Patricia Hemingway Hall is a 1975 College of Nursing graduate. She will speak at CON's spring 2009 commencement. Courtesy photo

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EAST LANSING, Mich. — Patricia Hemingway Hall, a 1975 College of Nursing graduate and the first female CEO of the fourth-largest health plan in American, will be addressing nursing graduates at spring commencement.

Hall, who also was part of the team that established one of the nation's first preferred provider organizations and served as Aetna's first female vice president, serves as president and CEO of Health Care Service Corporation. The firm operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

The college's 2009 Commencement and Pinning Ceremony takes place at 9 a.m. May 9 at the Wharton Center.

“We are honored to welcome alumna Patricia Hemingway Hall back to address this cohort of outstanding graduates,” College of Nursing Dean Mary Mundt said. “The college has had a long history and commitment of graduating nurses that are well prepared to play an instrumental role in advancing the health of our nation.

“Patricia's path from the clinical setting to health administration distinguishes her triumphant career. We are privileged to celebrate her experiences with our future nurses.”

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