A heartfelt gesture from one of Bemidji State's committed young alumni has put future registered nurses from the BSU class of 2020 on the fast-track to making a difference in the health of their communities.
Than "Alan" Htaik Lwin, a 2005 BSU graduate and 2019 Young Alumni Award recipient, will cover the cost of NCLEX exam fees for BSU’s 49 recently-graduated registered nursing students. The NCLEX exam, or the National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardized test that every state regulatory board uses to determine if a candidate is ready to enter into professional nursing practice in the United States.
“This thoughtful and generous donor, after seeing what nurses are doing in this time of a global health pandemic, is honoring those ready to enter the field of nursing and thereby making an impact on the future of nursing. This is a gift that will positively impact the health of our communities,” said Marci Maple, chair of the BSU nursing department. “This is one of the most heartfelt gifts I have witnessed.”
Lwin was an international student at BSU and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Following graduation, he returned to his home country of Myanmar and is currently the CEO of Proven Group of Companies. Supporting his community amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has been important to Lwin. As the acting president of Yangon Region Young Entrepreneur Association, he also helped raise over $150,000 to fund meals for the doctors, nurses and lab experts fighting COVID-19 in Myanmar.
“I sincerely hope my gift will help both BSU and the nursing students to get them ready to assist the community of Bemidji,” Lwin said. “I am so honored to be part of the program.”
