University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� public health and nursing alumna Aime Le has been crowned the 74th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen, one of �鶹��ý’s longest-running ethnic festivals hosted annually by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce. Her fellow contestants also voted her Miss Congeniality in recognition of her compassion, professionalism and interpersonal leadership.

“As queen, I serve as a cultural ambassador representing �鶹��ý through community service, educational outreach and cultural exchange programs locally and internationally,” said Le.

Le earned dual bachelor’s degrees in and in 2020 and a bachelor of science in nursing in 2022. She was also inducted into the Japanese National Honor Society–College Chapter for academic excellence in Japanese language studies.

During her time at UH ����ԴDz�, Le participated in student leadership and service organizations including Mortar Board National Honor Society, Hui Ola Pono Public Health Club, HOSA-Future Health Professionals and Atherton YMCA community programs. She also took part in medical mission and service-learning trips to the Philippines and Kauaʻi and completed a rural clinical rotation in Yap, Micronesia.

“My time in Yap further strengthened my appreciation for community-centered healthcare and cross-cultural connection,” Le said.

Supporting kūpuna through community care

Now a nurse practitioner, Le earned her degree in the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track from the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene at UH ����ԴDz� in spring 2025. In fall 2025 and spring 2026, Le volunteered with the Memory Café at the UH ����ԴDz� Center on Aging, a free monthly garden-based program for people living with memory loss and their care partners.

“At the Memory Café, I can help support dementia-friendly spaces for kūpuna and caregivers through nature-based activities, social connection and community engagement,” she said.

Le hopes to continue bridging healthcare, culture and community service throughout her career while advocating for compassionate, inclusive care across generations.

“We are so privileged to have someone like Aime be a part of the Memory Café,” said Christy Nishita, a gerontologist with the Center on Aging. “The combination of her personal qualities and professional training has made her the ideal volunteer. She has helped to nurture not only our garden but also the growth of human relationships among students, staff and community participants. I know she will make a superb Cherry Blossom Festival Queen.”

Three members of the 2026 Cherry Blossom Court also have UH ties: Princess Lauren Sayuri Katayama and First Princess Jacqueline Kiemi Osumi are UH ����ԴDz� alumnae, while Princess Kiʻilaweau Kakie Aweau is a current public health PhD student.

Chelsea Ligsay’s path to graduation spans from teen mother to nurse and mentor. On May 16, she will earn her master of science in nursing education and leadership from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� .

“I was inspired to return to school after discovering my passion for precepting new graduate nurses and witnessing their growth into confident, motivated and competent professionals committed to providing excellent patient care,” she said.

A graduate from Farrington High School and teen mother at the time, she earned her BS in nursing from UH ����ԴDz� in 2011. She is currently working at The Queen’s Medical Center on the cardiac telemetry unit where she has been for 13 years.

As part of her practicum, Ligsay worked with the Kilolani Project, a diabetes management program based at Queen Emma Clinics that uses a multidisciplinary team—including nurses, pharmacists and a Native Hawaiian patient navigator—to improve engagement and outcomes through culturally grounded care.

“The mission of the Kilolani Project to engage vulnerable populations in improving their health and knowledge through cultural connection deeply resonated with my personal purpose and commitment to service,” she said.

At The Queen’s Medical Center, she worked alongside patient navigator Lauralee “Ulu” Ana to support diabetes education group sessions and outreach efforts. Ligsay focused on strengthening participation in group sessions by building relationships and trust with patients, while helping facilitate culturally grounded, evidence-based education.

She said the experience reinforced the importance of understanding health through cultural context, particularly in Indigenous communities where cultural identity is closely tied to wellbeing.

Inspiring the next generation

Looking ahead, Ligsay said she will continue serving as a dedicated nurse preceptor, strengthened by enhanced leadership skills and refined approaches to teaching and training.

“Through this journey, I have discovered new ways to contribute to the nursing profession by sharing the knowledge and insight I have gained to help guide, support, and inspire future generations of nurses,” she said.

In the near future, she also hopes to pursue a clinical nurse faculty position at the UH ����ԴDz�, where she can further develop her passion for teaching in an academic setting.

Three faculty members from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� were recognized for their research at the 2026 �鶹��ý State Center for Nursing symposium, highlighting contributions that advance health care innovation in �鶹��ý and beyond.

The honorees were Assistant Professor Samia Valeria Ozorio Dutra, who received the Emerging Nurse Scientist Award; Associate Professor and PhD Program Director Molly Altman, who received the Exemplary Nurse Scientist Award; and Associate Professor and Department of Nursing Chair Gary Glauberman, who received the inaugural �鶹��ý Impact Award.

Gut microbiome, mental health, AI

The Emerging Nurse Scientist Award recognizes early-career researchers with strong promise in advancing nursing science. Dutra’s work explores the intersection of gut microbiome science, mental health and artificial intelligence, including machine learning approaches to identify depression risk in medical records. Her research also examines how biological, behavioral and psychosocial factors interact to influence mental health and resilience, alongside community-engaged work related to the Maui wildfires.

Reproductive health care disparities

The Exemplary Nurse Scientist Award honors sustained research that improves practice, education and policy. Altman’s community-based research addresses health disparities in reproductive health care, with more than 16 major studies, more than $2 million in funding and 50 peer-reviewed publications. Her work has influenced clinical practice, national education standards and health policy while reducing bias and improving access to care.

Public health emergency preparedness

The inaugural �鶹��ý Impact Award recognizes research with direct benefit to local communities. Glauberman’s work focuses on environmental and population health, including public health emergency preparedness. His research highlights gaps between awareness and action and includes development of a digital, location-based emergency planning tool for families. With more than 26 publications and strong community partnerships, his work emphasizes science designed to serve �鶹��ý communities.

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Ten graduate programs at the are in the nation’s top 50, and an additional 17 programs are in the top 100, according to the 2026 , released on April 7.

UH Mānoa’s (JABSOM) also placed in the nation’s top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care, and UH �ᾱ����’s ranked in a in the nation.

The highest ranked UH Mānoa programs were in the , ranking No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs.

The ranked No. 22 (tied) for best international programs, and the (SOEST) placed No. 40 (tied) for best Earth sciences programs. JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas and No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care.

“UH Mānoa’s strong showing in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings underscores our commitment to excellence in teaching, research and student success,” said UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “These results reflect the talent and dedication of our faculty, students and staff, and �鶹��ý can take pride in knowing their university is preparing the next generation of leaders and changemakers for our community and the world.”

Rankings were based on multiple factors, including research activity (such as publications and citations), student and alumni outcomes (employment and earnings), quality assessments (from peers and recruiters), student selectivity (GPA and test scores), and faculty resources (doctoral degrees awarded and student-to-faculty ratios).

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these UH News stories on previous years’ rankings: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
William S. Richardson School of Law  |  John A. Burns School of Medicine  |  Shidler College of Business  |  School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology  |  School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene  |  College of Education  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Social Sciences  |  College of Engineering  |  College of Natural Sciences  |  College of Arts, Languages & Letters

William S. Richardson School of Law

The William S. Richardson School of Law was ranked in 16 categories by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to its ranking of No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs, the �鶹��ýlaw school placed No. 91 (tied) among the top law schools in the nation.

Other law school rankings include:

• Tax law: No. 80 (tied)
• Criminal law: No. 88 (tied)
• Contracts/commercial law: No. 92 (tied)
• Health care law: No. 92 (tied)
• Constitutional law: No. 95 (tied)
• Business/corporate law: No. 101 (tied)
• Clinical training: No. 102 (tied)
• Intellectual property law: No. 127 (tied)
• Trial advocacy: No. 175 (tied)

John A. Burns School of Medicine

JABSOM was one of 16 schools that placed in the nation’s top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care. JABSOM also placed in tier 3 for best medical schools for research.
In addition, JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas, No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care, No. 139 for speech language pathology and No. 171 for most graduates practicing in medically underserved areas. .

Shidler College of Business

The Shidler College of Business placed in nine subject areas. Leading the way were international programs at No. 22 (tied), accounting programs at No. 68 (tied), information systems programs at No. 72 (tied) and marketing programs at No. 91 (tied). In addition, Shidler ranked at No. 104 (tied) for best management programs, No. 113 (tied) for best executive programs, No. 123 (tied) for best finance programs, No. 125 (tied) for best entrepreneurship programs and No. 142 (tied) for best part-time MBA programs.

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

SOEST placed No. 40 (tied) among the nation’s best Earth sciences programs.

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene

The School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene placed No. 55 (tied) for best nursing school–master’s and No. 62 (tied) for best nursing school–doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Both were the only programs in �鶹��ý to be ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

College of Education

The College of Education ranked No. 57 (tied) in the U.S., the 21st straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation’s top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, the College of Education continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The ranked No. 89 (tied) among the nation’s top public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The Department of Public Health Sciences offers a ; a , with specializations in , , and , and a , as well as PhD program in , specializing in community-based and translational research and a PhD in . The Department of Public Health Sciences is also home to an online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Social Sciences

The College of Social Sciences placed among the nation’s best in at No. 90 (tied) and at No. 92 (tied).

College of Engineering

The ranked among the nation’s best in at No. 91 (tied), at No. 92 (tied), and at No. 128 (tied). The College of Engineering overall ranked No. 164 (tied) among the top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees.

College of Natural Sciences

The placed among the nation’s best in at No. 97 (tied), and at No. 115 (tied), and at No. 125 (tied).

College of Arts, Languages & Letters

UH Mānoa placed No. 106 (tied) among the nation’s best for fine arts programs.

Other rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject, March 25, 2026
• 2025 U.S. News and World Report best online programs, January 27, 2026
• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 21, 2026

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa ballroom dance team won its third consecutive national title at the (NCDC), in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 27–29.

Competing against 37 colleges, UH Mānoa once again took first place for “highest point average,” as well as a close second place for the overall team championship, asserting its place among the nation’s top ballroom dance college teams. Winning top honors in the highest point average requires most team members to perform exceptionally well in all events.

The dancers of the Ballroom Dance Club @UHM—a registered independent organization at UH Mānoa—are trained and coached by Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti. Narayan and Sumukti also represented �鶹��ý in the senior age division placing 1st in several events.

“We are no longer the underdogs, so all the other colleges are looking at us as the team to beat,” said Narayan, who is also an adjunct faculty member in the UH Mānoa . “The bar is getting raised higher and higher each year, but we prevailed once again. We are incredibly proud of the dedication of our dancers who put in many hours to prepare for this competition. We are grateful for the incredible support we have received from the entire ballroom community in the state of �鶹��ý.”

The Ballroom Dance Club @UHM was formed in September 2022, and the team took first place for “highest team average” in 2024 and 2025.

“Nationals was an amazing and eye-opening experience for me,” said Caleb Zerbe, who competed in the nationals for the first time. “Getting to see so many people dance and enjoy themselves on the floor made me realize how fun dancing can be, even at the highest stages. It was a moment that helped me build a lot of confidence, and one that I will never forget.”

Christopher Ramirez, who competed on all three victorious UH Mānoa teams, added, “Given the opportunity to compete at my third nationals, there is always something new to learn. Winning for the third year in a row has reminded me just how incredible it is to be a part of this team.”

Tough competition

NCDC is a grueling competition with events starting at 7 a.m. every morning. It consisted of multiple events based on proficiency (bronze, silver, gold, etc.). Each student danced in up to 32 different events at the bronze and silver skill levels. They competed in all four styles of ballroom dance including International Standard (waltz, tango, viennese waltz, foxtrot and quickstep), American Smooth (waltz, tango, foxtrot and viennese waltz), American Rhythm (chacha, rumba, swing, bolero and mambo) and International Latin (samba, chacha, rumba, paso doble and jive).

Several students took individual first place awards in their respective divisions defeating up to 70 other competitors in some events. This trip was designed to give the team exposure to a collegiate competition, as �鶹��ý has no statewide collegiate ballroom competitions.

More about the Ballroom Dance Club

The Ballroom Dance Club offers beginner classes to all UH Mānoa students, faculty and staff in studio 2 in the athletics department from 6—7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. No dance experience is required. For more information, or visit their Instagram page @bdcuhm.

The team would like to thank the Department of Information and Computer Sciences, UH Mānoa Department of Athletics, Student Activity and Program Fee Board, Associated Students of the University of �鶹��ý, USA Dance Honolulu and the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation for facility and financial support.

UH Mānoa 2026 nationals collegiate and adult team roster:

• Ravi Narayan, faculty (computer science), coach and alumnus
• Synthia Sumukti, coach and alumna
• ʻAulani Wagner, library science and American studies
• Alexander Picken, Earth science
• Amanda Kanthack, psychology and Japanese
• Caleb Zerbe, computer science
• Christopher Ramirez, linguistics
• Christopher Wright, electrical engineering
• Courtney Hisamoto, computer science
• D’Elle Martin, architecture
• Elijah Saloma, computer science
• Gregory Snyder, mechanical engineering
• Hannah Madiam, kinesiology
• Iris Calauan, pre-nursing
• Jonathan Bona, civil engineering
• Julietta Lopez, architecture
• Kanaru Ebi, psychology
• Karl Merritt, mechanical engineering
• Luis Hernandez, electrical and computer engineering
• Lyndsey Moku, political science
• Maya Ito, psychology
• Michaella Villanueva, computer science
• Noah Asano, computer science
• Samantha Reed, computer science
• Shaelyn Loo, computer science
• Tessa Heidkamp, journalism and political science
• Andrew Lin, computer science alumnus
• Sydney Kim, computer science alumna
• Jason Aguda, computer engineering alumnus
• Matthew Rummel, political science and business alumnus
• Ariel Ramos, cinematic arts animation alumna
• Yong-Sung Masuda, computer science alumnus
• Wilson Tran, computer science alumnus
• Florence Liu, faculty, mathematics

Luis Hernandez and Maya Ito dancing the American Cha-cha in the Collegiate Team Match where UH Mānoa placed 3rd. (Video courtesy: Calvin Ota)

Elijah Saloma and Michaella Villanueva dancing the International Quickstep in the Collegiate Team Match where UH Mānoa placed 3rd. (Video courtesy: Calvin Ota)

Coaches Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti dancing the Mambo in the Senior IV American Rhythm Championship final. (Video courtesy: Ravi Sundaram)

Students cheering for their coaches Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti (Video courtesy: Ravi Sundaram)

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� is gaining national visibility for its work on clinician well-being. Assistant Professor Frankie B. Hale, has been selected as a Changemaker Accelerator in Cohort 2 of the , a yearlong program that brings together national leaders to develop and scale innovative strategies for improving clinician resilience and well-being.

The selection recognizes Hale’s research on reducing burnout and supporting well-being in nurses. Her work focuses on translating evidence-based strategies into practical tools for students and faculty, helping prepare the next generation of clinicians for sustainable careers in healthcare. Hale also contributes to the State of Well-Being Project through the �鶹��ý Governor’s Office of Wellness and Resilience.

Expanding impact through national collaboration

Through the NAM program, Hale will work with national leaders—including the American Nurses Association (ANA)—to expand evidence-based strategies developed with community partners. Using a simulation learning model, her project provides student nurses with practical tools to strengthen their well-being and resilience as they navigate the demands of clinical work.

“I’m excited to bring what we’re learning here in �鶹��ý to a national stage, and then bring back strategies and resources that can make a real difference for our students and faculty,” Hale said. “This work is about more than measuring burnout—it’s about creating sustainable ways to support the well-being of the people who care for our communities every day.”

By the end of the program, Hale hopes to build lasting peer-to-peer partnerships with national leaders and translate those lessons into actionable programs at UH, advancing the school’s mission to train the next generation of clinicians who thrive in their professional and personal lives.

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� is part of a new $3.5 million multi-state project to improve cervical cancer screening and follow-up at primary care clinics in �鶹��ý, Florida and Massachusetts. The �鶹��ý portion, led by Holly Fontenot, associate dean for research and professor at the and faculty member of the , is supported by a major five–year, R01 award from the National Institutes of Health.

The project, Development of Systems and Education for Cervical Cancer Prevention (DOSE–CC), will adapt, validate and test interventions designed to boost cervical cancer prevention and follow-up care across diverse populations.

Fontenot brings experience from her prior work in women’s health and HPV-associated cancer prevention, and is one of four multiple principal investigators collaborating with Boston Medical Center, Tufts University and the Moffitt Cancer Center. The �鶹��ý research team also includes Komal Soin and Patty Tran from the .

“This award reflects the strength of our ongoing research partnerships and the importance of multidisciplinary teams working together to develop effective, sustainable and impactful multi-level interventions that help to transform the current paradigm in cancer screening and follow-up,” Fontenot said.

The project builds on previous studies, including Cervical Cancer: Provider Response and Options of Guidelines Related to Screening Strategies (CC PROGRESS), funded by the American Cancer Society, and DOSE–HPV, which successfully increased HPV vaccination rates.

By combining clinical research with community engagement, the project seeks to develop sustainable, effective interventions that can be scaled nationally — including across the U.S. Work on DOSE–CC is already underway and is expected to be completed by 2030.

For many nursing students, the cost of tuition and living expenses can create a heavy financial burden while balancing coursework and clinical training. The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� has partnered with Social Finance to offer zero-interest student loans through the , a program designed to help students cover educational costs without the burden of high-interest debt.

Eligible UH ����ԴDz� undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program who are within two years of graduation can to cover the cost of attendance after grants and scholarships. Applicants must be permanent �鶹��ý residents and qualify as low-income. Loan amounts range from $2,000 to $15,000 per academic year.

The loan program continues to support students in the College of Engineering, where it was launched to help students with demonstrated financial need complete their degrees. The UH ����ԴDz� School of Nursing & Dental Hygiene is the latest UH program to join the initiative, expanding access to more students across the university.

“We’re excited to join this new program, building on its success with other UH students,” said Clementina Ceria-Ulep, dean of the UH ����ԴDz� School of Nursing & Dental Hygiene. “This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting nursing students as they complete their degrees and prepare for careers in the local healthcare workforce.”

The school is holding an informational session with Social Finance on Monday, February 9, 2026 from 11:30 – 12:30 p.m.

How the program works

The �鶹��ý Renewable Learning Fund provides eligible students with loans that carry zero interest and no origination fees, helping cover remaining costs of tuition, living expenses and other educational needs not met by grants and scholarships.

After graduation, students repay their loans through fixed monthly payments over up to five years, with options to defer monthly payments when income falls below a minimum threshold. Repayments are recycled into the fund to support future students, creating a sustainable resource.

By offering financial flexibility while in school, the program allows students to focus on their studies and clinical training, helping them complete their degrees with less stress and prepare for careers in �鶹��ý’s healthcare community.

UH ����ԴDz� Nursing prepares bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral nurses to serve diverse populations across �鶹��ý and the Asia-Pacific region. Its online master’s program is nationally ranked. Graduates consistently achieve high licensure pass rates, reflecting the program’s academic standards and workforce preparation.

For more information about the zero-interest loan, visit the . UH ����ԴDz� Nursing students who have questions should contact their Office of Student Services advisor.

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s was recognized in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report rankings of the nation’s best online programs, released on January 27. UH Mānoa placed No. 62 out of the top 209 . UH Mānoa was the only nursing school in �鶹��ý to be ranked for online education.

U.S. News and World Report assessed programs in student engagement (30%), faculty credentials and training (20%), peer assessment (20%), student services and technologies (20%) and student excellence (10%).

“This ranking underscores the strength of our online nursing program,” said Clementina D. Ceria-Ulep, dean of the UH Mānoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene. “It speaks to our focus on delivering rigorous, accessible education that equips nurses to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. It also reflects the dedication of our faculty and students to meeting the evolving needs of health care and higher education.”

More about the online program

The online is a distance-based online master’s degree for registered nurses who wish to practice in �鶹��ý, in the continental U.S. or international setting.

The program focuses on population-level health, wellness, social determinants of health, health promotion and disease prevention. Coursework is completed online, and fieldwork is conducted in the student’s own local community.

The 30-credit program is designed to be completed in one year as a full-time student or in two years as a part-time student. Students complete a six-credit capstone project that includes 270 hours of fieldwork experience. The capstone project is designed to provide students with experience in the indirect care level of service at the aggregate population, organizational or systems level. There is an additional nine-credit thesis option.

The deadline to apply to the online APHN program is May 1. . There is a on February 18.

For information about graduate programs, visit the .

Cancer patients traveling off-island for treatment. Kūpuna waiting months to see a neurologist. Rural communities struggling to access behavioral health and addiction services. These challenging realities are driving the University of �鶹��ý Board of Regents request for $3,724,600 to expand �鶹��ý’s healthcare workforce and improve access to care across the islands.

The funding would support UH’s new Health Science and Healthcare Interdisciplinary Workforce Initiative, a coordinated hire request that would add 18.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) clinician and faculty positions across five health sciences units to address severe shortages in high-need medical fields, including cancer, neurology and dementia, and behavioral health integration and addiction medicine.

“UH has a kuleana to the people and ʻāina of �鶹��ý, and that responsibility drives us to focus on solutions that make a real difference in our communities,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “By strengthening our healthcare workforce, we can train more providers and expand access to care for kupuna and families across all islands.”

Expanding the healthcare pipeline, patient care

The coordinated hire would add clinician faculty who both train future healthcare providers and deliver direct patient care in rural and underserved communities across the state.

“The goal is to improve access to care across all islands by providing direct clinical services and addressing shortages in underserved communities,” said UH ����ԴDz� Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “This coordinated request for positions will increase the workforce pipeline by training more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other health providers essential to providing high quality care for patients with dementia, addictions, or other behavioral health challenges.”

Addressing high-priority health needs

The initiative spans five UH units—UH ����ԴDz�’s , the , the , the , and the UH Hilo —and focuses on clinician leaders and researchers working with state and health system partners through community-based, interprofessional approaches aligned with legislative priorities.

Funding would be directed toward three high-priority health areas identified as critical needs for the state:

• Cancer ($1,674,400; 6.35 FTE): Establishing an accredited hematology-oncology fellowship and expanding clinical research capacity.
• Neurology and Dementia ($1,162,200; 7.40 FTE): Creating an accredited neurology residency program and expanding the Kūpuna Workforce Innovation Hub.
• Behavioral Health Integration and Addiction Medicine ($888,000; 4.75 FTE): Expanding the Education and Research Center of Addiction Medicine and enhancing telehealth services.
• Beyond direct patient care, the initiative would support statewide continuing education in dementia care and behavioral health–primary care integration, consistent with �鶹��ý State Department of Health and legislative priorities.

Targeted request in a tight budget climate

The initiative is one of two high-priority items in UH’s $18.8 million supplemental operating budget request () for fiscal year 2026–27, introduced amid slowing state revenue growth.

“We purposefully limited the request to major strategic items that are time-sensitive and provide essential benefits to both the state and the university,” said UH Vice President for Budget and Finance Luis Salaveria. “Given the current fiscal climate, this approach allows UH to focus its resources on areas where the need is greatest, and the impact on �鶹��ý’s communities will be most immediate.”

Entry-level nursing students got a head start on their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) path through a no-cost, three-day summer bridge workshop piloted by the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� and UH West Oʻahu. The inaugural workshop took place in August, before the start of the fall 2025 semester.

Designed for students in the and the , the program combined hands-on clinical refreshers, academic skill-building and cultural grounding to help students transition smoothly.

“This workshop gives our students the tools and confidence they need before stepping into the demands of nursing school,” said William Siegman, UH ����ԴDz� nursing undergraduate program director. “It’s about resilience, connection and preparation, inside and outside the classroom.”

Participants practiced clinical skills such as taking vital signs and performing medication calculations while also engaging in workshops on prioritization, time management and academic success strategies. To address mental and emotional well-being, the sessions included self-care activities, peer networking, and discussions on balancing stress and responsibility.

The program also emphasized cultural values of aloha, kuleana (responsibility) and mālama ʻāina (to care for the land). Through reflection, relationship building and guided planning, students gained a deeper understanding of the cultural context of nursing in �鶹��ý.

Siegman credited the collaboration of UH West Oʻahu, UH ����ԴDz� Nursing and the ʻIKE AO PONO Program, a student support program for underrepresented nursing students, for bringing the pilot program to life.

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (SONDH) is relaunching its program. Set to welcome its first new cohort in fall 2026, the PhD program aims to prepare nurses to become researchers, educators and leaders capable of generating knowledge that improves health outcomes and strengthens the profession.

“This program is designed to grow the number of nurse scientists equipped to tackle the complex health challenges that exist in �鶹��ý and beyond” said Clementina Ceria-Ulep, dean of SONDH.

PhD-prepared nurses conduct research that leads to real-world solutions—from improving patient care to shaping health policy. With the global nurse shortage, they are needed now more than ever to help educate the next generation and expand the evidence base that supports effective and equitable care.

“When people hear the word ‘nurse,’ most picture someone in scrubs, offering hands-on care at the bedside. While that image is accurate, it’s only one role in a much larger profession,” said Lorrie Wong, associate dean for academic affairs. “Nurses are also clinicians (nurse practitioners), educators, researchers and leaders. PhD-prepared nurse scientists are actively shaping health care delivery.”

“There’s a critical need for more nurse scientists, especially in �鶹��ý and across the Pacific,” said Holly Fontenot, associate dean for research. “This program is designed to build that workforce; plus, support the development of knowledge needed to advance health promotion, shape nursing practice, and improve health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. We hope to foster innovative research that is reflective of our local needs and strengths.”

Rooted in �鶹��ý, aimed at global change

The relaunched program is grounded in place. Students will be encouraged to pursue research questions that are important to the communities they serve, whether improving access to care in rural areas, addressing health disparities, or developing culturally responsive care models. Students will learn how to conduct culturally relevant, community-based research, ensuring that findings are meaningful and will have a positive impact within their communities.

They’ll learn how to be a leader in ways that are rooted in aloha and responsive to the people they serve.
—Molly Altman

“Students won’t just be learning how to do research,” said Molly Altman, associate professor and PhD program director. “They’ll be learning how to be a leader, in ways that are rooted in aloha and responsive to the people they serve.”

Using the unique nursing perspective, faculty mentors will guide students in the development of innovative research and foster the growth of leadership skills so that graduates are able to become agents of change in academic, clinical and policy settings.

By relaunching its PhD in Nursing program, SONDH is committed to investing in the future of nursing and in the health of our islands.

Apply now for fall 2026

SONDH is currently accepting applications for its fall 2026 PhD cohort. Applications will become available on September 1, 2025. To attend informational sessions, visit the for upcoming dates. For more details or to apply, visit the or email phdnurs@hawaii.edu.

Growing up in Waiʻanae surrounded by nurses in her family, Emma Tilitile was inspired by their deep compassion for patients and community, a spirit she carried with her through nursing school at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�. In spring 2025, she earned her BS in nursing from the (SONDH), while also becoming a dedicated mentor to fellow students.

A proud graduate of Waiʻanae High School, Tilitile got a head start on college through Early College programs at and UH West Oʻahu. Combined with her coursework at UH ����ԴDz�, those credits helped her earn an Associate in Arts degree in fall 2024 through the university’s reverse transfer program.

Still, the path to becoming a nurse wasn’t without moments of doubt. “Once I entered nursing school, and things got tough, I questioned whether I had made the right choice,” she said.

In her final semester, while caring for a patient recovering from open-heart surgery in the Queen’s Medical Center’s cardiovascular ICU, she found clarity. “They thanked me and told me I’d be a great nurse,” she said. “Until then, I knew I wanted to be a nurse, but I wasn’t always sure I’d be a good one. Hearing that reaffirmed that this is my path.”

From mentee to mentor

Inspired by the guidance she received, Tilitile gave back as a mentor through UH ����ԴDz�’s �鶹��ý Undergraduate Initiative, a partnership between the Academic Resource Center and the Student Nurses Association that supports students who, like her, were learning how to navigate the challenges of nursing school.

“My first semester was tough. We had to shift from a ‘normal’ way of thinking to a nurse’s way of thinking,” Tilitile said. “What’s considered common sense in nursing doesn’t feel like common sense at first. You have to retrain your brain. As a mentor, I tried to help students make that shift more smoothly. Practice helps, but having someone guide you makes a big difference.”

One moment she’ll never forget came at her pinning ceremony, when a student she had tutored virtually, showed up in person to thank her. “That one session helped her pass her exam,” Tilitile said. “It reassured me that maybe my actions do make a difference.”

Mentoring also helped her grow. “I found joy in teaching and sharing what I’d learned,” she said. “It’s shaped my goals, and I hope to keep mentoring and maybe teach nursing students someday.”

She added, “Mentoring deepened my empathy. Patients are often vulnerable and unsure, relying on us for care and comfort. That’s something I carry with me.”

She is now preparing to take the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) test which must be passed to become a licensed Registered Nurse. Tilitile plans to pursue a career in critical care nursing with a focus on cardiovascular health and eventually wants to return to school to become a family nurse practitioner.

— by Arlene Abiang

Three Molokaʻi women are proving that healthcare careers can start at home. Benevee Morris, Cherie Gonzalez and Olivia Pescaia all completed the through the , with tuition support from the federally funded . They now work in public schools across the island as health technicians for the , a partnership between UH ����ԴDz�’s (SONDH) and the �鶹��ý Department of Education and Public Charter School Commission.

“�鶹��ý Keiki has struggled to hire a nurse for the Molokaʻi position since I joined as �鶹��ý Keiki senior practice director over five years ago,” said Deborah Mattheus, SONDH endowed professor of school health. “These three health technicians have filled that void and have been such a wonderful addition to our team. I am so proud of them.”

Family hardship leads to new purpose

Morris’ journey into healthcare began after her husband suffered a heart attack in 2010, followed by years of medical treatment and a heart transplant in California.

“As I supported him through this journey, I gained a deep appreciation for everything the nurses and doctors did for us,” she said. “Meeting traveling nurses sparked my interest in pursuing a career in healthcare.”

After his transplant in 2021, Morris applied for the CNA program while still in California. Despite challenges during the pandemic, she and her classmates pushed through.

“I’m proud to say that in August of 2022, 100% of our class passed, and 90% of us have used our skills to secure employment,” she said.

She started with the Nā Puʻuwai Kupuna Program and Tūtū & Me before becoming the Hawaii Keiki health tech at Maunaloa Elementary School.

“It’s thrilling to support services like the �鶹��ý Keiki dental sealant program,” Morris said. “Our island has faced challenges with dental coverage and a shortage of dentists.”

Morris hopes to bring programs such as CPR education and vision screenings to her school in the coming year.

“I’m committed to being an advocate for our keiki here on Molokaʻi and will support anyone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.“

From caregiver to health tech

I’m committed to being an advocate for our keiki here on Molokaʻi and will support anyone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare
—Benevee Morris

Inspired by the experience of caring for both her parents through serious illnesses, Olivia Pescaia, a graduate of Molokaʻi High and Intermediate School, enrolled in the CNA program to pursue a career in healthcare.

“I dropped my first class because I was unsure of myself and we were figuring things out as we went along,” Pescala said.

However, she rejoined the second cohort and completed the program in June 2023. Now the health tech for Molokaʻi Middle School, Pescaia finds meaning in her work.

“It feels rewarding to give back and help in ways I never imagined I could,” she said. “Even in small ways, helping the keiki gives me a sense of accomplishment, purpose and connection to my community.“

A movie sparks a mission

Cherie Gonzalez’s decision to enter healthcare was inspired by a movie.

“The nurses in the nursing home were being horrible to the patients. I know it was a movie, but we all know that can actually happen in real life,” she said. “I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in nursing because of this.”

With a toddler at home, she joined the CNA program through cable TV instruction and in-person labs at Molokaʻi General Hospital. “The experience I gained through this program has never left me and I use it every day,” she said.

After working as a dental assistant at Molokaʻi General Hospital and as a medical assistant at Molokaʻi Community Health Center, she joined �鶹��ý Keiki in 2021 and now serves at Kilohana Elementary School.

“It feels really good to be working in my community and with families I know personally,” she said. “Being able to make a difference with children in the school setting is great.”

Gonzalez encourages others to explore the field. “There’s so much more you can do in nursing. I would highly recommend the program,” she said.

For the first time, the — a partnership between the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� and the State Department of Education—offered free dental services to Molokaʻi students through its Dental Sealant Events.

On April 8, a team of 9 Oʻahu– and Maui-based dentists, dental hygienists, assistants and nurses traveled to Maunaloa Elementary, Kilohana Elementary, Kaunakakai Elementary and Kualapuʻu Charter School to host Dental Sealant Events. Three Molokaʻi-based �鶹��ý Keiki health technicians provided additional on-the-ground support.

About 110 students were seen, receiving dental screenings, oral health education, hygiene kits and, where needed, dental sealants, a protective treatment that helps prevent cavities.

Addressing �鶹��ý’s oral health issues

�鶹��ý faces significant oral health challenges. The 2015 �鶹��ý Smiles report found that �鶹��ý’s children had the highest rate of dental decay in the country, and more than 60% lacked sealants on their permanent molars—increasing their risk for cavities, missed school, and other health and self-esteem issues.

To combat these disparities, the �鶹��ý Keiki–Dental Service (HDS) Dental Sealant Program was launched in 2019 through a partnership between �鶹��ý Keiki and the HDS Foundation. Since launching on Oʻahu in 2020, the program has expanded to Maui, Kauaʻi and �鶹��ý Island—and now to Molokaʻi. Maui and Molokaʻi school-based dental services are provided in partnership with Hui No Ke Ola Pono, a Maui Native Hawaiian Health Care System.

Commitment to rural underserved communities

So far, more than 5,500 keiki across �鶹��ý have received screenings through the program. More than 60% received sealants, protecting more than 12,000 teeth. In addition, more than 220 keiki with urgent dental needs were referred for further care.

Deborah Mattheus, �鶹��ý Keiki Senior Practice Director and Dental Sealant Program director, said “Hosting the screenings and sealants at school has proven to be an efficient way to provide healthcare to many students at once, reduce the time and money spent by individual families, and minimize the loss of class time. Today’s event is a great example of many partners coming together to provide important dental services to these Molokaʻi kids.”

Compassionate team of UH alumni, student providers

The Molokaʻi team was composed of licensed providers and �鶹��ý Keiki staff, many of whom are UH alumni or current students from UH ����ԴDz�, UH Maui College and the Maui-Molokaʻi CNA programs.

This latest effort was made possible by continued support from the HDS Foundation, along with in-kind donations from Kamaka Air Cargo, which transported dental equipment, and Maverick Helicopters, which offered discounted staff flights. The �鶹��ý Department of Health’s Family Health Division also helped fund dental supplies.

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Seven graduate programs at the are in the nation’s top 50 and an additional 14 programs are in the top 100, according to the 2025 , released on April 8. The (JABSOM) also placed in the nation’s top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care.

The highest ranked programs were in the , ranking No. 16 for best part-time law programs, No. 36 for best environmental law programs and No. 45 for best international law programs. The Library and Information Science Program in the ranked No. 36. JABSOM ranked No. 41 for most graduates practicing in primary care and No. 47 for most graduates practicing in rural areas, and the ranked No. 43 for best nursing schools, doctor of nursing practice.

Rankings were based on different criteria, including research activity (publications and citations), placement success (employment and earnings), quality assessment (peer and recruiter assessments), student selectivity (GPA and test scores) and faculty resources (doctoral degrees awarded and student to faculty ratio).

“These latest rankings from U.S. News and World Report reflect UH ����ԴDz�’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence and impactful research,” said UH ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno. “They speak to the strength of our graduate programs and the hard work of our faculty, students and staff. �鶹��ý residents can take pride in knowing that their flagship university continues to shape the next generation of leaders, educators and innovators for our state and beyond.”

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these UH News stories on previous years’ rankings: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
William S. Richardson School of Law  |  John A. Burns School of Medicine  |  School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene  |  College of Education  |  College of Engineering  |  Shidler College of Business  |  College of Social Sciences  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Arts, Languages & Letters  |  College of Natural Sciences

William S. Richardson School of Law

The William S. Richardson School of Law was ranked in 15 categories by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to its ranking of No. 16 for best part-time law programs, No. 36 for best environmental law programs and No. 45 for best international law programs, the UH ����ԴDz� law school placed No. 99 out of nearly 200 of the best law schools in the nation.

Other law school rankings include:

• Legal writing: No. 51
• Dispute resolution: No. 72
• Criminal law: No. 82
• Tax law: No. 95
• Constitutional law: No. 98
• Contracts/commercial law: No. 98
• Business/corporate law: No. 108
• Intellectual property law: No. 123
• Clinical training: No. 125
• Health care law: No. 128
• Trial advocacy: No. 178

John A. Burns School of Medicine

JABSOM was one of 16 schools that placed in the nation’s top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care. JABSOM also placed in tier 2 for best medical schools for research.

In addition, JABSOM ranked No. 41 for most graduates practicing in primary care, No. 47 for most graduates practicing in rural areas and No. 166 for most graduates practicing in medically underserved areas. JABSOM also placed No. 155 for speech language pathology. .

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene

The School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene’s doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program was ranked No. 43 among 158 of the top schools in U.S. News and World Report’s best nursing schools ranking. UH ����ԴDz�’s nursing school is the only �鶹��ý DNP program ranked by U.S. News and World Report since 2018.

College of Education

The ranked No. 65 of 258 schools ranked, the 20th straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation’s top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, the College of Education continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

College of Engineering

Four graduate programs were ranked among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News. placed No. 90; ranked No. 91; and placed No. 124. The College of Engineering ranked No. 163 among the top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees.

Shidler College of Business

The rose 29 spots to No. 137 out of 241 ranked schools for its part-time master of business administration (MBA) program. Shidler’s MBA programs are the only MBA programs in �鶹��ý accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and among the few MBA programs in the U.S. with a true Asia-Pacific focus.

College of Social Sciences

In addition to the Library and Information Science Program ranking No. 36, the College of Social Sciences had the following programs placed in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings: at No. 78, at No. 82, at No. 104, at No. 107, at No. 113 and at No. 124.

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The ranked No. 99 out of 219 public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The Department of Public Health Sciences offers a ; a , with specializations in , , and , and a , as well as PhD program in , specializing in community-based and translational research and a PhD in . The Department of Public Health Sciences is also home to a recently launched online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Arts, Languages & Letters

In the , the placed No. 97 and the ranked No. 104.

College of Natural Sciences

In the , the ranked No. 110.

Other rankings

UH ����ԴDz� also received these notable rankings:

• 2025 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject, March 12, 2025
• UH ����ԴDz� earns highest national research designation, February 20, 2025
• 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 23, 2025

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� has named Katey Pelican as the inaugural director of the , a key initiative aimed at improving healthcare and health outcomes in �鶹��ý. Pelican, an expert in One Health, sustainable development, and global health security, will begin her role on April 1, 2025.

Launched in 2022, the Health Sciences Institute was created to leverage UH ����ԴDz�’s strengths to expand the healthcare workforce, reduce health disparities and address emerging health threats. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for a more integrated approach, and the institute fosters collaboration across health sciences to drive innovation and equity.

As director, Pelican will oversee the coordination of efforts across UH units to advance the health and well being of Hawaii’s communities, ensuring the institute acts as a central hub for information, advocacy and resource development. UH ����ԴDz� offers more than 50 health sciences-related degrees and certificates across nine colleges and schools, including the , the , the and the . Pelican will focus on strengthening community resilience, health systems, and the healthcare workforce through establishing strategic partnerships, advancing solutions-based research programs, and growing educational pathways and training opportunities.

“I am honored to join UH ����ԴDz� and lead the Health Sciences Institute in its mission to improve health equity and resilience in �鶹��ý and the Pacific,” said Pelican. “I look forward to collaborating with faculty, students and community partners to drive meaningful, interdisciplinary solutions to today’s most pressing health challenges.”

Health sciences experience, leadership

With more than 25 years of experience, her expertise and leadership span a broad range of health science disciplines, including infectious disease response, climate resilience, and Indigenous community food sovereignty. Pelican has worked in 45 countries, leading initiatives at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health in collaboration with organizations such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations.

Pelican joins UH ����ԴDz� from the University of Minnesota (UMN), where she led the Strategic Partnerships and Research Collaborative, helping to secure more than $158 million in grants and contracts to support global health and sustainability projects. She also co-founded UMN’s Sustainable Development Goals Initiative and previously led the One Health Division at UMN’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Pelican holds a doctor of veterinary medicine from UMN and a PhD in comparative physiology from a joint program between the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Maryland.

“Dr. Pelican is uniquely qualified for this important and challenging role, with significant leadership experience in interdisciplinary health initiatives and large-scale collaborative research projects,” said UH ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno. “Her leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Health Sciences Institute and advancing our mission to address pressing health challenges in �鶹��ý and the Pacific region.”

This message was shared with the faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of �鶹��ý system on February 10, 2025.

Aloha UH ʻohana,

The University of �鶹��ý is deeply concerned about the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) February 7 announcement to significantly cut reimbursement of research facilities and administrative costs. These funds are essential to maintaining the infrastructure that supports groundbreaking research and lifesaving medical breakthroughs.

This sweeping change—imposing a 15% cap on indirect cost reimbursement for all NIH grants—will have severe consequences for biomedical research in �鶹��ý and across the nation, slowing progress on treatments for cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other critical health challenges. Currently, indirect costs for biomedical research—both nationally and at UH—average around 50%. By limiting this essential support, the federal government is stepping back from its long-standing commitment to advancing medical innovation.

Related: Attorney General Lopez sues Trump Administration for defunding medical and public health innovation research, February 10, 2025

For UH, the impact of this decision cannot be overstated. The University of �鶹��ý System of 10 campuses includes the UH ����ԴDz� John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), the UH Cancer Center (a National Cancer Institute designated center), the UH Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, the UH ����ԴDz� School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene, and the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health. All of these Schools, Colleges and Centers conduct translational and fundamental research, and the university is supported by 175 awards and subawards from the NIH with a current value of $211 million. NIH’s reduction of UH’s current negotiated IDC rate of 56.5% at the JABSOM and the Cancer Center alone will eliminate approximately $15 million in funding that UH uses to support its research programs, including ongoing clinical trials and debt service payments.

According to a 2024 annual report by United for Medical Research, NIH funding generated $158 million in economic activity and supported 819 local jobs across the state. The UH Cancer Center and JABSOM led the majority of these NIH-funded research projects, receiving $27 million and $26.6 million, respectively.

As I emphasized in my February 6 address on federal policy changes affecting higher education, UH will continue working closely with �鶹��ý’s congressional delegation, Gov. Josh Green’s office and the state attorney general, and in this instance, the national higher education and research associations and peer institutions to advocate against this harmful policy. Additionally, we are closely monitoring legal challenges that may arise in response to this directive, including the lawsuit filed today in a federal court in Massachusetts, by 22 states, including the State of �鶹��ý.

We will keep you updated as the situation unfolds and remain steadfast in our efforts to protect UH’s research enterprise, which benefits our university, our state, and the millions who rely on medical advancements.

With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
President, University of �鶹��ý

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s earned high marks in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report’s best online programs list.

UH ����ԴDz� ranked No. 41 among the top 211 , placing in the top 20% of programs across the nation. UH ����ԴDz� was the only nursing school in �鶹��ý to be ranked for online education.

The U.S. News and World Report best online master’s in nursing programs were assessed in student engagement (30%), faculty credentials and training (20%), peer assessment (20%), student services and technologies (20%) and student excellence (10%).

“This recognition highlights the excellence of our online nursing program,” said Clementina D. Ceria-Ulep, dean of the UH ����ԴDz� School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene. “It reflects our commitment to providing a high-quality, accessible education that prepares nurses to lead and improve health outcomes locally and globally.”

More about the online program

The online is a distance-based online master’s degree for registered nurses who wish to practice in �鶹��ý, on the continental U.S. or in an international setting.

The program focuses on population-level health, wellness, social determinants of health, health promotion and disease prevention. Coursework is completed online and fieldwork is conducted in the student’s own local community.

The 30-credit program is designed to be completed in one year as a full-time student or in two years as a part-time student. Students complete a six-credit capstone project that includes 270 hours of fieldwork experience. The capstone project is designed to provide students with experience in the indirect care level of service at the aggregate population, organizational or systems level. There is an additional nine-credit thesis option.

The deadline to apply to the online APHN program is March 1. . There is a free online info session on February 20 ().

For information about graduate programs, .

Battling terminal stage-four cancer, University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� alumnus Jonathan Pascual was so much more than an Ironman when he finished the 2024 Ironman World Championship in Kona.

A 1998 graduate of the School of Nursing, Pascual was diagnosed with mediastinal paraganglioma, a rare form of cancer, in 2022. The cancer spread to his lungs and bones, yet he completed the 2.4-mile open-water swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run in October 2024.

“All of us in our lifetime will deal with suffering, losses, disabilities, injuries. My point of view is that these are invitations to show true strength and courage,” he said.

Pascual first attended Leeward Community College and Kapiʻolani Community College for prerequisite courses. He then forged strong bonds during his time at the UH ����ԴDz� School of Nursing.

“Amazingly, after all these years, I am still in contact with a select number of college friends and our professor, Connie Gazmen,” he said. “I would take her classes again. For me, that has always been one of the best learning times that I had at UH.”

He credits UH for the longevity of his friendships.

“It all started in UH, and that started this community that we’ve had. UH is the one place that bound us together.”

He also challenges the notion that stage 4 cancer is a death sentence.

Pascual said, “It is a place where you can find what would be important in your life.”

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