Nick and Hannah Dietrich: Lourdes, Love, and Legacy

Nick and Hannah Dietrich have been married for a few years now, but when they first set foot on campus, they had no idea the other existed. Their time spent at Campus Ministry greatly fostered their relationship, and set the premise for the life they share together today.

Hannah Dietrich graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in May 2019. She was a Tau Scholar and involved with campus ministry throughout her time at Lourdes. She was also involved with Lourdes Choir and sang at the Queen of Peace Chapel on campus for many of the Mass celebrations there. “My time at Lourdes University was filled with any opportunities for service, learning, and leadership,” she says. “I thoroughly enjoyed my involvement with the endless service opportunities and all the involvement I had with the Sisters of St. Francis as well. I found a home at Lourdes as I was surrounded by people who wanted my success: students and faculty and staff alike.”

After graduation, Hannah accepted a position in her dream job as a neuro nurse at St. Vincent’s Hospital. She has worked in neuro ICU now for the past four years, often training new nurses on the unit. She works with patients who have suffered from strokes, seizures, brain tumors, and various other neurological disorders. “Being in the nursing program I found a family who pushed each other to make it through one of the toughest degrees and gave me the knowledge/devotion I have now as I train new nurses on my unit. I found a home in Campus Ministry, where I met my husband and am still very close with the other Taus I worked with.” As she reflects on her experience, she says, “Lourdes has been a sentimental place for me and has left me with so many fond memories from such an important time of my life. The Franciscan spirit is very vibrant on this campus, and I am so blessed to have been a small part of this university history by attending here.”

Nick graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in History from Lourdes University in 2016 and went on to pursue a dual Master of Science in Organization Leadership and Management from Colorado State University – Global. During his time at Lourdes, he invested much of his time into Campus Ministry, serving on several alternative Spring Break mission trips, international mission trips, and the local Labre Project, among other events and activities. After spending nearly eight years in the automotive industry, Nick returned to Lourdes University in May 2023 as the Campus Minister and Residence Life Coordinator where he now focuses on and assists in improving student life on campus.

“My time as a student at Lourdes University was one of the most influential periods in my life. Lourdes is where I learned about who I am, where I found my love for service and my Catholic faith, and where I met my wife. I loved everything that the Franciscan tradition had to offer. I enjoyed the experiences that Lourdes offered and I utilize the skills I have learned from the Habitat [for Humanity] trips, international trips, and summer outreach trips as often as I’m able. Most of my memories were made at the campus ministry house, which is also where I met many of my lifelong friends. My favorite memories I made there was cooking lunch with friends in the San Damiano Campus Ministry House. I have always said: ‘a family that cooks together, stays together!’”

Nick and Hannah exchanged vows in October 2019, and in October 2023, they welcomed their long-awaited baby, Nathaniel, into the world, making the holiday season of 2023 extra snuggly and special. With Nick now working at Lourdes, they continue to attend events and activities at the university, especially with Campus Ministry where they met.

“We continue to embrace the Franciscan spirit in our household and in our careers. It is now even more special that we can share those joys with our son as he grows up in that same environment, especially since he has already attended multiple events at Lourdes with Nick and met quite a few students, Sisters, faculty, and staff from a very young age!”