Wailea Community Association ‘adopts’ UHMC Nursing Program

The Wailea Community Association (WCA) started supporting the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Nursing Program during the pandemic. Since then, it has donated almost $300,000, with almost $100,000 of that just this year.

The shift in the WCA’s scholarship strategy during the pandemic led to its support of Maui’s nurses in three critical areas:

1. Paying graduates’ licensing fees which involves traveling to O’ahu, and paying for their national board exam and for their ground transportation.
2. Helping to pay for required and expensive study software.
3. Scholarships for those graduates pursuing their Bachelor of Science Degrees in Nursing.

Many students have to work full time and care for family while attending college. Organization leaders say the financial assistance provided by the WCA makes things easier and less stressful. Without the help, some might not be able to get their credentials at all, according to a program announcement.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the Wailea Community Association and their unwavering support of the UH Maui College Nursing Program,” said UHMC Allied Health Department Chair Mary Farmer.  “We are so grateful for their generosity and giving spirit.”

“Healthcare is always a concern – whether an accident, virus, or ailments that come with aging – so it makes helping develop the best nursing care for the future of our island community a necessity,” said WCA General Manager Frank “Bud” Pikrone. “WCA is proud to be a part of the UH nursing program.”

Mary Jicel Butac is just one of hundreds of Maui nurses who has benefited from the WCA gifts. “The Wailea Community Association has helped me fulfill my educational goals and I am truly grateful for its generosity,” said Butac. “I obtained my Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing this past May and I am currently working at Hale Makua as a registered nurse. I would not be in this position without the assistance of the WCA. I will continue to help my community as an RN and hope to give back in the same magnitude as the WCA has.”