When Gilbert Presas walked across the stage at graduation for Galen College of Nursing’s Austin campus, his daughter, Sara Presas, was there to celebrate. But she wasn’t just in the audience cheering him on. As a Galen employee and the campus’ Engagement and Career Pathways Specialist, she helped bring the graduation ceremony to life. 

For the father and daughter, the day represented two journeys that had unexpectedly converged at the same institution. 

“It’s a crossroads, it’s like a perfect intersection,” Gilbert said. “It’s just one in a million, really.” 

Gilbert has nearly 25 years of experience with HCA Healthcare, having worked at St. David’s Hospital, Rio Grande Surgery Center, and now McAllen Surgery Center, where he currently serves as director of nurses. After earning his master’s degree at Galen, he returned in 2024 to pursue his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). 

Through HCA Healthcare’s connection with Galen, Gilbert found an opportunity to continue his education while building on decades of experience in nursing leadership. 

“Galen has offered so much in my leadership role,” he said. “I’m able to do a lot more and see a lot with all the help from our instructors and the classes. And just the curriculum has really helped me fine-tune what I already have within myself.” 

As director of nurses, Gilbert applies what he learned to problem-solving, evidence-based practices, and quality improvement.  

“It really helped bridge the gap to the next level,” he said. “Now my problem-solving is a lot faster.” 

While Gilbert was advancing his nursing career, Sara began her own professional journey. After graduating from the University of Texas, she looked for opportunities to continue working with students, drawing on her experience with internships and campus organizations. 

When a position opened at Galen, Gilbert encouraged her to apply. She got the job, and the two soon discovered that they would share more than a connection to Galen: Sara would be helping organize the ceremony where her father would graduate. 

Gilbert had already chosen to attend graduation in Austin so his family could be there. When Sara joined the Austin campus, the coincidence became even more meaningful. 

“Neither of us expected this, honestly,” Sara said. “Ask me, like, months ago, I never would have seen myself here in this position, especially being able to host and facilitate a graduation, let alone my dad’s.” 

Although she was nervous about managing the event, having her father and family there helped motivate her. 

“I knew I wanted to, you know, not only make it special for our current graduates, but also for my dad as well,” she said. “Knowing that he was going to be there helped push me and made me a little bit less nervous about it all.” 

For Gilbert, watching Sara lead the ceremony brought years of memories into focus. 

“Seeing her up there, seeing her work, seeing her go from this little baby in diapers to all of a sudden be up on the stage directing future graduates,” he said, was an experience he would never forget. 

One of the day’s most memorable moments came when Gilbert was named the inaugural recipient of Galen’s Dr. Sammie Mosier DNP Executive Leader Award, which recognizes graduating DNP Executive Leadership students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, compassion, and a commitment to advancing the nursing profession and developing future nurse leaders. 

For Gilbert, the award and his family’s presence made an already meaningful milestone even more special. He also hoped his achievement would encourage other nurses to pursue their goals, regardless of age or how demanding life becomes. 

“I’m in my 50s, and I went back and I did it, even though I’m managing a very busy surgery center,” he said. 

For Sara, seeing her father recognized while working alongside Galen faculty made the experience feel especially significant. 

“It was just a very, like, full-circle moment for me, and I think it was just a really beautiful day overall,” she said. 

Gilbert struggled to choose just one favorite memory from the ceremony, describing the pride of seeing Sara lead, celebrating with his family, and receiving his award. 

“It was just an amazing day for me. I’ll never forget it,” he said. “The feeling is amazing.”