The Arellano University–International Nursing Program (AU-INP) proudly celebrates another milestone as its newest batch of students officially graduated from West Virginia University during the May 2026 Commencement Ceremony held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.
Representing the AU-INP were Michaela Cassandra Aguilar, Alyssa Gwen Buñol, and Lee Thuy Vy Tran, all of whom began their nursing journey at AU-INP in 2022. This group represents the second batch of AU-INP completers to graduate from WVU since the partnership between Arellano University and West Virginia University officially began in 2024. Among the graduates, Ms. Aguilar and Ms. Buñol earned the distinction of graduating Magna Cum Laude, reflecting their outstanding academic achievement and commitment to excellence in nursing education
Through the AU-INP and WVU collaborative initiative, students complete their first three years of nursing education in the Philippines before transferring to WVU for their final academic year in the United States. The program enables students to earn an internationally recognized Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree while gaining advanced clinical training and firsthand exposure to the U.S. healthcare system. Graduates are also NCLEX-prepared and eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination after graduation, helping them pursue globally competitive nursing careers
In a short video clip shared by the WVU School of Nursing Facebook page, graduate Ms. Tran shared her excitement about the next chapter of her nursing career. When asked about her plans after graduation, she expressed her enthusiasm about joining J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, saying, “I cannot wait to work there. As a nurse, officially.”
The success of these graduates reflects the continuing strength of the partnership between Arellano University and West Virginia University and serves as an inspiration to future AU-INP students who aspire to pursue globally competitive nursing education
As AU-INP continues to produce internationally trained nursing professionals, the program remains committed to empowering future nurses with world-class education and global opportunities to make meaningful contributions to healthcare both in the Philippines and abroad.
- Ms. Carla Gonzales, RN, MAN
