2021 MBA graduate and Texas healthcare leader receives national recognition

THE WOODLANDS, TX (August 23, 2023) – Western Governors University, an accredited online university with more than 28,000 graduates in Texas, has named Dave Calubaquib recipient of the school’s Distinguished Graduate Awards. Calubaquib is among only 15 alumni selected nationwide this year to receive the award.

Calubaquib, who resides in Conroe, is a registered nurse of the perioperative services of Houston Methodist, The Woodlands Hospital, where he leads, mentors, and coaches staff in clinical and professional practice. He received his MBA in Healthcare Management from WGU in 2021. He is an active member of the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses and serves as an officer for the organization in his community.

Calubaquib mentors and provides resources to perioperative nurses to help them earn their certifications. He believes that certifications assure the community that nurses uphold high standards, use evidence-based practices, and demonstrate their commitment to the highest form of professionalism and continuing Education. He served as an expert speaker in various organizations in the Philippines, especially during the pandemic, even sponsoring students to go to school in the Philippines.

A first-generation immigrant, Calubaquib said he encountered and overcame many challenges and is proud of his contributions. “It is an honor to be recognized as a distinguished alumnus of WGU. I always wanted to earn my MBA—this award shows that WGU cares about its students and how they contribute to society,” he said. “The award signifies that all the sacrifices, hard work, and dedication contribute to personal improvement and empower me to improve my community and society.” 

In 2020, he earned the Houston Methodist ICARE Award and Houston Methodist System Quality and Patient Safety Award. In 2021, the Houston Chronicle awarded Calubaquib with the Top 150 Outstanding Nurses and Good Samaritan Excellence in Nursing. He has presented at multiple conferences to share his experience with research projects and quality improvement intitiatives.

“WGU Distinguished Graduates are selected for their exceptional work and efforts to go above and beyond, making significant impacts in their communities and careers,” said Linda Battles, Regional Vice President for WGU. “I congratulate Dave on his dedication to healthcare excellence and this major accomplishment as he was selected from among nearly 300 nominations this year. That is truly a remarkable achievement.”

WGU is honoring each Distinguished Graduate Award recipient by donating $1000 in their name to a chosen cause, classroom, or charity, and $500 to the Fellow Night Owl Scholarship Fund. This fund provides financial support to current WGU students who are facing financial difficulties to achieve their goal of graduation. You can read more about Calubaquib’s motivational journey on the alumni awards page at wgu.edu/alumniaward23. For additional information about Western Governors University, visit wgu.edu.