SpectRUm: Roseman University Celebrates Class of 2024 Hero Scholars

On September 19, Roseman University proudly announced its fourth and largest class of Hero Scholars for 2024 at an awards luncheon held simultaneously on the Henderson and South Jordan campuses. Created in 2021, the Hero Scholarship program was inspired by the heroism of frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program supports aspiring students who demonstrate academic promise, financial need, community volunteerism, and leadership skills. Since its inception, the program has awarded an impressive $350,000 in scholarships, making a significant impact on the lives of future healthcare professionals.

Vanessa Maniago, Vice President for Strategic Implementation and Engagement at Roseman University and creator of the Hero Scholars program, shared the program’s significance: “The Hero Scholarship is not just financial support; it’s a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.” She adds, “We recognized that heroism comes in many forms – and is complex. After all, heroes are rarely simple.”

The event also recognized donors to the Hero Scholar program. The generosity of these donors not only provides financial support but also demonstrates a strong belief in the potential of our students and the importance of nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. “Their investment in our Hero Scholars is an investment in the future of healthcare and the communities these students will serve,” said Maniago. “As we celebrate this year’s class of Hero Scholars, we also celebrate the spirit of philanthropy and community partnership that makes this program possible. Thank you to all our donors for your commitment to education, healthcare, and the success of these exceptional students.”

This year’s class includes 11 exceptional individuals pursuing careers in pharmacy and nursing across Roseman’s Henderson, Nevada, and South Jordan, Utah campuses. Each scholar’s journey reflects a unique blend of dedication to community service, leadership, and a passion for healthcare.

2024 Hero Scholars

Cielo Angela Ebonia (Pharmacy, Henderson) – Supported by Carrara Nevada

Cielo, a Filipino immigrant, has been an active member of the Filipino-American Alliance of Nevada since 2019. Her volunteer work extends to the Humane Society and the Reno VA Medical Center. Cielo’s leadership journey, from guiding her siblings to supervising at Starbucks and mentoring in NevadaFIT, showcases her ability to foster positive environments and motivate others.

Noemi Hernandez (Pharmacy, Henderson) – Supported by Dimopoulos Law Firm

Growing up in a Hispanic household, Noemi was inspired to bridge language gaps in healthcare. She volunteered extensively with Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, using her bilingual skills to connect with underserved individuals. As President of the Association of Pre-Health Professionals, Noemi demonstrated strong leadership skills. She is part of the CVS Health Spanish Pathway program in the College of Pharmacy.

Zara Maissian (Pharmacy, Henderson) – Supported by The Valley Health System

Zara’s five-year involvement with Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Organization, where she led Creative Expressions, an art therapy initiative, demonstrates her commitment to community service. As a certified medical assistant in dermatology, she honed her patient care skills. Zara also served as Director of Philanthropy for Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, raising over $20,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities in 2022.

Valerie Tran (Pharmacy, Henderson) – Supported by REQ

Valerie’s six-year involvement with the Thanksgiving Super Feast and four years with the Houston Rodeo Committee showcase her dedication to community service. She participated in dental missions in Laredo, TX, and volunteered at a hospital and pharmacy. At the University of Houston, Valerie engaged in various community initiatives and mentored students in research projects.

Danielle Oca (Nursing, Henderson) – Supported by the Las Vegas Aviators

Inspired by her single mother’s work as a caregiver, Danielle discovered her passion for community service through Key Club in high school. Her volunteer work ranges from elementary school festivals to food donation drives. As Vice President and Treasurer of her Key Club, Danielle honed her leadership skills, learning the importance of communication and fostering teamwork.

Lauren Ploeg (Nursing, Henderson) – Supported by the Roadrunner Scholarship Fund

Lauren’s commitment to service was instilled by her family’s tradition of volunteering, participating in church-organized Christmas dinners and the “Christmas in April” program for seniors. Her leadership journey progressed through various roles, including student body president and Thespian Troupe leader, honing her skills in organization, problem-solving, and public speaking.

Laleleimonalisa Howard (Nursing, Henderson) – Supported by Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada

For the past two years, Laleleimonalisa has dedicated herself to supporting underprivileged youth, organizing educational workshops, mentoring sessions, and recreational activities. As a student leader, she has spearheaded healthcare awareness campaigns, collaborating with local providers to promote preventive care and wellness.

Kaitlin Lanzi (Pharmacy, South Jordan) – Supported by RBM Building Services

Kaitlin has demonstrated a strong commitment to community health through her volunteer work in vaccine administration, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership skills have been recognized in various roles, from supervising at a coffee shop to advancing as a lead technician in pharmacy settings.

Shetu Patel (Pharmacy, South Jordan) – Supported by Trustee Carlene Walker

Drawing inspiration from her Indian heritage and single mother’s resilience, Shetu has dedicated herself to community service in healthcare. For three years, she has volunteered as a translator at a local clinic, bridging language gaps for Indian patients. As the first American-born member of her immigrant family, Shetu aims to use her unique perspective to advocate for underserved communities.

Paula Lopez (Nursing, South Jordan) – Supported by HCA Healthcare

During the pandemic, Paula volunteered extensively at COVID-19 vaccination clinics, using her Spanish language skills to assist predominantly Hispanic communities. She also contributed to mobile health clinics, providing care to underserved populations. As an assistant manager-in-training at In-N-Out, Paula has developed strong leadership skills in team coordination.

Julie Nguyen (Nursing, South Jordan) – Supported by HCA Healthcare

Julie’s commitment to service began in her youth, volunteering at her local church’s food pantry for eight years. Her dedication expanded through college, participating in international aid projects with the UC Davis Rotaract Club. Working as a medical assistant, Julie demonstrated leadership by advocating for expanded responsibilities for her team and fostering a supportive work environment.

Eryn Dotta (Nursing, South Jordan) – Supported by the Porter Group

Eryn’s dedication to community service shines through her volunteer work at the Columbus Center City of South Salt Lake, where she led fitness activities for seniors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Eryn demonstrated exceptional leadership in a hospital setting by prioritizing patient advocacy, learning basic phrases in multiple languages to overcome communication barriers.

These Hero Scholars embody the spirit of compassion, leadership, and dedication that Roseman University seeks to foster in future healthcare professionals. “The next generation of healthcare providers, all of you here today, gives us enormous hope for the future of healthcare. Your compassion, tenacity, caring, and drive to succeed are second to none,” said Maniago.

The diverse backgrounds and experiences of these scholars promise to enrich the healthcare landscape and make a positive impact in their communities. Maniago concluded the event, saying, “We can’t wait to see what you do in this world. Congratulations. And finally, a sincere thank you to our donors, whose leadership has enabled this incredible moment. Thank you for believing in these students and for believing in Roseman University.”