Celebrating Connection: Alumni Weekend at the School of Nursing and Health Studies
The vibrant, sunlit courtyard behind the S.H.A.R.E. Simulation Hospital Advancing Research & Education® buzzed with excitement as over 60 alumni gathered for the School of Nursing and Health Studies’ Alumni Weekend and Homecoming celebration on October 25. Guests were treated to a quintessential Miami experience, mingling under the clear blue sky while savoring delicious shish kebobs and indulging in local ice cream flavors like café con leche and Abuela Maria. The atmosphere was electric, with laughter, uplifting music, and the added delight of a colorful photo booth to capture the cherished memories created during this special occasion.
Among those present was Christina Badiola, B.S.N. ’22, a registered nurse at Jackson Health System. As a recent graduate working in the surgical intensive care unit, Christina found the reunion a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow alumni, current students, and faculty like Dean Hudson Santos. Their conversation sparked her aspirations for further education, as she expressed a keen interest in returning for an advanced degree. Reflecting on her experience at the School of Nursing, Badiola noted the rigorous nature of the accelerated B.S.N. program, which equipped her well for the nursing profession and contributed to the school’s impressive NCLEX pass rate.
Christina wasn’t alone in her reflections. Other recent graduates echoed her sentiments, celebrating the solid foundations laid by their educational experiences. Jessica Gomez, B.S.N. ’23, now a neonatal ICU nurse in D.C., spoke about the role her education played in her success. Sofia Abreu, another B.S.N. ’23 graduate, highlighted her journey through the inaugural Dedicated Educational Unit initiative with Jackson, which set the stage for her current position in the neurological ICU. Accompanied by her best friend, Alexandra Menendez, who is poised to begin her nurse residency at UHealth Tower, they marveled at how their paths had brought them full circle back to Miami.
The celebration didn’t just focus on recent graduates but also honored the achievements of alumni who have made significant impacts in the field of nursing. The day after the main event, Dean Santos hosted a special breakfast to recognize Elizabeth Vieito Smith, M.S.N. ’09, D.N.P. ’12, as the School’s 2024 Alumna of Distinction. The event was well-attended by supporters, including University of Miami interim Provost Dr. Willy Prado and the 2022 Alumnus of Distinction, Dr. David Zambrana. Smith’s extraordinary journey in nursing—highlighted by her role as chief nursing officer for UHealth—set a tone of inspiration and connection for those in attendance.
Throughout the breakfast, heartfelt anecdotes were shared that illustrated Smith’s lifelong friendship with the University of Miami and her commitment to the nursing profession. Professor Mary McKay, also an alumna of the D.N.P. program, commended Smith for her unwavering support of students and educational initiatives, detailing her extensive involvement with professional organizations and community dedication. Smith’s recognition among the 2024 Thelma Gibson 25 Most Influential Women by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Miami-Dade County further emphasized her admirable influence in the field.
In her speech, Smith dedicated her Alumna of Distinction award to her late parents and godmother, acknowledging their sacrifices that paved the way for her achievements. “Their enduring love and selflessness shaped my journey,” she said, adding heartfelt gratitude toward her husband, Walter, calling him her steadfast support through every challenge.
Smith’s narrative is compelling; as a child who immigrated from Cuba, she was already drawn to the medical field from a young age. After volunteering as a “candy striper” at Mercy Hospital, she embarked on a nursing career that would span decades, during which she has inspired countless future nurses. “My passion for nursing is rooted in my earliest memories,” she shared, reinforcing her commitment to ensuring high-quality patient care through mentorship and innovation.
As UHealth’s chief nursing officer for over a decade, Smith has led a remarkable team of more than 4,300 professionals, striving for excellence in nursing practices. During her speech, she passionately conveyed her vision of empowering future generations within the healthcare sector. “It’s essential to keep our patients at the heart of our work while pursuing knowledge and innovation,” she asserted, encapsulating the core ethos of the nursing profession.
Referencing the event’s “Dare to Dream” theme, Smith encouraged the students in attendance to persevere through challenges. “The journey may not always align with our timelines, but keep dreaming and pushing forward. It’s about the journey and not just the destination,” she advised. Her call to action extended to all attendees, urging them to invest in future alumni and contribute positively to their communities.
In a fitting conclusion to the breakfast, Dean Santos announced the creation of the Dean’s Academic Health Center Partners Scholarship for Spring 2025, an initiative aiming to foster scholarship and education within the nursing community. This generous contribution reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing future healthcare leaders and exemplifies the spirit of connection and collaboration that defined the Alumni Weekend events. For more information about this new scholarship initiative, attendees were directed to the school’s dedicated financial aid page, ensuring ongoing support for aspiring nurses and health professionals.