Meet Our Undergraduate Scholars

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Philipose Scholars

“I chose the UB School of Nursing for its well-respected program that is known for producing excellent nurses. The reputation of the faculty and the comprehensive curriculum were key factors in my decision.”
3/26/24
Ameer Rizek, Philipose Scholar (ABS Program)

Connie Vari Scholarship

“This degree will allow me to advance my career in leadership and continue to advocate for the patients that I work with. ”
3/26/24
Joelle Szuniewicz, Connie Vari Scholarship (RN to BS Program)

Fuld Scholars

RN to BS and ABS Programs, Class of 2024

ABS Program, Class of 2023

“I love to challenge myself in all aspects of my life, and I feel that nurses are challenged everyday in the midst of patients, decisions and critical thinking. ”
12/4/23
Elizabeth Soles, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)

ABS Program, Class of 2022

“The scholarship’s contribution to my academic success will then help me be as prepared as possible when entering the nursing profession. ”
6/9/22
Kayla Deth, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
“As much as I thoroughly enjoyed my work on the administrative side of the [health care] industry, I now realize that I was too far removed from the patients ... I want to be on the frontlines of our health care system, working tirelessly to encourage, educate and advocate for each and every patient. ”
10/5/23
Thomas Gross, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
“I am grateful for being chosen as a recipient of the Fuld Fellowship, as I am now presented with the opportunity to give back to the community which I continue to call “home.”
10/14/21
Mei Liu, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
“When I decided to go back to school, I knew that UB would be my top choice. After attending the virtual ABS session, I fell in love with the design of the program and I knew it was time to come back home. ”
10/5/23
Dandrea Rynkewicz, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
“The Fuld Fellowship will help me very much to pay for tuition, books, and other supplies I will need and I am honored to have been selected. ”
10/14/21
Anya Whitcomb, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)

RN to BS, 2020 Cohort

"My current goal is to graduate from UB's RN to BS program and continue my education to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. I would love to be able to care for the immigrant population. As an immigrant myself, I wholeheartedly understand their struggle and consider myself very lucky to be able to assist them."
11/30/21
Talita Acciari , Fuld Fellow (RN to BS Program)
"I have always wanted to attend UB because of their reputation in regards to medical education."
1/12/21
Roberta Angielczyk, Fuld Fellow (RN to BS Program)
"My goal is to become a Family Nurse Practitioner ... I hope to continue to work in the field of rheumatology and help patients with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases."
1/12/21
Justin Bates, Fuld Fellow (RN to BS Program)
"UB offers so many opportunities for learning. Everyone has been extremely helpful in assisting me with reaching my goals by being so encouraging."
1/12/21
Ashley Dang, Fuld Fellow (RN to BS Program)
"UB's RN to BS program was a natural choice for me, as I felt like it would make transitioning to my graduate program easier."
1/12/21
Rachel Johnson, Fuld Fellow (RN to BS Program)

ABS Program, Class of 2021

ABS Program, Class of 2020

"Everyone who knew me knew I was going to be a nurse before I did. But it’s better late than never, and I am excited to pursue this career."
10/11/19
Elizabeth Johnson, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
"Nursing encompasses service and providing care to those in need, but is also a profession rooted in critical thinking that demands intelligence and resourcefulness ... ultimately, I chose nursing because I wanted to serve other people and be challenged every day."
7/23/20
June Rowe-Hill, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
"As a volunteer at a hospital, I watched nurses laugh, cry, advocate and educate their patients on numerous occasions. They had the most inspiring patient care impact that I had ever seen."
9/12/19
Mikayla Fayo, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
"After the birth of my second son and years of working in operations management, I realized that I no longer wanted to work to build someone else’s dream; it was time to start working towards achieving my own."
9/12/19
Stephanie Austin, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
"UB has positive, well-established relationships with local hospitals and clinics. I trust that the opportunities and tools the faculty and this program provide will undoubtedly drive my success as a future nurse."
9/12/19
Taylor Aquino, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
"I’m excited about the tremendous amount of interaction that nurses have with their patients, working closely with other health care professionals and the fast-paced work environment that constantly challenges you."
9/12/19
Victoria Hoeltke, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
"I went to UB for my first undergraduate degree in psychology and wanted to stay within the area for my nursing degree. I feel as if there are ample opportunities for clinical exposure in Buffalo due to the wide array of hospitals within the city."
9/12/19
Zheng Pan, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
"There is nothing more meaningful than helping people through their worst days; I cannot imagine a profession with more importance and beauty."
11/25/19
Lauren Kujawinski, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)

RN to BS, 2019 Cohort

"I am most interested in critical care, ER, and transplant … I like a fast paced environment where I can make a difference, improve outcomes and save lives."
7/23/20
Joseph Crane, Fuld Fellow (RN to BS Program)
"Taking care of people and making them feel better is something I love to do."
7/23/20
Lindsey Porter, Fuld Fellow (RN to BS Program)
"I was impressed with the reputation and standards that the UB School of Nursing holds. The RN-BS program offers a diverse and modern educational concept that mirrors nursing today."
7/23/20
Lynn Leonard, Fuld Fellow (RN-BS Program)
"Becoming a nurse was the first and most natural choice for a career."
7/23/20
Patricia Marques Lima Vieria, Fuld Fellow (RN to BS Program)
"With a nursing degree, you can accomplish so many different things. Once you have that license, opportunities arise and the possibilities are endless."
7/23/20
Sophia Schermerhorn, Fuld Fellow (RN to BS Program)
"UB's reputation in the medical field is second to none. I am incredibly excited to be a part of the UB community."
7/23/20
Angelea Smeal, Fuld Fellow (RN to BS Program)
"Now that I am a nurse, I get to be the strength for my patients when they are at their weakest. I get to improve my patients' quality of life beyond what they imagined."
7/23/20
Daniel Clever, Fuld Fellow (RN to BS Program)
"I have always worked in professions where I am helping people. It is something I am passionate about...Not only does nursing allow me to help people, but it allows me to learn new things on a daily basis."
7/23/20
Tyler Carney, Fuld Fellow (RN to BS Program)

ABS Program, Class of 2019

"I decided to enter into nursing after my volunteer work at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. I was drawn to the direct patient care and work that each nurse did for their patients. From that moment on, I knew that the nursing profession was something that I wanted to pursue."
10/11/19
Austin Nawotha, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
"UB has a wonderful reputation for being a tough, but phenomenal program ... The accelerated program was particularly attractive to me because the shortened length encouraged me to return for a second bachelor’s degree where I otherwise may not have considered returning to school."
10/11/19
Bobbi Blakeslee, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
"Now that my children are grown, I am going back to do what I started out to do and couldn’t be more excited."
12/19/19
Cari Gavin, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
"I’m interested in mental health/behavioral health nursing and hospice nursing. I think there’s a spiritual component to all forms of nursing. In mental health and hospice care, I feel that spiritual care (in whatever form that is meaningful to the person) is especially important."
1/10/19
Colleen Larson, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
"There is something incredibly special about the difference [nurses] are able to make in other people’s lives. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else."
1/10/19
Daniela Getman, Fuld Scholar (ABS Program)
"UB’s location is close to so many different hospitals; clinical experiences are in convenient and diverse locations and give students the opportunity to work with a variety of populations."
1/10/19
Laura Herrick, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
"I asked many nurses and midwives for advice on where to go to school, and the clear message that I heard was that graduate nurses from UB are more likely to get hired into difficult placements (like Labor and Delivery)."
1/10/19
Lori Gehl, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
"As many of us receiving this award have debt remaining from our previous education, the gift of a scholarship is greatly appreciated and, for me personally, a source of motivation to continue the hard work that has gotten me to where I am today."
12/19/19
Matt DiStasio, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
"After having my own kids I realized how important the nurses were in my birthing process ... I love being a mom and want to be a part of welcoming new moms into this adventure."
7/23/20
Rebecca Bielat, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)
"I truly want to serve patients and their families when they are vulnerable and helpless in order to make a meaningful impact."
1/10/19
Roy Phipps, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)