Nursing School Fund Mounts

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Chaminade University recently received $6 million in endowments from two widowers that, pending approval by the state nursing board, will allow it to open an undergraduate nursing program next fall.

Dentist Lawrence Tseu, a CU regent, pledged a capital gift of $1 million in honor of his late wife and the nurses who cared for her in her final days. Tseu’s donation will help renovate the nursing education center, soon to be named the Dr. Lawrence and BoHing Chan Tseu Center for Nurse Education. Associate nursing dean Stephanie Genz said this gift will ensure that the center is a state-of-the-art facility with an excellent learning environment.

Dr. Edison Miyawaki, also a Chaminade regent, pledged $5 million toward the Sallie Y. Miyawaki School of Nursing in honor of his late wife, who was an RN. Miyawaki’s gift is the second largest gift the university has ever received from an individual and the first to endow a program.

“We were very excited to hear about these generous gifts,“said Genz.“My initial response included being amazed by the community support of the school and its proposed nursing program. I also was touched by the generosity of these two gentlemen and the tribute they are paying to their wives. These women were obviously loved and respected by their husbands and families,and what a wonderful legacy these gifts will provide for them.”

An informational session on the program is set for 9 to 11 a.m. this Saturday at the Student Center in Clarence T.C. Ching Hall. For details, call 739-8340. The baccalaureate program will ensure that students earn a bachelor of science degree in nursing and will be prepared to take the national certification exam.

“We are planning to educate nurses ‘from Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, for Hawaii and the Pacific Islands,‘building the nursing work-force here and nationally,” she added noting that they expect to graduate around 40 students per year.

Chaminade will present its Phase II report to the Board of Nursing in the spring. If approved student enrollment will begin. Genz foresees a great future for its students and the state as a whole, as it will reduce the nursing shortage projected over the next decade.