UH Manoa Celebrates 10 Jetta Zimmerman Nursing Scholar Graduates in 2026
Scholars from the Jetta Zimmerman Nursing Consortium program completed the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene (SONDH). They proudly joined the Nursing Recognition ceremony held on May 13, 2026 at Kennedy Theatre.
The graduates earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees through the Hawaii Statewide Nursing Consortium pathway program, which enables associate degree nursing graduates from community colleges statewide to complete their bachelor’s degrees at UH Manoa.
The 2025–2026 Jetta Zimmerman Nursing Scholars are Amanda Factora, Karen Riel, Aristotle “AJ” Aurelio Jr., Shaira Sabugo, Roger Kainoa Tumbaga, Meiqui He, Aaron Gabuat, Aleth Sabugo, Yongqi Ou and Darlene Dale Mamon.
Throughout their academic journeys, many of the scholars balanced rigorous coursework with community service, family responsibilities, and personal challenges. Several volunteered in relief efforts during the Lahaina wildfires, while others were inspired by personal family health experiences to pursue careers in pediatrics, mental health care, and community health.
“This milestone reflects the scholars’ resilience, compassion, and commitment to serving Hawaii’s communities,” said Dr. Clementina-Ceria Ulep, dean of the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene and The Queen’s Health Systems Endowed Professor. “We are deeply grateful to the Jetta Zimmerman Scholarship Distribution Committee for its continued investment in nursing education and the future of healthcare in Hawaii.”
The Jetta Zimmerman Nursing Consortium scholarship fund provides financial support covering tuition, books, and fees. The program assists students transitioning from associate degree nursing programs at UH Kapiolani Community College, UH Kauai Community College, UH Hawaii Community College, and UH Maui College into UH Manoa’s bachelor’s degree nursing program.
All 10 scholars graduated in May 2026 and credits the scholarship program with helping them achieve their educational goals. University leaders said the graduates are now prepared to join Hawaii’s healthcare workforce as skilled nurses, patient advocates, and future healthcare leaders.