Honolulu holds a place where aspirations take flight. Here stands Webster Hall home to the Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing. This is no ordinary building. It is a place where future nurses are shaped.
Ernest Charles Webster has a strong connection to this hall. He was a professor of mathematics and engineering here from 1925 to 1928. Webster also served as Dean of Men and Dean of Student Personnel. His dedication to the University is honored in the building’s name.
Later the Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing found its home here. The school offers bachelor’s and graduate degrees in nursing. They also provide hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology. Clinic work is included in the programs.
In 2022, Webster Hall received new signage. It officially recognized the home of the Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing. This was after Dr. Nancy Atmospera-Walch made a transformational gift to the school. The gift ensures the quality of nursing education and supports student success. Community service and the nursing profession also benefit.
Dr. Atmospera-Walch is a proud UH alumna. She earned multiple degrees from the School of Nursing. She is also the founder of ADVANTAGE Health Care Provider Inc. and the AIM Healthcare Institute. Before that she worked at The Queen’s Medical Center for nearly 30 years.
Dr. Atmospera-Walch said her nursing education greatly influenced her life. She hopes every nursing student passing through these doors achieves their dreams.
Her gift focuses on key areas. These are school health for Hawaiʻi’s children and addressing the nursing workforce shortage. Her donation supports future nurses and develops early-career nursing faculty.
The interim dean, Clementina D. Ceria-Ulep, praised Nancy’s generosity. She called her a compassionate nurse and a savvy businesswoman. She also acknowledged her as a dedicated family woman and a role model.
Tim Dolan highlighted the impact of Atmospera-Walch’s gift. He mentioned that it would benefit nursing students and faculty for years. It will also create opportunities for future nurses.
Born in the Philippines, Atmospera-Walch moved to Hawai’i after high school. Despite initial discouragement, she earned multiple degrees at UH Mānoa.
After nearly three decades at The Queen’s Medical Center, she founded ADVANTAGE Health Care Provider, Inc. She also established the AIM Healthcare Institute.
She received the 2017 Dean’s Scholarly Project Award. This was for her work on improving patient safety. The program has since been implemented nationwide.
The Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing is a leader in nursing education. It supports UH Mānoa’s mission. This is providing an innovative and multicultural environment. The school is committed to increasing representation of underserved communities in nursing programs. Webster Hall is a place where future health leaders are fostered. The school contributes significantly to healthcare in Hawai’i and beyond.