Greg and Lance Dimapilis are humble, hard-working and dedicated students within the Orvis School of Nursing. The brothers moved from the Philippines to California when Greg, the older of the two brothers, was just 6 years old. While Roseville, California in many ways remains their “home,” the two have found community and support while living in Reno as part of the Wolf Pack. 

Enrolled in the 16-month, accelerated nursing program, Lance is currently a Level 4 student set to graduate this May, and Greg is a Level 1 student set to graduate in May 2026. Lance started the program in January 2024, taking the leap to move to Reno, and Greg soon followed.

The brothers’ mother, Shaba Dimapilis, a nurse in California, has had a major influence on her sons. 

"My mom really encouraged me and solidified my choice to become a nurse through the University of Nevada."

“Our mom has always been our hero,” Lance said. “Her presence has been a bright, guiding light for us and has helped shape our paths. She’s always given me good advice and when I asked about a potential career in nursing, like she has, she really encouraged me and solidified my choice to become a nurse through the University of Nevada, Reno’s program.”

Greg agrees with his brother Lance.

“My mom is my role model,” Greg said. “We lived in poverty for the first couple years of our lives. Mom would tell us about her early days … having only two pairs of pants, one pair of shoes … it was difficult for her. But she worked hard in school in the Philippines, earned a full-ride scholarship in her college, graduated in the top two of her class, and took a board exam to be able to come to the U.S. to work as a nurse. She then was able to bring us [her two sons] and my dad to the U.S. to get our citizenship for a better opportunity and life.”

The work-life balance of a career in nursing was especially enticing to the brothers who have grown up watching their mother’s career. The work week for a nurse is usually three 12-hour shifts, offering flexibility the other four days of the week.

“I originally wanted to be a pediatrician because when I was a child, I felt comfortable and safe when talking with my physician. I wanted to give back and help others the way he had helped me. I found that really admirable,” Greg said.

“However,” he continued, “I realized medical school wasn’t for me with the loans and the time commitment for schooling of about 12-13 years with residency.”

"It’s really clear how much the faculty cares about their students."

The accelerated 16-month Orvis School of Nursing program takes only a fraction of the time medical school generally takes to complete.. 

Life as Wolf Pack nursing students

Neither brother could name a specific professor or faculty member who has helped them and been particularly significant for them because everyone involved in the program has been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout their educational journeys.

“It’s really clear how much the faculty cares about their students,” Greg said. “They’re engaged in the lectures, they come to all the events, they care about our learning, they’re open to personal one-on-one tutoring, they help with questions, they’re precise and strict with the curriculum and material in the best way because they want to make sure we learn as much as possible. I really recommend this nursing program and the environment of the University of Nevada, Reno to anyone considering nursing programs.” 

Exploring Reno

Despite the academic intensity of the accelerated program, Lance and Greg have found time to enjoy Northern Nevada and all that Reno and University life have to offer.

“After I adjusted to the new environment and the requirements of my studies, I got to get out and explore the Reno Riverwalk district,” Lance said. “Getting out and exploring the bars and restaurants has helped me avoid burnout. That balance has been great.”

A self-proclaimed “gym rat,” Greg has really enjoyed going to the University’s fitness center and participating in intramural sports. 

“You have to balance your physical and emotional state, especially as a student. My philosophy is to really focus on what you’re working on at the moment. When you’re studying, be productive – don’t be on your phone. I set a schedule with a set period of study time. I really focus on learning the curriculum and then when I’ve understood the material, I go enjoy my own time,” Greg said.

“I’ve met some friends from the gym on campus [E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center] and I’ve joined the intramural basketball team. It was great! The gym also offers a ton of free classes, like the cycling class, which my girlfriend and I took and enjoyed. We’re considering taking the salsa class next.”

"Everybody, including your peers, wants you to thrive."

Access to the fitness center is part of the tuition, so every student can use the four-story facility, which offers complementary fitness classes, year-round.

“Being in a safe environment where you can rely on your cohorts to support you has been amazing,” Lance said. “Everybody, including your peers, wants you to thrive. It’s nice that it’s not a competitive environment. Being part of The Wolf Pack Family has increased my confidence in being able to succeed because I know that I have ample support.”

“Put yourself out there to meet new friends, join clubs and activities, and reach out to the faculty. They are there to help you,” Greg said as he commented on the simulations, clinicals, labs and lectures offered throughout the program. “Take advantage of all your opportunities!”

Future career plans

Lance plans to return to Roseville to be close to his family when he graduates in May. During his program, he interned at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center and enjoyed working in the oncology unit. 

“Nurses in the oncology unit are tight knit,” Lance said. “They also have a caseload of about three  to four patients they work with at a time, which I think creates a tighter knit team to rely on.”

Greg, focused on making smart financial moves, plans to also return to California to save money while he pays back student loans. After a while, he’d like to be a charge or managing nurse, as he’s developed an interest in business and travel. He really enjoys pre-op and post-op nursing and has learned through his experiences working in hospitals in the area that he enjoys the idea of managing people and helping other nurses.

Both Lance and Greg had one final thing to say: “Go Pack!”