On September 18, Roseman University celebrated its fifth and largest class of Hero Scholars. At a lunch event held simultaneously at the Henderson and South Jordan campuses, 12 students were honored for their resilience, compassion, and dedication to serving others.
The celebration wasn’t just about the students, though. It was also about the donors whose generosity makes the Hero Scholarship possible. Several companies and individual supporters stepped forward to invest in Roseman’s students, easing financial barriers so they can focus on learning, leading, and serving their communities.
Since its creation during the pandemic, the Hero Scholarship has awarded 48 scholarships valued at nearly half a million dollars. The 2025 class is the largest yet, thanks to donors who believe that helping students today strengthens the communities those students will serve tomorrow.
“The Hero Scholarship was conceived as a way to honor aspiring students who bravely and selflessly hoped to serve their communities, while recognizing that financial realities can often create barriers to pursuing a dream,” said Vanessa Maniago, Vice President for Strategic Implementation and Engagement at Roseman.
Henderson Campus – College of Nursing
Jeffrey Capili was just 19 when he began working as an EMT, and he has never stopped running toward crisis. He volunteered during California wildfires, worked grueling shifts as an ER tech during COVID-19, and helped train the next generation of emergency responders. Now pursuing nursing, Jeffrey is committed to leading with empathy and strength. His scholarship is supported by Carrera Nevada.
Matthew Boudreaux brings both scientific training and a people-first philosophy to nursing. With a biology degree and experience in genetics research, he has an academic foundation that shapes his care. But it’s his approach to leadership, asking questions, listening well, and building effective teams, that truly defines him. His journey is made possible by the generosity of Roseman Trustee Hugh Anderson.
Cindy Rios Recio discovered her passion for service as a teenager while tutoring at a community center. From mentoring disadvantaged youth to organizing supply drives and now working as a CNA in behavioral health, she’s always been drawn to where she’s needed most. Her scholarship is funded by the Las Vegas Aviators.
Henderson Campus – College of Pharmacy
Fatin Chaar has dedicated herself to serving her community in countless ways, such as leading blood drives, volunteering at COVID-19 vaccination clinics, teaching free violin lessons, and mentoring younger students. Her scholarship, supported by Roseman Board Trustee Dr. David Steinberg, helps her continue blending compassion with pharmacy practice.
Tayler Lam grew up inspired by her mother, a NICU nurse. Her own service has spanned volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Charities, mentoring peers at UNLV, and preparing holiday meals for families in need. With support from Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Tayler now carries that same spirit into her pharmacy studies.
Zane Willett joined the Army at age 19 and later transitioned into emergency medicine. Whether serving in the military or working as an ER technician, he has chosen the harder path out of a desire to be where people need him most. His scholarship is supported by The Valley Health System.
Anthony Moses Reyes grew up in Hawaii, where he embraced the value of malama ʻāina — caring for the land. That sense of responsibility shaped his years of service at Papahana Kuaola and his work as a pharmacy technician. With support from REQ, Anthony is pursuing a PharmD to continue caring for his community with cultural awareness and empathy.
Elvia Lomeli’s worldview shifted after an internship in Panama, where she saw firsthand the struggles families face without access to care. A first-generation graduate fluent in Spanish, she is passionate about expanding healthcare access for Latino communities. Her scholarship is funded by Dimopoulos Law.
Alex Gonzalez has served as a soldier, ICU nurse, and mentor. He was deployed to Kabul, worked through the intensity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and helped train nursing students along the way. Now, supported by Cure 4 The Kids Foundation and Christine Tonn, Alex is pursuing pharmacy to continue serving his community with compassion and skill.
South Jordan Campus – College of Pharmacy
Zachari Shoemaker spent two years in Mexico as a missionary, leading volunteers, managing service projects, and building relationships that left a lasting impression. Today, his bilingual skills and scientific training strengthen his pharmacy studies. His scholarship is supported by the Estate of Robert Stolman.
Luke Williams has built a life around service — from restoring campsites as an Eagle Scout to supporting families during his missionary work, to serving patients as a pharmacy technician. His scholarship is supported by RBM Services.
Jaxyn Cook grew up connected to her mother’s Mexican roots, returning to serve that same community through Ayuda En Mexico. She’s organized donation drives, delivered supplies, and supported children with special needs. Her healthcare work as a CNA and pharmacy technician adds another layer to her commitment to patient-centered care. Her scholarship is supported by the Estate of Robert Stolman.
Honoring Scholars and Donors Together
These 12 students represent the best of what it means to be a healthcare professional in the making: compassionate, resilient, and driven to serve. And behind each one is a donor who believed in their potential.
“Your generosity makes it possible for our Hero Scholars to pursue their dreams,” said Chancellor Eucharia Nnadi. “But it doesn’t stop there — your investment ripples outward into the communities these future healthcare professionals will serve.”
The 2025 Hero Scholars are more than recipients of financial support — they are role models for the future of healthcare. The donors who support them are partners in that mission, helping to ensure these students have what they need to succeed, and by extension, helping countless patients and families in the years to come.
To learn more about the 2025 class of Hero Scholars and the Hero Scholarship program, visit https://www.roseman.edu/student-experience/financial-aid/hero-scholars/.