The School of Nursing and Health Studies hosted its Fall 2021 Awards Ceremony on Thursday, December 16 via Facebook Live, in advance of Friday’s in-person Fall Commencement activities at the University of Miami.
The SONHS event, emceed by Dean and Professor Cindy L. Munro, celebrated more than 180 graduates of the following programs: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Bachelor of Science in Public Health, and Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Certificate.
“Graduates, I have seen you in action! So, I can say with confidence that I know you will help lead our world to better health and improved well-being,” said Dean Munro. “That is what your time here at the School of Nursing and Health Studies has prepared you to do.”
Urging the graduates to “embrace lifelong learning,” Dean Munro said, “Allow the excitement you feel today to propel you to your next pinnacle of learning.”
She highlighted a number of 2021 achievements, such as students assisting with COVID-19 community testing and vaccination efforts, the school’s ten-year CCNE reaccreditation, and its PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre redesignation.
Dean Munro also referenced the public launch of the University’s ambitious Ever Brighter campaign, evoking its imagery by telling the newly minted grads: “I have no doubt you will continue to shine brilliantly and ever brighter.”
Individual Awards Announced
During the virtual ceremony, six individual graduates received award recognition. Dr. Mary Hooshmand, associate dean for graduate clinical programs, presented the Doctor of Nursing Practice Excellence in Academic and Clinical Performance Award to Nicholas Torres.
Dr. Greta Mitzova-Vladinov, interim director of the Nurse Anesthesia Program, present the BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program Excellence in Academic and Clinical Performance Agatha Hodgins Award to Laura Garcia Ramirez.
Dr. Nichole Crenshaw, associate dean for undergraduate nursing programs, presented the Accelerated BSN Excellence in Academic and Clinical Performance Award to Magdala Louis, the Accelerated BSN Excellence in Leadership Award to Diego Guerrero, and the Accelerated BSN Spirit of Nursing Award to Mackenzie Rodriguez.
Dr. Arsham Alamian, associate dean for health studies, presented the Bachelor of Science in Health Science Excellence in Academic Performance Award to Kristin Perrucci.
If you missed the ceremony, you can view it online at https://www.facebook.com/UMiamiNursing/live.
