School of Nursing and Health Studies Spring 2011 Awards Ceremony

161 new graduates from the School of Nursing and Health Studies will soon be working in leading healthcare facilities across the state of Florida, and the nation, providing outstanding patient care. The Spring 2011 graduating class includes, (136) BSN graduates, (23) Health Studies graduates and (2) PhD.

By SONHSNews 05-13-2011

Dean Nilda (Nena) P. Peragallo Montano, DrPH, RN, FAAN, addressed the graduating class at this morning’s individual achievement awards celebration saying, “this class of graduates represents some of the finest educated healthcare professionals in the country who will rapidly assume healthcare leadership positions and provide unmatched patient care.”

This year’s class received eleven “Individual Achievement Awards” for academic excellence in the classroom and clinical practice. Cassy Piela was the recipient of the (Honors Outstanding Academic Achievement Award), Claire Kubizne, (Honors Award for Bachelor of Science in Health Science), Yanette Castellanos, (Excellence in Academic and Clinical Performance), Jessica M. Garcia, (School’s Excellence in Leadership Award), Kaitlin Ochipinti, (Bachelor of Science in Health Science Academic Excellence Award), and Lizkarina Jaimes, (Alumni Award).

Additional awards were presented by our Community Partners for demonstrated excellence in clinical and patient care. The University of Miami Hospital Clinical and Service Excellence award was presented to Whitney J. Walker. Baptist Hospital’s Outstanding Service Excellence Award was presented to Valerie Rohan. Jackson Health Systems award for clinical and patient care was presented to Maya C. Smith. Miami Children’s Hospital’s outstanding accomplishment in Pediatric Clinical Excellence was awarded to Mercedes Ruiz-Castaneda and Vitas recognized Eric N. Smith.

Along with our students, Dr. Mary McKay was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” and Juan M. Gonzalez was recognized for “Faculty Clinical Excellence.”