Student Nurses’ Association Receives Prestigious National Stellar School Chapter Recognition
The Student Nurses’ Association (SNA) at UH Manoa received the prestigious Stellar School Award from the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) in April 2020. After a year of hard work and collaboration, the SNA board documented five-years of effort to build a strong student-led nursing organization. SNA was one of three school chapters recognized nationally this year and is now one of only 39 nursing schools with the national recognition.
The NSNA Stellar School Chapter Recognition Program recognizes school chapters that demonstrate ongoing involvement in NSNA, including a strong commitment to shared governance and professional development of their students and faculty. SNA at UH Manoa was recognized for their strong collaborative relationship with the school and the many significant ways that SNA members contribute to the school. Additionally, SNA members have provided meaningful service to the community by supporting many community health promotion and cultural events, as well as coordinating blood and bone marrow drives on campus.
“Receiving the Stellar School award really is a highlight of the legacy this executive board will leave behind,” said Miki Matsuoka, SNA president and spring 2020 BS in Nursing degree candidate. “This award is a testament to the hard work and the dedication we have all invested into SNA. Some of our board, myself included, will be graduating soon. But we know SNA is a solid organization and we look forward to seeing where the organization grows in the future.”
SNA’s goal is to provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills and enhance their professional nursing identity. Members of this student-led organization participate on school committees and plan various community service, social, and scholarly activities for students. All activities carried out by the SNA uphold the six core values of the NSNA, which are Leadership and Autonomy, Quality Education, Advocacy, Professionalism, Care, and Diversity.
“The Stellar School award recognizes the high-caliber of our Student Nurses’ Association and student leadership,” said Gary Glauberman, PhD, RN, PHNA-BC, NHDP-BC, SNA Faculty Advisor. “The process of preparing the application took more than a year and a remarkable level of commitment. Student leaders of the SNA have really cultivated a spirit of compassion and excellence within their organization. It’s so exciting that the students’ efforts have now been recognized nationally, and the award is something that all UHM Nursing students can be proud of.”
The Student Nurses’ Association (SNA) is an academic/professional Registered Independent Organization at UH Manoa. SNA is part of the Hawaii Student Nurses’ Association and is an official school chapter of the National Student Nurses Association. Current UH Manoa Nursing students are encouraged to join the SNA.
The 2019-2020 SNA Executive Board Members are: Miki Matsuoka, President; Timothy Takahashi, Vice President; Ju Yon Park, Secretary; Leilani Luis, Treasurer; Theodora You, Marketing Director; Julianne Gonzaga, Digital Media Director; Jediah Arellano, Co-Membership Director; Claire Shigeta, Co-Membership Director; Jasmine Yount, Co-Membership Director; Leah van Lieshout, Delegate; Skyler Adzuara, Committees Director; Myra Pascual, Student Ambassador Liaison; Liberty Alconis, Hawaii Student Nurses’ Association Liaison; Brandon Julio, DEN Representative; and Natalie Welch, DEN Representative.