMedica’s free-standing emergency department and urgent care. During her first semester of graduate school, however, she was diagnosed with Lyme disease and hospitalized. The illness forced her to pause and reset — but also gave her a deeper understanding of the patients for whom she cares.
“That perspective has made me more compassionate and taught me the importance of really listening to my patients,” Ali said.
Balancing illness, work and graduate classes was difficult, but having Conner in the program helped, Ali said.
“My wife, Ali, has also been such an incredible support system. Going through this program together has helped us both keep each other accountable and stay motivated together,” Conner said.
The couple built small traditions to make the journey easier, including celebrating each exam with dinner at their favorite restaurant, Souk.
Looking Ahead, Together
When Conner proposed to Ali, he chose a place that meant everything to them: Carlson Library. On the same floor where they had first studied side by side, the couple recreated the proposal, when he got down on one knee during a birthday photoshoot Ali had arranged as a surprise.
Conner and Ali have clear goals for the future, and they plan to achieve them side by side.
Ali said that she hopes to work as a family nurse practitioner in primary care, urgent care or emergency medicine, with the long-term dream of opening a clinic that blends primary care with functional medicine. Conner shares her vision, hoping to focus on men’s health and wellness to break down misconceptions about aging and quality of life.
“Someday, we’d love to open a clinic together,” Conner said. “A place that combines our passions and provides holistic care for every patient who walks through the door.”
They plan for the clinic to focus on prevention, wellness and chronic illness, treating patients as “whole people.”
Their journey at UToledo has already given them the foundation they need. Both credit faculty mentors for supporting them along the way. Conner points to Dr. James F. Oberlander, director of the Pre-Licensure B.S.N. Program whose passion for teaching and for nursing reinforced his decision to continue his education.
Ali highlights Dr. Susan Rice, a professor in the College of Health and Human Services, who she said, “goes above and beyond for her students” and pushes them to realize their potential.
Dr. Jennifer Johnson, an instructor of acute care nurse practitioner, said that “Conner and Ali are both wonderful students and kind individuals; It is evident they have a gift in nursing. I look forward to seeing them develop as advanced practice nurses and caring for our community. It was a privilege to be their instructor.”
Advice for Future Rockets
When asked what advice they’d give to students starting their own nursing journey, they keep it simple.
“Stay focused on your ‘why,’ ” Conner said. “Nursing is demanding but remembering your purpose will carry you through the hard days.”
Ali added: “Don’t be afraid to lean on others. Whether it’s classmates, faculty, family or friends, you don’t have to do it alone. That support makes all the difference.”
As they look forward to their wedding celebrations, their May 2026 graduation and their future careers, Conner and Ali remain grateful for the experiences that brought them together at UToledo.
“Being part of the UToledo community as a couple means that we share more than just an academic journey,” Ali said. “It’s also where our story began and continues to grow.”
