How appropriate that these young men and women graduate with nursing degrees in the middle of National Nurses Month. Along with this important celebration, remarked Dean Munro, comes the announcement from “the World Health Organization…, that COVID-19 no longer constitutes an international public health emergency.” Nursing is one of the most important and revered professions, a fact that has been highlighted over the last three years, and when these graduates enter the workforce, they become representatives of SONHS’ legacy and the high quality of its education.
Sydney Stropes, who earned a B.S.N. and a B.A. in religion and health care this year, was selected to address her fellow undergraduates at their commencement. As Stropes remarked on the school tours she gave, she specifically quoted the grandmother of a prospective student she once took around campus: “You never know how many perfect moments you have to sit outside, feel the breeze on your skin, have a palm tree in your view, and the people you love all around you.” University is an important time in a person’s life, and Stropes led her fellow graduates through a moment of appreciation for their hard work and the university that has been so dedicated to their success.
At SONHS’ spring awards ceremony, the graduates received a special address. A true visionary leader in our health care community - Dr. David Zambrana, CEO and Executive Vice President of Jackson Memorial Hospital. Zambrana, a two-time SONHS alumnus, with a D.N.P. and a Ph.D. in Nursing Science, and SONHS’ Alumnus of Distinction for 2022, congratulated the new graduates and shared valuable advice on how to make the most of their lives and education: “The ‘Doing versus Being’ in nursing or in life is the difference between the tasks and goals. It’s an interactive relationship…The DOING in nursing reminds us that outcomes matter, and a philosophy without results is just words preached in an empty church. Being reminds us to elevate ourselves above the moment.”
The graduates were presented with their coveted nursing and health studies degree pins, and thirteen SONHS students then received individual academic awards. Congratulations to all!
- MSN, Excellence in Academic and Clinical Performance Award: Lilia A. Fernandez Gongora
- Traditional BSN, Excellence in Academic & Clinical Performance Award: Arielle Ostojic
- Traditional BSN, Excellence in Leadership Award: Sydney L. Stropes
- Accelerated BSN, Excellence in Academic & Clinical Performance: Madison M. Parker
- Accelerated BSN, Excellence in Leadership Award: Ripley J. Kunkel
- UHEALTH University of Miami Health System, Spirit of Nursing Award, Traditional BSN: Jerusha C. Jean
- UHEALTH University of Miami Health System, Spirit of Nursing Award, Accelerated BSN: Amanda D. Colon
- Jackson Health System Academic Excellence Award, Traditional BSN: Jordyn A. Watkins
- Jackson Health System Academic Excellence Award, Accelerated BSN: Stephanie C. Gallego
- VITAS Healthcare Compassionate Heart Award, Traditional BSN: Matthew J. Gabbard
- VITAS Healthcare Compassionate Heart Award, Accelerated BSN: Rosana Carlos Leite
- Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Excellence in Academic Performance Award: Sonny J. Stevenson
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Excellence in Academic Performance: Megan E. Piller
Two faculty members were also recognized for their impact on the students’ lives; the faculty award recipients are selected by the graduating student body:
- SONHS Teacher of the Year Award: Ashley Falcon
- SONHS Faculty Clinical Excellence Award: Juan M. Gonzalez
SONHS is very proud of all the graduates and wishes them the very best on their future endeavors.
Go Canes!
For photos and free downloads, please visit: SONHS Spring 2023 Awards Ceremony
