Originally born in Bhutan–a small Himalayan kingdom between India and China–Bikash eventually made his way to American soil. After being forced to leave his birthplace, Bikash at the age of 7, spent 17 years in a refugee camp in Nepal until arriving in the United States and resettling in Syracuse, New York.
Fast-forward to present day, Bikash Regmi was one of two SUNY Polytechnic Institute students to have been recently awarded SUNY’s highest honor — the Chancellor’s Award, an award that honors SUNY students who have best demonstrated for their integration of a number of areas that contribute to a vibrant campus life, academic leadership, community service, and creative and performing arts.
“I was stunned at first, it is one of the happiest moments of my life!”
Pursuing a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Bikash became inspired after his time as a refugee in Nepal.
“As a refugee, I witnessed many deaths, including children as a result of malnutrition, bad sanitation, and poor health care. The surrounding forest was extremely contaminated and whenever the winds blew it would affect us all. It was heartbreaking. My experiences and many of the untold stories toughened my drive. They inspired me to pursue a career in health care in order to provide compassionate care to those needing it and are less fortunate”.
Currently, Bikash continues his quest to help others, he has worked closely with the refugee community in educating them about the importance of donating blood. He credits his experiences working at St. Luke’s Hospital as a Registered Nurse on the Oncology floor and witnessing the terrible need for blood. As a result, Bikash and his wife hosted a blood drive last year and are scheduled to host another one this year.
In addition to working at St. Luke’s Hospital, Bikash is also involved in multiple organizations. He worked closely with the Nursing Department at SUNY Poly serving as the Student Representative for the Nursing Department Curricula Committee, serves on the Advisory Board for Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute (MWPAI), and is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau.
“I am honored and quite proud to be the Student Representative for the Nursing Department Curricula Committee. It allows for the opportunity to work with faculty members in implementing important changes to the curriculum while also ensuring the high-quality education students continue to receive. As a member of the Advisory Board at MWPAI, I advocate for providing easier access to the arts for the refugee and immigrant communities”.
Although balancing classwork with work, extracurricular activities, and organizing numerous charitable can be quite hectic, in the end, Bikash finds it to be extremely rewarding.
“It is difficult to find a balance but it would not be possible without the support of my wife. The SUNY Poly faculty have also contributed to my successes. Dr. Kathryn Stam continues to be the source of inspiration in helping the community and Dr. Louise Dean-Kelly—my advisor has helped me open many academic doors.”
“I find myself in the library many weeknights and have missed some family gatherings but I am proud of what I have accomplished. Graduate school has opened many doors and has given me the chance for personal growth. I was very excited to graduate in May and pursue my goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner, a dream I have been waiting to fulfill for a long time.”