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Lasallian Speaker Reminds Graduates of Their Strength, Resilience, and Courage

Offering the Lasallian Address during Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University’s December 13 Winter Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies, Bachelor of Nursing recipient Leonimar Mapa aimed to inspire his peers by sharing his family’s journey as immigrants from the Philippines and his parents' sacrifices to provide opportunities for their children.

“I would like to celebrate and embrace the idea that all our challenges and experiences at Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University are what will give us the strength, resilience, and courage to succeed after college,” Mapa, a Crest Hill resident, said.

Selected for embodying the university’s Lasallian values and mission, Mapa addressed his fellow graduates and shared his inspiring journey as a first-generation immigrant, nursing student, and future U.S. Army nurse.

Mapa, president of Men Entering Nursing (MEN), exemplifies the Lasallian core principles of concern for the poor and social justice and inclusive community, as well as the university’s mission values of justice and fidelity. Throughout his time at Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University, he served his community, fostered inclusivity, and advocated for justice.

Reflecting on the values that have shaped his experience at Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå, Mapa stated, “Society cannot truly progress unless we take care of our own. As a future nurse, I feel a moral obligation to help those in need, without discrimination or judgment.”

Mapa promoted diversity in nursing by speaking at local high schools to encourage more male students to consider nursing careers. He also organized community service events at the VA Fisher House in Hines, Illinois, where he and his peers cooked meals for the families of hospitalized veterans.

In addition to his leadership roles, Mapa created the “Anatomy and Physiology Study Table” to support nursing students. Recognizing a resource gap, he fostered a nonjudgmental and interactive learning environment where students could build confidence in their studies.

Mapa’s Lasallian character extends beyond the campus. The Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå Army ROTC program made his internship at possible, and Mapa gained invaluable experience as a nurse. His time at “The President’s Hospital” solidified his desire to serve in the military.

Upon graduation, Mapa will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, aspiring to work in field hospitals and care for soldiers on the front lines.

“Service is at the heart of what it means to be Lasallian,” Mapa shared. “My goal is to care for America’s sons and daughters who selflessly serve our country. I am committed to upholding the values of justice, fidelity, and compassion in everything I do.”

Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University is a modern, enterprising, Catholic university with a growing student enrollment from GED through doctoral level programs. As part of the global Lasallian network of 65 universities, Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå is known for preparing graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.