- $10,000 scholarship awarded: Kennya Benoit received the 2026 Health Care Scholars United Scholarship from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). The award is renewable for a second year, potentially totaling $20,000.
-
National leadership opportunity: Benoit received a fully funded sponsorship to attend HACU’s ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute, where she connected with students and professionals from across the country.
-
A future in patient care: Inspired by personal experiences, Benoit is pursuing a degree in nuclear medicine technology and hopes to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.
Kennya Benoit, a student in °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï's nuclear medicine technology program, has received the 2026 Health Care Scholars United Scholarship from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). The $10,000 award recognizes her academic promise and commitment to pursuing a career in health care.
The scholarship provides financial support for the 2026-27 academic year and is renewable for a second year, potentially bringing the total award to $20,000. Benoit also received a fully funded sponsorship to attend HACU's ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute Student Track at its 40th annual conference, held Oct. 30-Nov. 2, 2026.
For Benoit, a first-generation college student, the recognition represents more than financial assistance. It is an acknowledgment of her hard work and determination to pursue a career dedicated to helping others.
"Honestly, I almost passed out! I could hardly believe it," Benoit recalled when describing her reaction to receiving the scholarship. "I was beyond grateful because I was still adjusting to my transition to Molloy and the financial responsibilities of college. Receiving this scholarship felt like a blessing because it lifted a significant financial burden and allowed me to focus more on my education and future."
Benoit's decision to pursue a career in health care stems from personal experiences. After losing family members whose health care needs she believes were not adequately met, she was inspired to pursue a profession where she could make a difference in the lives of patients.
"Losing family members whom I felt were too young to die because their healthcare needs were not adequately met inspired me to be part of the change I want to see in healthcare," Benoit shared. "My goal is to become a skilled, compassionate nuclear medicine technologist who provides quality care and makes a meaningful difference in people's lives."
Expected to graduate in December 2028, Benoit is pursuing her degree through Molloy's Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences. She credits Molloy’s welcoming environment and supportive faculty and staff with helping her adjust to college life.
Benoit expressed particular appreciation for Pamela Ghigliotti, the Student Success team, nuclear medicine technology program director Marc Fischer and the financial aid staff for their guidance and encouragement.
"Everyone I've reached out to has been helpful and responsive, making my transition easier," she said. "I'm truly grateful for the people who have helped make Molloy feel like a supportive place to grow."
Fischer, who supported Benoit's scholarship application, praised her achievement and the opportunities it will provide.
"Kennya is an energetic, engaging and enthusiastic student who has demonstrated tremendous potential for success in her academic and professional journey," Fischer said. "We are incredibly proud of her achievement and excited that she will have this opportunity to connect with professionals and fellow student leaders from across the country. We know she will represent °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï and our Nuclear Medicine Technology program exceptionally well."
John R. Patro Jr., PhD, associate dean for health sciences, emphasized the significance of the scholarship for Benoit's academic and professional development.
"Receiving a national scholarship of this magnitude is an outstanding accomplishment, and we could not be prouder of Kennya," Patro said. "This recognition speaks to her dedication, initiative and tremendous potential as a future healthcare professional. Beyond the financial support, the opportunity to participate in a national leadership institute will allow her to build meaningful connections and further develop the skills that will serve her throughout her career. We are excited to have her representing °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences."
The national leadership institute brought together students from colleges and universities across the country for professional development, networking and career exploration. Benoit’s sponsorship covers travel, accommodations and conference registration.
"I'm looking forward to meeting new people, learning from different perspectives and building meaningful connections," Benoit said ahead of the conference. "I'm excited to step outside my comfort zone, grow professionally and discover opportunities that can help me advance in my healthcare career."
Benoit also hopes her experience encourages other students to pursue scholarships and educational opportunities, even when they may seem out of reach.
"I encourage students to apply for every scholarship they qualify for and not count themselves out before trying," she advised. "Don't be afraid to share your story, challenges and goals. There are organizations that genuinely want to support students and ease the financial burden of education. You never know which opportunity could change your life, so take the chance and believe in yourself."
For Benoit, the scholarship is not only an opportunity to advance her education but also a source of inspiration to support others in the future.
"One day, I hope to give back and offer others the same encouragement and support I've received," she shared.
