Representatives from TakeCare Insurance Company presented a $100,000 check to UOG's School of Health on August 11. From left to right: Students from the nursing class of 2018, Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. Nelson Franco, UOG Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Ana Joy Mendez, UOG President Dr. Robert Underwood, Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Kathryn Wood, TakeCare President Jeff Larsen, Dean of the School of Health Dr. Margaret Hattori-Uchima, Instructor James Finch, FHP Nursing Manager Celeste Almira, and TakeCare Controller Al Almira.

Faculty, students and senior executives from the University of Guam recently accepted a $100,000 check from TakeCare Insurance Company on August 11.

The donation is part of a multi-year partnership with the University, which concludes in 2020.

“The TakeCare contribution allows for the program to be innovative and expand opportunities for student learning beyond the minimum required curriculum,” said Dean of the School of Health Dr. Margaret Hattori-Uchima.

The funds from TakeCare contribute to clinical mentorships at Guam Memorial Hospital where this past summer, 40 students were able to take advantage of this tremendous learning opportunity.

Program initiatives that led to the 100% NCLEX pass rate of the 2016 Bachelor of Nursing graduates were also paid for with the TakeCare funds. The NCLEX is a standardized test nursing majors must take to become registered nurses.

The money also funds an NCLEX online review course for students, faculty development and training on NCLEX, education development for current and future faculty, and other instructional supplies needed to ensure a quality nursing education is provided to our students.

TakeCare President Jeff Larsen said that over the past decade that the partnership has existed, he has seen the positive impact the donation makes on each nursing class.

“TakeCare has and will continue to support the future of Guam’s health care industry through the investment of the University of Guam's School of Nursing and its students,” Larsen said. “TakeCare's mission is to constantly improve the quality and standards of healthcare for our members as well as our island community."