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Mr. Andrew C.G. & Dr. Ruth Tan Lim

Scholarship

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Dr. Lim is a pediatrician with over 50 years of experience, an Army Reservist who served in Operation Desert Storm, a participant in 23 medical missions, a peace advocate, mentor to medical students (including Sonoran’s medical students), and a lifelong learner who has taken every Acupuncture and Homeopathy course Sonoran offers. Mr. Lim was raised in Hong Kong, completed his education in chemical engineering in the United States, and worked for nearly three decades at Motorola helping establish 21st century mobile communication. He too, has been a supporter of Sonoran for many years.

In recognition of their generosity, Sonoran’s Community Commons building is being renamed the Mr. Andrew C.G. and Dr. Ruth Tan Lim Commons. While you can read the official name on the building, we will refer to it as the Lim Commons.

 

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Recent Recipient - Alayzia McLeod

I am the president of my cohort, a peer mentor, and have recently joined the curriculum committee of SUHS. I have interests in Traditional Chinese
Medicine, Botanical Medicine, and Homeopathy. Overall, I am enjoying my time at Sonoran and am eager to expand my knowledge as I continue through this program. I express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities and resources that are presented to us students, and I am again thankful to this committee for your support through the Mr. Andrew C.G. & Dr. Ruth Tan Lim Scholarship.

Recent Recipient - Elizabeth Rapacz

My name is Elizabeth Rapacz! I am from Pinetop, Arizona and am a Quarter 9 student. I am passionate about modalities such as Applied Kinesiology and Traditional Chinese Medicine and expanding the field of Naturopathic Medicine through research. In the future, I want to open my own clinic and travel to underserved areas, like the reservation I grew up near, to provide care for those in need. I am incredibly grateful to have received this scholarship which gets me one step closer to providing that care as a Naturopathic Physician!
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Recent Recipient - Tierra Wilson

Tierra Wilson is a naturopathic medical student at Sonoran University of Health Sciences, where she is dedicated to helping others achieve health and vitality through integrative and holistic care. Prior to starting her medical studies, Tierra devoted nearly two decades in healthcare leadership, where she trained and guided teams of healthcare professionals, supported patients and families, and helped to expand access to quality care. These experiences taught her that healing is not just about treatment plans, it’s about truly listening, understanding people’s stories, and creating space for care that restores dignity and hope.

 

Tierra earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences with minors in Business Administration and African American and African Studies from The Ohio State University. She also served in the United States Army Reserves, where she gained resilience, discipline, and a deep commitment to service, qualities that continue to shape her journey as both a student and future doctor.

 

Her professional and personal experiences revealed that healing is not about quick answers, but about walking alongside people as they discover strength, balance, and renewed health. This realization drew her to naturopathic medicine. Tierra’s vision is to specialize in endocrinology, supporting patients in restoring balance, reclaiming their health, and thriving in every stage of life. As a scholarship recipient, she is deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue her training and fulfill her purpose of bringing greater healing and access to those she will one day serve.

Recent Recipient - Autumn Aguiar

Autumn is a dedicated naturopathic medical student (Q11) passionate about teaching and empowering patients to take an active role in their health. With a strong interest in environmental medicine, she is committed to addressing the connections between health and the world around us. Autumn serves as the social media chair for the oncology club, where she helps foster education and community engagement. A Boston native with a background in photography, she brings a creative and whole-person perspective to healing, blending art and science to create meaningful, lasting change in patient care.

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Previous Recipients

Autumn, a Boston native and former photographer, is pursuing a future career in naturopathic medicine. She serves as the social media chair on the oncology club board and is vice president of the Q7 cohort. Driven by a passion for patient education, she is dedicated to helping others achieve their best health.women with a black top and grey blazer with stethoscope around neck

My name is Bethany Costa and I am currently a Q11 student at Sonoran University of Health Sciences. Prior to medical school, I earned by Bachelor of Science in Music with an emphasis in Voice at Pacific Union College. I was part of both the college Chorale and selective touring group I Cantori, where I would regularly sing and perform throughout the Napa Valley. Singing was a form of medicine and healing for me, and I wanted to utilize my voice to inspire, empathize, and connect with people beyond the music. Ever since I was a little girl, I had a dream to pursue medicine. I was inspired by my mother, who was a registered nurse. She showed me what it means to be a healer and was an example of the true meaning of compassion, selflessness, and resilience.
I then received my M.S. in Biomedicine at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education to strengthen my scientific foundation. I worked as a medical scribe for several family medicine practices in the Inland Empire region of Southern California and served as an OR volunteer at the Corona Regional Hospital. I have volunteered with International Medical Relief to serve on a medical mission that provided health care to regions in the Philippines that were affected by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. I also have a passion for teaching as I was a Music Theory tutor and TA throughout my undergraduate studies and volunteered as the Homework Center Coordinator for children K-6 at the Corona Public Library which provided free tutoring for children in the Corona Unified School District.
I have a great passion for serving families and underserved communities, and my goals are to provide accessible and compassionate health care to communities in need. I hope to educate others about the power of naturopathic medicine and truly foster a healing environment that will inspire and make an impact on my future patient’s lives.Woman standing in the desert smiling
Hello! I’m Courtney Folk, a second-year student at Sonoran University of Health Sciences pursuing a degree in Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. I’m thrilled to share a bit about my journey and current pursuits. I’ve been immersed in the medical field for the past ten years, and my path has been a rewarding and dynamic one.
I began my career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) in a nursing home, which was my entry point into the world of healthcare. From there, I advanced to becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and subsequently a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Next, I worked as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the emergency room managing various emergencies with compassion.
My diverse background has given me insight into the gaps that modern healthcare has. I felt the frustration of patients and families that were searching for answers. This is what fueled my decision to become a naturopathic doctor. In my future practice, I am excited to combine my expertise with the principles of naturopathic medicine. Considering this, I’ve transitioned to providing mobile intravenous therapy, which allows me to use my RN degree and provide vital nutrients to clients.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy staying active and embracing the beauty of the outdoors. I’m passionate about hiking and paddle boarding, which offer me a refreshing escape and a way to connect with nature. Additionally, I love country swing dancing, which is a joyful and energetic part of my life that helps me stay balanced and engaged.
As I continue my education and work towards becoming a naturopathic doctor, I am excited to integrate my extensive medical background with a focus on holistic and natural approaches to patient care. I am deeply committed to advancing my knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare.Woman standing in front of Sonoran University logos smiling with her hands on her hips

All my life I have dreamed of working on something that is bigger than myself. In 8th grade, I applied and was accepted to an agricultural high school in hopes to learn about our food system, the state of the environment we live in and how it ultimately affects our health. As an athlete, I knew from a young age how important nutrition and lifestyle were to everyday health and performance. Senior year of high school I decided to become a NASM certified personal trainer. Personal training has given me an outlet to provide my community with holistic, individualized and hands on health care. I went on to pursue a degree in Exercise Science which taught me how we can prevent disease and promote healing from movement and nutrition. My clients have inspired me to become a doctor and I am more eager than ever to teach my community about health and healing.Woman standing in front of a tree smiling

Emmalyn Pratt is a fourth-year naturopathic medical student from Kearney, Missouri. Prior to pursuing her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at Sonoran University, she attended Simpson College where she studied Health and Exercise Science with minors in Biology and Health Services Leadership. Emmalyn’s undergraduate education inspired her interest in preventative medicine and realization of the need for integrative healthcare in the Midwest. Emmalyn currently serves as a student board member for the Missouri Society of Naturopathic Physicians and as Sonoran’s student representative for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. She is passionate about cultivating the expansion of naturopathic medicine across the country, and especially in her home state of Missouri.Headshot of Emmalyn Pratt

Josef Funchess is a third-year student at Sonoran University of Health Sciences, pursuing a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree. Before entering medical school, he obtained a Juris Doctor degree and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He has also served in the United States Army, holding the position of Judge Advocate in the JAG Corps for several years, with his final assignment in San Antonio, Texas, where he worked as a MEB/PEB Attorney for soldiers undergoing medical discharge from the military. Josef’s journey into naturopathic medicine began while shadowing a Naturopathic Physician in Michigan, where he was impressed by the compassion and integrity the doctor demonstrated toward each patient, as well as his dedication to identifying and addressing the root causes of their ailments. This experience profoundly influenced Josef and solidified his commitment to a career in naturopathic medicine, where he aims to blend his enthusiasm for natural healing with a focus on delivering compassionate patient care.
During his time in medical school, Josef contributed to the Student Veteran’s Association, serving as Treasurer and Parliamentarian from 2021 to 2023, and he was also involved as the AANP/Legislative Chair on the NMSA-Sonoran University Chapter Board in 2023. He is committed to the principles of natural approaches to healing and overall wellness, and he actively seeks opportunities to make a positive impact through volunteer work and community outreach initiatives.
After graduating, Josef intends to pursue a Doctor of Acupuncture with Specialization in Herbal Medicine degree from PIHMA. In the future, Josef aspires to establish or join a medical clinic that specializes in Regenerative Medicine, Endocrinology, or Oncology. He has a strong interest in acupuncture, botanical medicine, nutrition, physical and regenerative medicine, and plans to incorporate these modalities into his professional practice.Headshot of Josef M. Funchess
As a dedicated mother and wife from Brazil, I am passionate about nurturing my family while pursuing my professional aspirations. I hold a degree in Biomedical Sciences, which has equipped me with a deep understanding of health and wellness. My goal is to advance my career by serving women, empowering them with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.
I dream of temporarily returning to Brazil to make a meaningful impact in women’s underprivileged communities. By leveraging my education and experience, I hope to develop programs that support women’s health and education, fostering resilience and opportunities for those who need it most. With a heart committed to service and a vision for change, I am excited to contribute to a brighter future for women and their families.Selfie of a woman

My name is Rachel Masucci and I am about to begin my third year of medical school at Sonoran University. I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. Although there is a naturopathic school in Toronto, I always knew I wanted to come to Sonoran for the unique opportunities and broad scope of practice here in Arizona. Before embarking on my naturopathic medical journey, I received my Bachelor of Science in Bio-psychology from Queen’s University. When I’m not studying, some of my hobbies include painting, reading and yoga. I am excited to gain clinical experience and cannot wait to put theory into practice. I have a particular affinity for botanical medicine and acupuncture. I am so grateful to the Mr. Andrew C.G. & Dr. Ruth Tan Lim Scholarship committee for selecting me to receive this scholarship. It really means so much to me and I hope to one day repay the favor.Woman painting a bear

I am Brittany Lindsay, currently a second-year student pursuing a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree at Sonoran University of Health Sciences. While my academic journey may not be adorned with accolades and awards, my dedication to the field of natural medicine is unwavering.

One of the highlights of my academic experience has been my active involvement as the Vice President of the Nutrition Club at Sonoran University of Health Sciences. In this role, I have had the privilege of working alongside fellow students who share my passion for holistic health and nutrition. My ultimate career aspiration is to establish a private practice specializing in physical medicine within the realm of naturopathic care. I firmly believe in the power of natural approaches to promote healing and overall wellness. This vision drives my dedication to honing my skills and knowledge in this field. Before embarking on my naturopathic medical journey, I spent three years in a post-baccalaureate medical scribing role. During this time, I had the privilege of shadowing doctors and gaining invaluable insights into the healthcare profession. These experiences solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in naturopathic medicine, where I can combine my passion for natural healing with my desire to provide compassionate patient care.

My journey as a naturopathic medical student is marked by my determination to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals seeking holistic healthcare solutions. I am committed to continuously learning, growing, and striving towards my goal of establishing a practice that fosters well-being through natural means.

Natalie has wanted to be a doctor ever since she was a little girl, and her life’s journey has kept her on this path ever since. Natalie was introduced to medicine at the young age of 8, when she began suffering from a chronic genetic disorder. Because of her mother’s own 40-year health journey that ultimately led her to holistic medicine, Natalie was able to be treated with natural means and it is the reason she is healthy enough to be in medical school today. After her experience, she knew she could not be a mainstream doctor whose Band-Aid style of medicine largely left patients unhealed. Instead, she decided to become a naturopathic doctor so she could get to the root cause of disease, treat the whole person, use nature to heal, and have relationships with her patients.

In line with her natural medicine journey, in 2018, Natalie received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Grand Canyon University, and in 2020, went on to become a certified birth doula. Now, as a Q14 naturopathic medical student, she gets to live her passion every day.
In her future practice, Natalie will be a family doctor, focusing on women’s and children’s medicine and endocrinology. After graduating, she also plans to become a midwife so she can help women deliver their babies in a sacred and unadulterated manner, and then care for the mother and child holistically for the rest of their lives and that of their future generations. Her favorite modalities are botanical medicine, acupuncture, nutrition, and hydrotherapy.

Lilli is a 3rd year medical student with a passion for mental wellness. Prior to medical school, she earned her Bachelor of Science at the University of Texas at Dallas where she double-majored in Neuroscience and Psychology. She has always been fascinated by human psychology and aimed to find alternative therapies for treating depression and anxiety. Along her journey, she discovered the power of nutrition, environmental factors, and spirituality and their role in mental health. While shadowing a homeopathic doctor in Texas, Lilli was inspired by the compassion and sincerity of the doctor for truly listening to each patient and treating the root cause. There, she was introduced to the world of naturopathic medicine. After learning about the six principles of naturopathic medicine, Lilli realized it aligned perfectly with her values and passion for helping others.

Since beginning medical school, she has been involved in the Student Government Association, works as a peer tutor, and serves as a student representative for Nutritional Fundamentals for Health.

Lilli’s goal is to help patients restore their vital force, reach self-actualization, and fulfill their life’s purpose. She plans to help young people explore their feelings and work through trauma in order to live their most authentic and fulfilling lives. She aspires to make mental health care more accessible to all and to build a community of empowered self-healers.

2nd year Medical Student I Sonoran University of Health Sciences
Class of Fall 2024
Tutor I BIOC, Medical Genetics
TA I Anatomy Q3, MICRO Lab

 

“Our planned gift will support current and future generations of Sonoran students, and it leaves a lasting legacy for Mr. Lim and me at an institution we’ve come to know and love.”

-Dr. Ruth Tan Lim

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