Cruz, Tabura to receive nursing scholarships at Filipino Chamber annual meeting

LIHU‘E — Two Kaua‘i Community College nursing program students will be receiving their nursing scholarships during the Kaua‘i Filipino Chamber of Commerce meeting, starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at Kaua‘i Beach Resort.

Jennifer Tabura of Lihu‘e and Julienne Mae Cruz of Kapa‘a were both named recipients of the KFCC nursing scholarships ahead of the KFCC dinner meeting, where KCC Chancellor Dr. Helen Cox will be the special guest speaker.

Tabura, a graduate of Kapa‘a High School, was motivated to pursue a career in nursing after seeing a family member in the hospital’s intensive care unit for a week.

“It was definitely an eye- opener for her,” said Edie Ignacio of the KFCC Scholarship Committee. “Jennifer witnessed other nurses try their best to save a life. It was at that moment she realized she wanted to be a nurse for a living.”

Cruz, also a graduate of Kapa‘a High School, recently earned her Certified Nurses’ Assistant and is currently working at an assisted living facility on the island as a medical technician and caregiver.

Cox became the KCC chancellor on Aug. 12, 2008. Prior to that, she served as associate vice president of instruction at Salt Lake Community College, a position she held since 2003.

During her more than 25 years in higher education, mostly at Salt Lake Community College, Cox has served as executive assistant to the president, division chair and faculty member.

Cox received her doctoral degree in English-American studies from the University of Utah, where she did her master’s work in English-American literature. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature from Harvard University.

Visit www.kauaifilipinochamber.org or call 651-9139 for more information.

• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.