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Nursing Alumni Chapter Celebrates Inaugural Endowed Scholarship Fundraiser

Longtime friends, colleagues and former classmates joyfully reconnected at the UHM Nursing Alumni Association’s 1st Annual Endowed Scholarship Fundraiser held at the Japanese Cultural Center, Manoa Grand Ballroom on March 14, 2104. The event’s theme was “Celebrating UH Manoa Nursing – Past, Present & Future,” and honored the Golden Scholars Class of 1964’s 50th anniversary, and the Silver Scholars Class of 1989’s 25th anniversary.  It was the first time that the newly invigorated UH Manoa Nursing Alumni Association (UHMNAA) chapter held such an event to honor its alumni and graduates.

Dr. Lawrence K.W. Tseu smiles for photo Well-known philanthropist and nationally recognized dentist, Dr. Lawrence K.W. Tseu, was the honored guest and event speaker.  Dr Tseu honored his late wife, BoHing Chan, with a generous gift of $10,000 to assist the UHMNAA in reaching its endowed scholarship goal.

In his speech, Dr. Tseu talked about how nurses had a profound impact on he and his wife during the time of her passing.  “Nurses are really angels of noble spirits especially created by God in Heaven to come down to this earth disguised as nurses,” he said.  “They are called angels of mercy because they help relieve the suffering and sorrows of the sick and afflicted by giving so unselfishly their labor of love to their patients.”

Dr. Tseu said he will be forever grateful for the quality care his wife received, allowing her to pass painlessly with grace and dignity.  It is for this reason that Dr. Tseu seeks to give back to the nursing profession, and remembering his humble beginnings as “the poor little shoeshine boy from Kalihi,” as his wife used to affectionately say.

Sally Ishikawa poses for group photo UHMNAA President Sally Ishikawa reflected on the transformation of nursing education. “We stand on the shoulders of giants,” said Ishikawa. “The ‘giants’ from my perspective are not only our courageous and visionary predecessors who blazed the university, clinic and hospital halls leading us to this moment in time, but all of you here tonight, as your support and presence validate the continued commitment for the future of the nursing professional of tomorrow.”

“Amazing education and amazing inspiration,” said Lori Kaneshige, event chair and UHMNAA vice president. “UH ManoaSchool of Nursing kindled a passion. In working together, we can ensure that Hawaii continues to have technically skilled and inspired nurses in the community.”

The spirit of philanthropy was alive and well that evening. Together with alumni, faculty, staff, students, community partners, family and friends, the chapter raised more than $30,000 towards the establishment of the UH Manoa Nursing Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund. The scholarship will benefit undergraduate and graduate nursing students enrolled at UH Manoa Nursing.

Guests enjoyed a beautiful opening ‘oli by Nalani Minton, director of the IKE AO PONO program, live music by guitarist David Asing, an energetic lion dance by the Yeung Dak Physical Culture Dragon and Lion Dance Association, and sharing of archived photographs from the UH Manoa Hamilton Library.

1st Annual Endowed Scholarship Fundraiser group photo

Table sponsors included Advantage Health Care Provider, AlohaCare, Blood Bank of Hawaii, Drs. Ronald & Lorrie Wong, Filipino Nurses Organization of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific Health, Mr. and Mrs. Gary & Sally Ishikawa, Prime Care Services Hawaii, and The Queen’s Medical Center. Mahalo to all of our sponsors and donors who made this event a success!

To view event photos, like us on Facebook and click on our photo album at www.facebook.com/UHMNursingAlumni. For more information about how to join the UH Manoa Nursing alumni chapter, please visit www.uhalumni.org/membership. If you have any questions or comments, please email nursalum@hawaii.edu.

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