Roseman University awards $100,000 in Hero Scholarships to help educate future nurses and pharmacists
Also featured in the Winter 2023 print edition of Roseman University’s spectRUm Magazine
Roseman University of Health Sciences today awarded its 2023 Hero Scholars at events held on its Henderson, Nevada and South Jordan, Utah campuses. Ten students accepted into the university’s Colleges of Pharmacy and Nursing were each awarded one-time $10,000 scholarships funded by the university in partnership with generous community partners and donors. Each scholar was selected based on their academic promise, financial need, community volunteerism, and leadership skills.
“In its second year, the Hero Scholars program was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify and reward future frontline healthcare professionals who selflessly volunteer to help improve their communities,” said Renee Coffman, PhD, Roseman University’s president and co-founder. “We are grateful for our community partners who have joined us in nurturing these students who have demonstrated heroic attributes in their everyday lives.”
The Roseman University 2023 Hero Scholars program is funded through donations by The Valley Health System, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging, Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, RBM Building Services, the Estate of Robert Stolman, the Renee Holder Memorial Scholarship Fund, and Roseman University Trustee Annette Logan-Parker.
The 2023 Roseman University Hero Scholars are:
Kaitlyn Hinton, Provo, Utah – A Pharmacy Scholar supported by the Estate of Robert Stolman, Kaitlyn Hinton passionately transforms communities through volunteerism. Inspired by combating hunger, she pioneered a mini food pantry in high school, catalyzing ongoing food bank support. Fluent in Spanish, she championed food bank accessibility at Snow College, aiding those with non-traditional work schedules. At Brigham Young University, her work with Community Action Services aided English and Spanish speakers. With leadership experience, she aims to unite interdisciplinary healthcare teams. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy at the South Jordan campus.
Diamante Boona, Las Vegas, Nevada – A Pharmacy Scholar supported by the Estate of Robert Stolman, Diamante Boona prioritizes community connection. Volunteering during her UNLV years, she helped a struggling student overcome math obstacles through the UNLV Buddies program. Over time, her commitment grew with a focus on uplifting underserved youth. Diamante led as treasurer of a pre-health UNLV organization, mastering budgeting and networking. Her resilience and empathy shone during event challenges, reflecting her teamwork skills. As a prospective pharmacist at the Henderson campus, she aims to foster success through clear communication and unity in healthcare.
Baunya Young, St. Paul, Minnesota – A Valley Health System supported Pharmacy Scholar Baunya Young has devoted herself to community since age seven. From farmers’ markets to leadership roles in Knight Crew and National Honor Society, her journey expanded to advocating for Hmong youth education and supporting Yaj vaj meng’s college program. Through sports and clubs, she developed empathy, accountability, and problem-solving. Guided by her brothers, Baunya is enrolled in the College of Pharmacy at the Henderson campus and aspires to be a leader in healthcare.
Kunla Young, St. Paul, Minnesota – Kunla Young, a Pharmacy Scholar supported by the Renee Holder Memorial Scholarship Fund, values community volunteerism for its enriching impact. A soccer enthusiast turned Knight Crew leader and volleyball captain, she’s adept at fostering unity and strategic thinking. Through pandemic work as a shift lead, she showcased her organizational and communication skills. Kunla sees her leadership seamlessly transitioning into pharmacy, aiming to lead healthcare teams with confidence. She is enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the Henderson campus.
Cynthia Tran, Denver, Colorado – A Nursing Scholar supported by the Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, Cynthia Tran is committed to community service and leadership. From volunteering at a retirement home at age 11 to co-founding “Socks for Denver,” she’s shown compassion and tangible impact. Cynthia led educational initiatives for parents through a local nonprofit, demonstrating collaboration and integrating diverse perspectives. Her leadership style centers on advocacy, mentorship, and active engagement in healthcare organizations, as she pursues a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the Henderson campus.
Lorpu Cooper, Walnut Creek, California – Lorpu Cooper, a Nursing Scholar proudly backed by the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, embodies global humanitarianism through diverse volunteering roles. From Hosea Helps to UNICEF and beyond, she’s honed skills in communication, conflict resolution, and project management. Lorpu’s international experiences, including aiding refugees and establishing an NGO in Liberia, reflect her unwavering dedication to helping others. She is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the Henderson campus.
Juliet Nnaji, North Las Vegas, Nevada – A Nursing Scholar supported by Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Juliet Nnaji channels her passion for health and helping others into inspiring volunteer work. From Nigeria to the US, she’s administered treatments to schoolchildren, facilitated clean water access, distributed food, and aided the homeless. Her innate leadership is marked by open-mindedness, creativity, and strong communication, all of which are showcased through her community service. She is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the Henderson campus.
She Davenport, Sacramento, California – She Davenport, a Nursing Scholar supported by Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging, discovered her passion for community service through her family’s experience with homelessness. Through her role at Feeding Friend, she led an effort to streamline donations and fundraising. She further developed her leadership skills as a CNA lead, organizing care plans and inclusive activities, resulting in remarkable patient outcomes. With open communication and nurturing skills, She envisions a nursing future where excellent patient care is her hallmark. She is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the Henderson campus.
Richard Villacarlos, Los Angeles, California – Richard Villacarlos, a Nursing Scholar from Los supported by Roseman University Trustee Annette Logan-Parker, began his journey at UCLA where he served programs like the UCLA Student-Initiated Outreach Center where he mentored high school students to enhance higher education access. Richard’s leadership developed in the program as he facilitated meetings, developed peers, and orchestrated impactful programs. He extended his passion to Kaiser Permanente’s Oncology Department, leading transformative yoga classes for stomach cancer patients. Combining over a decade of yoga experience, he exemplifies holistic well-being and dedicates himself to nursing. He is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the South Jordan campus.
Tyler Heese, Jefferson, Oregon – A Nursing Scholar supported by RBM Building Services, Tyler Heese exemplifies community service and leadership. After Oregon’s devastating Cedar Creek Fire, he dedicated 2,000 hours to rebuilding lives, constructing sheds for families with Mahema Community Church. As a CNA, Tyler’s compassionate care and communication stood out, fostering a positive environment. Leading peers, he transformed the work atmosphere into a respectful, collaborative space, prioritizing patient well-being. Tyler is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the South Jordan campus.
The 2023 Hero Scholars were selected by a committee of Roseman University faculty, administration, and staff who evaluated more than 60 scholarship applications. Hero Scholarships will be offered again next year at this time.