{"id":192568,"date":"2024-02-27T15:35:54","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T01:35:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=192568"},"modified":"2024-02-27T18:06:14","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T04:06:14","slug":"alice-ball-scholar-recipients","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2024\/02\/27\/alice-ball-scholar-recipients\/","title":{"rendered":"Scholarship empowers students, connects to Ball\u2019s legacy"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

\"alice<\/p>\n

UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa will commemorate Alice Augusta Ball Day on February 28, 2024.<\/em><\/p>\n

Since its inception in 2017, seven students at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> at M\u0101noa have been awarded a total of $6,250 through the Alice Augusta Ball Endowed Scholarship<\/a>. <\/p>\n

To donate to the Alice Augusta Ball Endowed Scholarship, visit UH<\/abbr> Foundation.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

It was established in her honor by retired faculty librarian Paul Wermager, supporting and empowering students to pursue and earn degrees in chemistry<\/a>, biology<\/a> or microbiology<\/a> at UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa. <\/p>\n

The scholarship not only eases financial burdens but also serves as a source of inspiration, connecting recipients to the legacy of a pioneering scientist. <\/p>\n

Four of the recipients share how the scholarship has impacted them.<\/p>\n

\"Destiny
Destiny Apilado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Destiny Apilado<\/h2>\n

Apilado graduated with a BS<\/abbr> in biochemistry in spring 2021 and is set to graduate this spring with her master’s in environmental management focusing on traditional food production.<\/p>\n

“Alice Augusta Ball\u2019s story is an empowering display of a woman\u2019s healing abilities,” she said. <\/p>\n

“As I was awarded during the pandemic when food insecurity and isolation were causes for concern in my community, they became the adversities I dreamt of curing. Alice Ball inspires me to find ways to give power back to people through their health.” <\/p>\n

Alison Nguyen<\/h2>\n

Nguyen graduated in spring 2019 with a BS<\/abbr> in chemistry. The scholarship allowed her to focus on her studies and provided her with the encouragement and resources to explore scientific endeavors. <\/p>\n

She traveled to Chiang Mai Thailand to participate in MRI<\/abbr> research and worked as a chemical analyst at a medical cannabis testing laboratory. Currently, she is a criminalist at the Honolulu Police Department and conducts chemical analysis on controlled substances.<\/p>\n

“I discovered my interest in working with analytical instrumentation and wanted to gain more experience in this field. I find great fulfillment in knowing the work I do contributes to the betterment of our community. Mahalo to Paul Wermager for not only establishing this scholarship, but also putting a spotlight on the legacy of Alice Augusta Ball.”<\/p>\n

\"Taha
Taha Elwir<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Taha Elwir<\/h2>\n

Elwir graduated with a BS<\/abbr> in chemistry in spring 2021, and is currently working as an EMT<\/abbr> in Honolulu.<\/p>\n

He will be attending medical school this year to start his journey to become a physician.<\/p>\n

“Having this scholarship gave me the freedom to focus on my studies and to work diligently on becoming the best chemist I can be,” Elwir said. <\/p>\n

“I will forever be indebted to the people who gave me this scholarship and for that I owe them my undying gratitude.”<\/p>\n

\"Bianca
Bianca Espejo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bianca Espejo<\/h2>\n

A third-year biochemistry student graduating in December 2024, Espejo plans to attend medical school to become a physician. The scholarship has provided her with financial, mental and physical support. <\/p>\n

“I only discovered who Alice Ball was when I was informed that I would be a recipient of the award. Since then, she has become one of my biggest inspirations,” Espejo said. <\/p>\n

“I very much relate to her because she was also someone who was passionate about her work despite her background. I believe every recipient, including myself, is lucky to have received a reward under her name.”<\/p>\n

UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa will honor Ball\u2019s legacy on February 28, “Alice Augusta Ball Day” at a noon event held at the Chaulmoogra tree near Bachman Hall. In attendance will include Wermager who will share some reflections. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Four of the recipients share how the Alice Augusta Ball Endowed Scholarship has impacted them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[679,251,1466,572,319,9],"class_list":["post-192568","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-people","tag-alumni-recognition","tag-chemistry","tag-manoa-enhancing-student-success","tag-scholarship","tag-uh-foundation","tag-uh-manoa","entry","has-media"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t