WesternU honors Board of Trustees Scholars

Front row (seated left to right): WesternU Board of Trustees Scholars Maria Jose Sarabia (College of Graduate Nursing), Felicia Ruth Delgadillo (College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific), Kacey Tran (College of Podiatric Medicine) and Diamond Bennett (College of Dental Medicine). Second row: WesternU Provost Paula Crone, DO '92, WesternU Board of Trustees member Dianne Philibosian, and WesternU President Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA. Back row: WesternU Board of Trustees member John Forbing. (Steven Webber, WesternU)

Western University of Health Sciences welcomed and celebrated four new Board of Trustees Scholars at a dinner Sept. 5, 2024 in Pomona, California.

For the first time, BOT Scholars from all three cohorts gathered together to be recognized for their accomplishments and for their special role in shepherding the University forward toward a healthier future.

The 2024 Board of Trustees Scholars are:

Diamond Bennett, College of Dental Medicine

Felicia Ruth Delgadillo, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Maria Jose Sarabia, College of Graduate Nursing

Kacey Tran, College of Podiatric Medicine

WesternU Senior Vice President of University Student Affairs Beverly Guidry, EdD, at the Board of Trustees Scholars Dinner. (Steven Webber, WesternU)

WesternU Senior Vice President of University Student Affairs Beverly Guidry, EdD, serves as the co-chair of the Board of Trustees Scholarship Committee along with WesternU Vice President for Humanism, Equity, and Anti-Racism (HEAR) Suresh Appavoo, EdD.

"Tonight is a celebration of community," Guidry said. "It is our desire this evening to show our Scholars and their guests, their family members, who WesternU really is. It's a community of individuals who are humanistic, who do care about one another and we want our scholars to know that for those who are just entering their academic programs, and for the continuing scholars, that we are here to support you. Your deans, your faculty, the staff within your colleges and the staff and administrators throughout the University. It's about community and it's about recognizing and celebrating our scholars."

On September 5, 2024, the Board of Trustees & the HEAR Office held a Board of Trustees Scholarship Dinner at the Sheraton Fairplex in Pomona. New scholars were celebrated, and past scholars were in attendance. Warm regards were given by many speakers, including the President and Provost.
Please note: all drinks shown in the pictures are non-alcoholic.

WesternU has adopted humanism as a core value for this institution, said WesternU President Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA.

"To me it really does mean integrity and respect. It means compassion, equity and kindness to all. It means we're learning to heal others. In my mind, that's why it's such an important core value," Farias-Eisner said about humanism. "In my mind, this Scholars program really embodies the diversity of humanity. Our Scholars are special in many ways because you represent what we believe in, and for that I'm very honored to be part of this whole process, and I look forward to it growing to become much bigger and much greater."

Board of Trustees members John Forbing and Dianne Philibosian represented the Board at the event.

On September 5, 2024, the Board of Trustees & the HEAR Office held a Board of Trustees Scholarship Dinner at the Sheraton Fairplex in Pomona. New scholars were celebrated, and past scholars were in attendance. Warm regards were given by many speakers, including the President and Provost.
Please note: all drinks shown in the pictures are non-alcoholic.

"The Board of Trustees recognize that in order to be able to allow students to pursue their academic excellence, free from so many of the economic barriers that are faced by students especially in the medical and health professions, we needed to do something to really allow them to spend their time focused on their studies, on their academic pursuits, and on achieving academic excellence because they're the ones who will be caring for us in the future," Philibosian said.

The Board established the endowed scholarship with a $6 million fund, and they hope to grow that, Philibosian said.

"We hope to grow that in the future so it can extend to far more students as we become a place of true access and freedom from those economic barriers that so often prevent aspiring successful, high-potential individuals from completing a higher education in graduate studies," she said. "Together you all form a real cadre of exceptional practitioners. You're advancing knowledge and practice in your chosen field and you provide that compassionate care for others. You shine brightly for WesternU and through your distinctive accomplishments. You'll be propelling us in the future."

On September 5, 2024, the Board of Trustees & the HEAR Office held a Board of Trustees Scholarship Dinner at the Sheraton Fairplex in Pomona. New scholars were celebrated, and past scholars were in attendance. Warm regards were given by many speakers, including the President and Provost.
Please note: all drinks shown in the pictures are non-alcoholic.

CGN Master of Science in Nursing graduate Dámaris Abigail Garza, MSN '24, was among the "First Five" students to receive the BOT Scholarship in 2022. She spoke on behalf of the returning Scholars. Also in attendance were 2022 Scholars Allison Belaunde, College of Veterinary Medicine; Tenzin Choedon, College of Optometry; and Hye (Hanna) Chu, College of Health Sciences, Physician Assistant Studies; (COMP-Northwest student Martin Allums was on clinical rotation and unable to attend); and 2023 Scholars Brianna Etienne, CVM; Gabriela Salazar, College of Dental Medicine; and Isabel Tabaha Satala, CGN.

In addition to being a very beneficial financial resource that has alleviated the burden of pursuing higher education and the cost that accompanies that, the BOT Scholarship has also been a source of incredible encouragement throughout her journey, Garza said.

"One of the most significant gifts that this scholarship has provided is connection amongst the Scholars. I have formed lasting friendships with fellow recipients that I know were built upon our shared ambition and our mutual support. Together we navigated the rigorous demands of our health care programs, cheering each other on through every challenge, every exam, and celebrating every success," Garza said. "Beyond that, the mentorship and guidance that we have received has been invaluable. The encouragement from those who believe in our potential has served as a constant reminder that we are not alone in this journey, and it has motivated me to keep pushing forward, knowing that there is a community invested in my growth and in our growth as a whole.

"To the Board of Trustees, thank you so much for your generosity and for believing in us. This scholarship has allowed us to dream bigger, work harder and move us closer to our goals," she added. "Not only has it enhanced our student experience, but it has also prepared us to make a meaningful impact in the field of health care."

Each of the 2024 Scholars also shared words of appreciation and inspiration at the dinner. College of Dental Medicine student Diamond Bennett said dentistry is a beautiful field. Dentists are artists who fix teeth and leaders who guide dental teams.

"And most importantly, we are health care providers entrusted with placing our patients' interests above self. After taking a good look at what dentistry means to me, I know it goes far beyond improving the quality of a patient's oral health," Bennett said. "Dentists can boost our patients' self-esteem, contribute in various ways to outreach programs, and reduce health care disparities."

Giving is not just about making a donation, it's about making a difference, Bennett said.

"You have truly made a difference, both academically and personally," she said. "Getting here was hard work and knowing there are people behind the scenes investing in my future motivates me to work harder. I look forward to the day when I can give to my community the way my sponsors have given to me. I want to once again thank you for this scholarship and the confidence you have in my future endeavors."

COMP student Felicia Ruth Delgadillo has dedicated the past six years to mentoring young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them break barriers and pursue their interest in STEM fields.

"I am more than grateful to be a first-generation Latina who can now attend such an outstanding school and achieve my dream of becoming a physician. I now have the opportunity to increase the percentage of Hispanic physicians out there and be the change that I want to see in the world," Delgadillo said. "I also hope that my story can inspire the next generation of young Latinas that they can do whatever they put their mind to, and that achieving their dreams is possible."

She hopes to become an OB/GYN specializing in women's health and issues, serving underserved communities with little or no access to quality health care, Delgadillo said.

"I'm also dedicated to volunteering as a mentor to young girls in disadvantaged areas, empowering them to overcome barriers and to become whatever they want in the future, throughout my school years and in my career," she said. "Thank you for your generosity and for changing the lives of people like me."

College of Graduate Nursing student Maria Jose Sarabia said the scholarship will help her financially support herself while pursuing her graduate degree.

"As a first-generation Mexican American, coming from a low-income background, I have faced many barriers to accessing higher education, including high costs, added responsibilities, and the overwhelming requirements of graduate school," Sarabia said. "Belonging to a historically marginalized community creates this doom loop mindset that not being able to see oneself succeed in higher education because all those around me have failed. Being able to become a successful nurse will encourage those around me that higher education is achievable and I will be able to better assist my patients and their health. Navigating through overwhelming systems without any guidance was difficult but manageable. Working toward my graduate nursing degree will be demanding but not impossible, for each time that I have failed I have had greater success."

College of Podiatric Medicine student Kacey Tran thanked the scholarship donors and said as a low-income, first-generation student, receiving this scholarship is an honor.

"This scholarship represents not only a financial contribution but also a vote of confidence in my academic pursuits and aspirations," Tran said. "With my experience growing up in a low-income community, I have faced many of the same health disparities our patients have faced. From lack of access to resources to language barriers, these factors have become my motivators and my purpose to why I want to be in medicine. I want to be in the fight to reduce health disparities and to improve community health outcomes."

She hopes to provide quality health care and podiatric medical services in free clinics for low-income and marginalized communities throughout Southern California.

"I believe health care is a right and not a privilege for all of humanity," Tran said. "Thank you again for your generosity and thank you for enabling me to pursue my dreams."

WesternU Provost Paula Crone, DO '92, said the BOT Scholars are not just the future of health care, they are the embodiment of the values and mission that drive WesternU forward. She thanked the Board of Trustees for their unwavering support and commitment to these bright minds.

"To our scholars, all of you in this room, you have already accomplished so much. Tonight is a testament to your hard work, your resilience and your passion. But remember, this is just the beginning," Crone said. "You are part of a community that believes in you, that stands behind you and that will continue to support you as you move forward in your careers. We are all excited to see the incredible impact that you're going to make in your fields and in the lives of your patients and the communities that you are going to serve."

She also encouraged everyone in the room to carry the spirit of this evening with them.

"Let it fuel your ambitions, inspire your actions, and remind you of the incredible potential you have to affect change," Crone said. "Thank you for being here tonight and for your ongoing dedication to our WesternU community. Together, we're building better futures for patients and for communities, and we're doing it one student and one scholar at a time."

WesternU Board of Trustees Scholars. Front row left to right: Maria Jose Sarabia, Felicia Ruth Delgadillo, Kacey Tran and Diamond Bennett. Back row left to right: Hye (Hanna) Chu, Dámaris Garza, Allison Belaunde, Tenzin Choedon, Gabriela Salazar, Brianna Etienne, and Isabel Tabaha Satala. (Steven Webber, WesternU)

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