Alumni Giving Back: Nakos Family Scholarship Helps UNH Students Strengthen Communities

Students were invited to a luncheon with representatives of the Nakos family and the Hope Strengthens Foundation. L-R: scholarship funder Loukas Nakos, student Lani Demers, Associate Dean Erin Sharp, student Abby Sanborn, Hope Strengthens co-founder Jacob Ferreira.

At the University of New Hampshire’s College of Health and Human Services (CHHS), dreams are being realized thanks to the generosity of alumni who are committed to building stronger, healthier communities.

Last month, CHHS proudly announced the continued support of the Nakos Family Scholarship Fund by Hope Strengthens Foundation, a needs-based fund established in 2021 to help CHHS undergraduate students pursue careers that give hope and strength to those in need.

The scholarship was created by the Nakos family—Loukas ‘83, Christine, and their daughters Jaclyn ‘15 and ‘16G, Hayley, and Rachel ‘19—in collaboration with Hope Strengthens Foundation, a nonprofit that provides critical support to individuals and families facing serious illness, disability, or traumatic injuries.

“I truly believe UNH is the greatest school and Hope Strengthens Foundation is the best charity in the nation,” said Loukas Nakos. “Our family is honored to be working with such wonderful institutions to assist our next generation of healthcare professionals.”

So far, eleven CHHS students have received scholarships. With this renewed commitment, at least twelve more scholarships will be awarded through 2028—an investment not just in education, but in the future of the state and region’s health and well-being.

“Receiving the Nakos Family Scholarship through the Hope Strengthens Foundation has eased the financial burden of nursing school and allows me to focus on growing as a future nurse,” said Trista Voisine ‘26. “As a first-generation college student who has faced personal and health-related challenges, I deeply connect with the Foundation’s mission to support others during difficult times. I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity and inspired to make a difference through my nursing career.”

Preference for the scholarship is given to first-generation college students, reflecting the family’s belief in the transformative power of education.

“Every day, I’m privileged to see our students’ commitment to making the world a better place,” said CHHS Dean Kirsten Corazzini. “The Nakos family and Hope Strengthens Foundation see this too. Their partnership is a powerful example of our broader community coming together to help deserving students achieve their dreams.”

The Nakos family and Hope Strengthens Foundation hope to grow the scholarship fund even further—and with continued community support, the potential to help even more students is within reach.

If you’re interested in supporting the Nakos Family Scholarship Fund by Hope Strengthens Foundation, or learning more about how to get involved, please contact Hope Strengthens Foundation Executive Director Jacob Ferreira at jacobferreira@hopestrengthens.org and Loukas Nakos at loukasnakos@hopestrengthens.org.