2018 Report to the Community by Samuel Merritt University

SMU Samuel Merritt University

2018 Report to the Community

Note to the Community: Farewell

Cover Story: Student Success

Campus Notebook

Choosing a More Rewarding Career

Expanding the Reach of Interprofessional Education

Students by the Numbers

Federal Grants Support Student Diversity

SMUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First President Reflects on Retirement

Motion Analysis Research is Accelerating

Getting Social

Online Programs

Financial Review

Honor Roll of Donors

Commencement

Note to the Community

Farewell I’ve discussed change a lot over the years. As the healthcare environment has evolved around us, Samuel Merritt University (SMU) has continually adapted to meet new challenges. We have expanded, carefully adding new programs and campuses, while also setting goals for the transformations we would like to see in healthcare. Now as I approach my retirement, the University will be undergoing another change when it welcomes new leadership in the coming year. I

Our mission, however, is to educate

sciences university committed to

am certain that the Board of Regents

students to become not only highly

improving health outcomes for all,

will make an excellent choice in a new

skilled but also compassionate

we are preparing our students to

president and that he or she will find

healthcare professionals. In this issue,

work together more effectively

SMU well-positioned for the future.

we explore how student success

because success requires that all

Student success, the theme of the 2018 Report to the Community, has been one of the driving forces that have kept me at SMU for 45 years. It can be measured in many ways. The average grade point average among SMU students remains strong. Most of our programs exceed the national rates

translates into true achievement. You

healthcare providers contribute to

will read a collection of stories about

the maximum of their education and

SMU graduates who are leading

capability. That’s why it’s so critical that

with their hearts to tackle significant

we expand our IPE initiatives, giving all

healthcare challenges. As Doctor

students opportunities to collaborate

of Nursing Practice alumna Uzoma

across programs, which will improve

Uwakah said, “I love what I do. I don’t

communication and patient safety.

separate what I do from my passion.”

It was particularly exciting for the

for passing licensure exams and our

SMU’s progress in implementing

University to be chosen by the

overall student retention, graduation,

interprofessional education (IPE)

Camden Coalition of Healthcare

and employment rates are very high.

is astounding. As a leading health

Providers as the West Coast hub for

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

“Student success has been one of the driving forces that have kept me at Samuel Merritt University for 45 years.”

training students from a variety of

assistance — including a new $1.5

community and I am proud of our

universities and professions in how

million grant to provide scholarships,

accomplishments. I am confident

to practice “hotspotting.” This new

stipends and services to students in

in the University’s future and will

model of caring for patients with

the Bachelor of Science in Nursing

look forward to hearing about all

complex health and social needs

program. You will read about how

of the successes yet to come.

aligns with our goal of preparing

these grants have influenced the

graduates who will work to reduce

educational experience of our students

Aloha.

health disparities caused by social,

in their own words. I couldn’t agree

political, and economic factors.

more with Dean of Nursing Audrey

We have made significant progress in attracting financial resources to support our efforts in transforming the healthcare workforce to better reflect and serve diverse communities.

Sincerely,

Berman when she says: “Anything we can do to support our students financially and provide resources that help them prosper in their programs is critical to their success.”

Sharon C. Diaz, PhD (hc)

Over the past three years, SMU has

Looking back over my years at

President and Chief Executive Officer

won nearly $10 million in federal

SMU, I have learned a lot from this

Samuel Merritt University

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

At SMU, student success is about more than grades. It’s about what students do with their education once they leave the classroom to help fulfill our nation’s pressing need for healthcare practitioners who will improve the health and well-being of our communities. These high-achieving alumni exemplify what can happen when students apply their knowledge to meet significant healthcare challenges. Each of these graduates’ stories proves the value of putting passion to work in improving people’s lives.

Uzoma Uwakah ’15 started the Doctor of Nursing Practice program a month after she lost her brother — her “best friend and soulmate” — to gun violence. “It was probably what saved me after my brother died,” she says. “It kept me inspired and gave me hope.” When Uwakah considered a subject for her final project, she went back to her roots. She set her sights on reducing the high rates of neonatal mortality in rural Nigeria, the birthplace of her parents. There she trained

midwives in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for newborns. That work didn’t end with her graduation. Despite a full-time job as a surgical nurse at San Francisco General Hospital, Uwakah took the reins of the foundation her father created to address maternal healthcare in memory of his mother who died while giving birth. Now the executive director of the Uwakah Memorial Medical Foundation, she works to provide resources to a clinic in the rural village where her father was

born and where many of the residents are small farmers who can’t afford healthcare supplies. She started by donating 100 kits containing healthcare materials necessary for successful childbirths including mats, gloves, soap and rope to tie off the umbilical cord. Later she raised funds to build a concrete wall around the clinic to provide security. Uwakah’s hope is to continue improving the clinic so women will seek services there and to eventually partner with other clinics. “I love what I do,” she says. “I don’t separate what I do from my passion. They’re the same.” continued 7

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

When Amy Stevenson ’15 (ELMSN) was a graduate student in nursing, she and two fellow students introduced a nutrition program at a residential hotel in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood as part of her community health course. The effort won Stevenson and Jennifer Lee the prestigious Albert Schweitzer Fellowship that enabled them to expand their efforts to other hotels and to introduce the low-income residents to the health benefits of shopping at farmers’ markets.

“I really find it most rewarding to work with patients who are marginalized in some way,” she says. “The experience from my clinical rotations really gave me the tools to engage with my patients.” Now a manager in the Case and Disease Management Department at the Alameda Alliance for Health, Stevenson works with patients with complex medical needs who face economic and social barriers by helping them navigate the healthcare and insurance systems so they can improve the quality of their lives.

“When you see the everyday stressors they live with in high-crime, low socio-economic areas as well as having to deal with chronic medical conditions, the combination can be really debilitating,” says Stevenson. Stevenson, a student in SMU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program, is overseeing a pilot program designed to more effectively connect high-risk patients to community resources like housing and substance abuse treatment while coordinating care between hospitals, providers, and behavioral health services.

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During his four years at the California School of Podiatric Medicine (CSPM), Roberto De Los Santos ’18 became more than a physician. He turned into an ubervolunteer. A list of his community service engagements and student leadership positions since he started the rigorous medical program is extensive. It includes working at homeless shelters, for the Special Olympics, and as an SMU President’s Ambassador. “I really wanted to get to know the local community,” says the Houston native. “I was essentially trying to make a connection with people.”

For the past three years, De Los Santos participated in CSPM’s annual medical mission to the Mexican border town of San Ysidro, which hosts the nation’s busiest border crossing. A Spanish speaker, he served as an interpreter and contributed his medical expertise on an interdisciplinary team of students and faculty clinicians who performed foot and ankle evaluations while also conducting health screenings for diabetes and vascular disease.

De Los Santos credits his mother for introducing the value of volunteerism in his life. Every year at Christmas, his family distributed toys to disadvantaged children. Though De Los Santos is about to embark on a challenging residency program in Texas, he plans to continue community service and hopes to lead medical missions abroad in the future. “Volunteering is who I am,” he says.

continued 9

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

Rachel Sutter-Leve ’18 was trained in classical ballet as a child. When injuries to her hip and back threatened to get in the way of her dancing, she turned to physical therapy. “I credit my ability to continue dancing recreationally to the incredible care I received from physical therapists who were able to keep me healthy,” says Sutter-Leve, who majored in contemporary dance in college.

health insurance and need guidance on injury management and recovery. Sutter-Leve, a member of the Performing Arts Special Interest Group of the American Physical Therapy Association, says she would like to work with performing artists on a national level. “It’s been so rewarding to help young people stay healthy and do what they love,” she says. “I received incredible care from PTs and now it’s nice to be on the other side.”

Now that she is becoming a physical therapist (PT), Sutter-Leve is committed to helping other dancers cope with injuries that can result from such a demanding athletic activity. She knows from personal experience the strain from back extensions and other repetitive stress injuries that come with ballet. For a clinical rotation earlier this year, Sutter-Leve chose to work with young dancers at the Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Healthy Dancers’ Clinic at ODC Dance in San Francisco where many of the professional performers lack

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

Camille Gonzales ’16 was exposed to multiple healthcare settings and experienced a variety of patient populations while she was an occupational therapy student. Yet her heart was set on landing a position in mental health after graduation. Now working at John George Psychiatric Hospital in San Leandro, Gonzales provides inpatient therapy to patients of all ages with diagnoses ranging from depression and bipolar disorder to substance abuse and schizophrenia. She runs wellness groups to promote coping skills, socialization, and the ability to perform activities of daily living such as hygiene and other self-care. In a lesson she learned at SMU, Gonzales says collaborating with other healthcare providers is the most effective way to treat and stabilize acute psychiatric illness. That lesson is reinforced for her every day by working on an interdisciplinary team of

mental health specialists, nurses, pharmacists and psychiatrists that shapes the course for each patient. Her role is to report patients’ behavior, including how they are responding to treatment, their ability to socialize, and what discharge setting is most appropriate for their cognitive functioning level.

People who find out that Gonzales works at a psychiatric hospital often ask her whether she feels safe, a reflection of the social stigma surrounding mental illness. But the truth is she is not afraid and has never been more excited about going to work. “This is the most rewarding work I’ve done,” says Gonzales. continued

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

most common childhood disease in the nation, particularly impacting kids in underserved communities. Along with two other SMU nursing students, Mathison developed an oral hygiene education campaign for public school students, which they presented at last year’s Clinton Global Initiative University.

Much has changed for Rachel Mathison ’18 since she enrolled in the RN to BSN program. She was promoted to a management position in the neonatal intensive care unit at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland and presented her community health projects at two national forums. “The program gave me tools to be more of a leader,” she says.

“I always was a person who wanted to make positive changes at work, but it gave me the skills to be a more effective communicator.” Mathison put into action what she was learning in class when she noticed a young boy with gray teeth during her public health clinical rotation. She did some research and discovered that tooth decay is the

Mathison also presented information about safe sleep practices for infants at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s national forum. After 20 years working in neonatal intensive care, her educational experience has shifted her focus to supporting her team. “I really think there’s an art to being a nurse leader,” she says. “As a manager, I want to care for the caregivers.”

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

Judith Nolan ’16 already had a doctorate in anatomy and 13 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry before her love of medicine won out and she enrolled in SMU’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. “There’s so much you can do with nursing because it’s so open,” she says. During a clinical rotation in 2016, Nolan helped to educate senior citizens about staying fit and how to manage their health risks so they can maintain their independence and quality of life. Because of Nolan’s previous experience as a research scientist, two SMU faculty members asked her to join them in leading a workshop at this year’s American Society on Aging conference in San Francisco on creating a wellness program

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

at a senior living facility that provides residents with physical and psychosocial benefits. “I had some of the most rewarding experiences with patients I’ve had in my entire career,” she says of her clinical rotations. Nolan, who believes prevention is the future of medicine, is now studying

to become a family nurse practitioner at SMU while working as a full-time nurse educator at a psychiatric hospital where she is responsible for all of the training of clinical staff. “Mental health is not paid as much attention to as it should be,” she says. “You can’t be physically healthy without mental health.” ◾

Campus Notebook Significant recognition for the simulation center, a new clinical rotation at Stanford, an initiative to recruit more nursing educators and more — a look at news and highlights from the past year.

Food Pantries Help Reduce Student Hunger

over for food — a growing problem for college campuses across the country. About 350 of the nation’s colleges and universities across the country host food pantries. “Food insecurity among college students is an important public health concern that might have implications for academic performance, retention, and graduation rates,” concluded a University of Maryland study of student hunger. A survey of incoming SMU students found that a third worried about having reliable access to sufficient quantities of affordable, nutritious food.

Samuel Merritt University opened a food pantry on each of its three campuses late last year to ensure that students have access to nourishing food. “We are committed to assuring that SMU students have everything that they need to succeed in their studies,” said Terry Nordstrom, SMU’s vice president of Enrollment and Student Services. Between juggling housing costs and educational expenses, many college students have little money left

Each SMU student food pantry is stocked with a variety of non-perishable food and the University signed an agreement with the Alameda County Community Food Bank to provide fresh produce. Relying on University funds and monetary donations from the campus community, the pantries also welcome donations of non-perishable food such as canned meats, fruits and vegetables as well as peanut butter, dried beans, and grains. The food pantries are open on weekdays during normal campus operating hours and can be found at the following locations: • Oakland: Campus Service Center, 3100 Telegraph Ave., Suite 100 • Sacramento: Suite 300 • San Francisco Peninsula: 3rd Floor Student Break Room ◾

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

Simulation Program Wins Full Accreditation SMU’s Health Sciences Simulation Center is the first in the Bay Area — and only the third in California — to receive full accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). “We are extremely proud that our simulation program was recognized for its high standards in a very competitive field of eligible institutions around the world,” said SMU Academic Vice President and Provost Scot Foster. With members in 57 countries, SSH was established in 2004 to advance the science of simulation in education, testing, and research to improve performance and reduce errors in patient care. It is the largest accrediting body in the field of healthcare simulation. The organization granted accreditation to SMU’s simulation center in the areas of teaching/education and research through 2022.

“Achieving this recognition validates the center’s quality and enhances its credibility,” said Assistant Academic Vice President Celeste Villanueva, who was the driving force behind the creation of the center 10 years ago. “We’re inspired to continue the work we do.” Under Villanueva’s guidance, the University’s simulation program has grown significantly and now has facilities on all three of its campuses — Oakland, Sacramento and San Mateo. Nearly every student who graduates from SMU now experiences simulation-based education, which serves as a bridge between classroom learning and real-life clinical experience. ◾

SMU Sends First Nurse Anesthesia Students to Stanford SMU broke new ground this year when it became the first university to send nurse anesthesia students to Stanford Hospital for clinical training. “Because Stanford is a world-renowned facility that does procedures no one else does, it gives our students experience in very complex procedures as well as an edge that other programs can’t offer in terms of marketability when they come out of school,” said Joseph Janakes, an assistant professor in SMU’s Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program. SMU worked with Stanford for more than two years to plan the clinical rotation. Though Stanford employs only seven

of its own nurse anesthetists, the hospital is expected to hire more as it expands to a new facility. SMU will send a different CRNA student to Stanford every two months this year and include two students on each rotation next year, according to Janakes. He said the Stanford rotation will provide SMU students with clinical experience as well as opportunities for future employment. ◾ continued

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

Campus Notebook

University Leader Wins National Physical Therapy Education Award Terry Nordstrom, SMU’s vice president of Enrollment and Student Services, was honored with a national award this year for his contributions to the field of physical therapy. Nordstrom received the Polly Cerasoli Lectureship Award from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in recognition of his educational leadership and service. He will present the Cerasoli Lecture at the APTA’s conference next year. “I am surprised and honored to follow in the footsteps of past recipients, many of whom were my mentors, former teachers, and people I admire,” said Nordstrom. “I have

been blessed in my career to have the opportunity to work with so many colleagues and friends who care deeply about physical therapy education both at Samuel Merritt University and across the country.” The award is granted to physical therapists who distinguish themselves in their academic leadership, service to the profession, vision for the future of physical therapy education, and high regard from peers. A physical therapist since 1977, Nordstrom has worked in many clinical environments, including pediatrics, home health, and outpatient orthopedics. He holds a doctorate in education as well as a master’s degree in physical therapy. “Dr. Nordstrom has been very passionate in advocating ethics in our profession, and his work over the last 25 years in the academy and profession has been reflective of this passion,” Nicole Christensen, PhD, associate professor and chair of SMU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, wrote in Nordstrom’s nomination letter. ◾

New Program Aims to Cultivate Nursing Educators A generation of nurses is nearing retirement, but a critical shortage of educators nationwide is making it difficult to prepare a sufficient nursing workforce to replace them.

Vice President Terry Nordstrom

To help address the problem at SMU, Professor Mary McCall initiated a fellows’ program last fall that exposes students to what it takes to be a nursing educator. The goal is to persuade students to consider a teaching career or incorporating part-time teaching into their clinical careers after they graduate. “The goal is to get alumni to become nursing leaders,” said McCall, the

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

One University Enrollment and Student Services (ESS) adopted “one university” as a guiding principle this year to better integrate all three of SMU’s campuses and its online programs. Terry Nordstrom, vice president of ESS, said the challenge of making University services and events more inclusive of all members of the SMU community is being met through technology, better planning, and an increased presence by division staff members on all campuses. “We are laser-focused this year on making everyone feel that they’re a part of SMU,” he said. “We want to ensure students have equitable access to experiences, resources and services to assure that they can succeed regardless of which campus they attend.”

Nordstrom said document sharing and video teleconferencing technology are helping to better connect students on SMU’s campuses and in online programs. Efforts are also underway to plan and livestream events when students are more widely available, while community learning programs will be tailored for each campus. More peer tutoring services will be provided on all three campuses. Designated coordinators will match students with tutors, organize group sessions, and facilitate faculty communications. Veterans Resource Director Dennis McReynolds will visit each campus monthly and plan programming once per semester at each campus. ◾

The initiative is in response to climate surveys that show students on the Sacramento and San Francisco Peninsula campuses often feel left behind Oakland.

coordinator of faculty development for the School of Nursing. “Nursing education happens every day for our students through their interaction with peers, patients and families, but how can they contribute back to the field?” McCall’s Nursing Faculty of Tomorrow (NFT) program is designed to help students explore the role of educators and to develop their teaching skills. Participants interview their professors about their career trajectories, develop lesson plans, and are evaluated by their faculty and peers about their teaching presentations. The unmet demand for nursing faculty is a nationwide problem. Faculty shortages at nursing schools across the country are limiting student capacity at a time when the need for professional registered nurses continues to grow, according to the

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. While SMU is one of the largest sources of new registered nurses in California, it takes a lot of academic support to make that happen. To educate a nurse, according to McCall, schools need full-time faculty to teach courses as well as clinical faculty to supervise small groups of students in hospital rotations and part-time instructors for skills labs. To become an NFT fellow, SMU students must receive two faculty recommendations and preferably had experience as a teaching assistant for at least one course. Positions are generally awarded for two semesters with the expectation that NFT fellows commit up to 10 hours per course per week. ◾

Professor Mary McCall

Choosing a More Rewarding Career Taking care of his elderly grandmother for two years was a turning point in Randy Luu’s life, persuading him to turn his back on a business career and become a nurse. “It’s the most important job I could have that requires me to use my brain and have the most impact,” said Luu. “I wanted my life to have some meaning.” Luu didn’t know his grandmother very well when he quit his job to become her full-time caregiver. He had only met her a couple of times as a child before she emigrated to

California from Hong Kong in her mid-80s. But with few relatives and his parents busy working, there was no one else to look after the 92-year-old, who was suffering from progressive dementia. Every day, he bathed his grandmother, prepared her meals, and maintained a watchful eye to prevent her from wandering off. Often, he was up with her all hours of the night. “The experience was humbling and eye-opening,” said Luu. “It taught me a lot about compassion.”

ELMSN Student Randy Luu

But her diminishing memory and a language barrier also made looking after her a challenging experience. “She didn’t know who I was, so it was kind of sad,” said Luu. Nevertheless, the experience convinced him that healthcare would be a better choice for him than his previous career in the insurance industry. Shortly after his grandmother was placed in a board-and-care facility, Luu enrolled in SMU’s Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

“They went through quite a bit of trauma,” said Luu, adding that his parents offer few details about their experience as refugees.

“I wanted my life to have some meaning,” Randy Luu says of becoming a nurse.

Knowing little English, they initially settled in snowy Montana. It was a culture shock for them and a year later they hit the road for California. His father did odd jobs while going to school to learn electrical engineering, eventually landing a job at IBM, while his mother first sewed clothes and later worked on computer drives. “By the time they were my age, they had to flee their country and completely start over,” Luu said. “I am forever grateful.” With his parents busy building new livelihoods, Luu described he and his brother as latch-key kids who took care of themselves most of the time. He bonded with his mother on the weekends by watching her prepare meals and together they viewed cooking shows. Luu said he developed an affinity for cooking and an aspiration to become a chef — a revered profession in Chinese culture.

program in Case Management on the Sacramento campus in January 2017.

exposure to that population and see

Luu dove head first into his SMU education and has been elected to the Student Body Association twice. Earlier this year, as part of his community health course, Luu raised funds and helped to organize a health fair where homeless people were provided with hygiene kits, HIV testing, dental services, nutritional counseling, and even a pop-up beauty shop.

Though Luu was born and raised

“I chose to work with homeless and transient people to get more

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

what I could do to help,” he said.

in San Jose, his parents’ journey to California was long and arduous. When the communists took over Vietnam in 1975, ethnic Chinese like the Luus were persecuted by the new government. After several failed attempts, the Luus fled Vietnam with few belongings and were forced to spend more than a year in a refugee camp in the Philippines en route to the United States.

“I think it’s one of the greatest gifts she’s given me,” said Luu, who still finds cooking therapeutic. But instead of going to culinary school, he worked his way through college and relied on scholarships, ending up with a finance degree. Luu spent eight years working in the insurance industry, an experience he describes as “soulless” and unsatisfying. Now 33 years old, Luu has no regrets about his career change. “Insurance is not as rewarding; it’s all about money,” he says. “Healthcare for me is about making a worthwhile impact.” ◾

Expanding the Reach of Interprofessional Education Samuel Merritt University is deepening its commitment to interprofessional education (IPE) by spearheading academic and clinical initiatives that are reaching students throughout all five health sciences programs. To achieve SMU’s vision of fostering an inclusive and collaborative approach to healthcare that will improve patient care, the University is pursuing ways for all students to “learn with, from, and about each other.” A new “passport model” will require all SMU students to gain IPE

experiences before they graduate much like world travelers gain stamps from each country they visit. Students will participate in a progressive series of courses and activities that are relevant to their studies, involve more than one profession, and are designed to improve collaboration across professions with the goal of improving health outcomes. Providing the skills to effectively practice IPE, all staff, faculty and students are trained in TeamSTEPPS™ — or Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient

Safety — the national standard for strengthening teamwork and communication among healthcare professionals. SMU was one of the first healthcare universities in the nation to offer the training campus-wide. SMU Assistant Academic Vice President Michael Negrete, a leader in the University’s IPE initiatives, said the students who master TeamSTEPPS™ will be well-suited to jump right into the healthcare workforce. “The more they know how to work and communicate with others,

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

the more marketable their skills,” Negrete said. “They’ll also be leaders in improving patient safety, which is the most important part of the job.” At its core, IPE aims to transform healthcare by promoting teamwork across health professions and disciplines. “I love what we’re doing in IPE,” said SMU President Sharon Diaz. “I think we have to better prepare people to work together and use every healthcare provider to the maximum of their education and capability. We have to become much more efficient and must spend our healthcare dollars optimally to care for people better than we do now.” Becoming a Hotspotting Hub Due in large part to SMU’s demonstrated commitment to IPE,

the University was chosen by the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers last year as the West Coast hub for training students in how to practice “hotspotting,” a new model for caring for patients with complex health and social needs. “The hotspotting program perfectly aligns with SMU’s core values of collaboration, compassion and advancing health equity,” said President Diaz. What the Camden Coalition calls “the art of hotspotting” makes strategic use of data to locate the most frequent users of emergency departments and then applies a personalized approach to better understand and address the medical, psychological and social barriers preventing them from staying healthy.

“Hotspotting was intriguing to me because it allowed me the chance to understand the shortcomings of the healthcare system through the eyes of patients whose needs are not met by it. I also wanted to better understand patients that are disadvantaged in the healthcare system and how the healthcare system can be improved upon so that I can better serve my patients in the future. The greatest lesson I learned from my patient was how much of an impact consistent personal contact can have on a patient’s outcome.”

— Meira Prescher, DPT ’18 LEFT Student checks patient’s blood pressure. BOTTOM A PA and FNP student work together in SMU’s Simulation Center.

continued 21

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

Interprofessional teams of students from nine universities across California — including SMU, San Francisco State and UCLA — were trained over the past year to become student hotspotters so they could help connect the highest-need patients to support services and reduce their repeated hospital visits. The professions represented by the nearly 50 participating students included medicine, nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, podiatry, psychology and social work. At a wrap-up event at SMU in April, most participants agreed that the first year was challenging, but remained hopeful about the future of the program. One of the biggest obstacles they encountered was in gaining access to patients, either because

they were homeless or due to the bureaucratic barriers at hospitals. SMU Professor Amin Azzam, MD, one of the faculty advisors, said many of the frustrations faced by the students reflected our “terribly broken healthcare system.” Nonetheless, he said: “Being part of hotspotting reminds me of why I love my work, why I’m committed to social justice, and why I love interprofessional education.” Putting IPE into Action As an academic priority at SMU, IPE was on full display this spring during a series of half-day sessions held in the Health Sciences Simulation Center on the Oakland campus. SMU nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy and podiatric medicine students joined

IPE educators Amin Azzam (left) and Bill Stiers lead course discussion.

medical students and social workers from universities across the Bay Area to learn about interdisciplinary communication and patient safety. “We’re engaged in a cultural transformation,” Dr. Azzam told the students, most of them early in their graduate educations with little clinical experience. “We’re happy to be breaking down silos.” To accomplish that, a session in April included a surprising exercise. Everyone was asked to come up with one-word stereotypes about each other’s professions. Descriptions like “know-it-all” for physicians, “overworked” for nurses, and

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

“As an undergraduate major in sociology, I always wanted to practice healthcare in a way that included the medical aspects as well as the social factors that patients face.”

– Andrew Shiah, ELMNS-FNP ’19

IPE participants are introduced to the SMU Simulation Center.

“athletic” for physical therapists led to lively exchanges among the participants about the myths and truths surrounding their professions. The centerpiece of the course was a simulated encounter with a “patient” in a skilled nursing facility who was experiencing cognitive problems. Split up into teams and equipped with background on the case, some students entered the room to develop a treatment plan and communicate with the patient and her partner, while others observed the encounter via video. In a group debrief following the simulation, students and faculty

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

members heard what went well and what could have been improved from the actors who played the roles of the patient and family member. An ensuing conversation followed about how the interprofessional team handled delegating responsibilities and sharing knowledge with each other. “In our program, we discuss the roles of different professions,” said Sammy Mehtar, a student in the UC Berkeley/UCSF Joint Medical Program. “Seeing it all come together is really powerful.” ◾

“I wish I could have done more, but this was new for us. I feel like this program is going to be so much better every time and we’re going to make a difference in the community.”

— Anusha Lal, ELMNS CM ’ 18

Hispanic

Other/Unknown

Two or More Races

Black/African American

Hawaiian/Paciﬁc Islander

19%

28% Asian

32% White

19%

30–34

35+

31%

Age 2%

18–21

35%

25–29

13%

22–24

numbers

Ethnicity

BY THE

Students

247

60 Master of Occupational Therapy

64 Doctor of Occupational Therapy

18 Certificate (Family Nurse Practitioner)

81 Master of Science in Nursing (Nurse Anesthesia)

19 PostBaccalaurate FNP/DNP

216

Master of Science in Nursing (Post Professional Case Management)

Master of Science in Nursing (Post Professional Family Nurse Practitioner)

Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing (Case Management)

101

Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner Online)

177

Undergraduate Non-Degree Seeking

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

2,141

Doctor of Nursing Practice

TOTAL ENROLLMENT:

Master of Science in Nursing (Case Management Online)

Doctor of Physical Therapy

136 Master of Physician Assistant

174

117

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)

254 RN to BSN

320 Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Headcount enrollment by program

Enrolled Student Demographics Fall 2017

FEMALE

76% 24% 92% 100% 96% 94% 98% 98% 95% 100% 100% 95%

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

RN to BSN

Master of Science in Nursing

Master of Occupational Therapy

Master of Physician Assistant

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

Doctor of Physical Therapy

ALL PROGRAMS

2016-2017 Cohort

First year retention rates by program

MALE

University Philosophy Campus Facilities

3 4

SOURCE

Entering students survey, fall 2017

Personalized Service

Location

Reputation of the Program

Top 5 reasons to attend SMU

Federal Grants Support Student Diversity Transforming the healthcare workforce to better reflect and serve diverse communities is more than an aspiration at Samuel Merritt University. It takes hard work by faculty, staff and students as well as financial resources to make it a reality. In 2015, SMU launched an initiative to raise funds to educate underrepresented students and

ensure their success. Since then, the University has won nearly $10 million in federal assistance. This summer, SMU was awarded a $1.5 million federal grant to provide scholarships, stipends and services to students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program over the next three years. It will support 20 African American and 10 Latino students who come from medically

underserved areas in Oakland and other East Bay communities. The grant is the second received by SMU since 2016 from the Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) program to increase the recruitment, enrollment and graduation of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The program is managed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA),

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dean of Nursing Audrey Berman, PhD, said the grant will help relieve the financial strain on students so they can better focus on their studies while also providing them with mentoring, tutoring and counseling. Although no matching funds are required under the NWD grant, SMU is contributing an additional $55,000 each year for nursing diversity scholarships. “Our nursing programs are rigorous and require significant dedication from our students in terms of time and focus,” said Berman. “Anything we can do to support our students financially and provide resources that help them prosper in their programs is critical to their success.”

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

Daniesha Thorton BSN ’18, Otis Parker BSN ’18, Matthew Lewis BSN ’18, Ladia Wilkins BSN ’18, Dr. Paulina Van, Jennifer Martinez BSN ’18, Darnisha Turner BSN ’18, Chief Diversity Officer Shirley Strong.

In 2016, SMU also won a $7.8 million grant from HRSA’s Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students program — the largest awarded to a single university that year. The four-year grant, designed to make healthcare education more widely accessible, is benefitting underrepresented students from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds in SMU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Physician Assistant, and Family Nurse Practitioner programs by awarding each recipient up to $30,000 per year. Here, in their own words, students reflect on what these grants have meant to them:

“Balancing work and going to school was difficult before I was accepted into the NWD program. I was working full-time at Whole Foods and living in a one-bedroom apartment with my mom and sisters. I was falling behind in my nursing classes and failing exams that could have landed me out of the program. With the program’s support, I was able to work only one day a week and connect with Enabit Gebremariam (BSN ’15), an amazing tutor who helped me catch up on my nursing classes and succeed. The NWD grant was an honor to receive and eliminated the need for me to take out another student loan. Also, it is amazing to have met with other Hispanic and African American nursing students who we know are in short supply in the field. The psychology sessions gave us the opportunity to feel comfortable and speak out about our personal and school struggles with other students who can relate. The grant is amazing and I hope that other minority students receive the same opportunity. It definitely relieves a lot of mental and financial stress from life.”

— Mayra Jimenez, BSN ’17

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2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

“As a recipient of the NWD grant, I felt that I was given the opportunity to really focus on my education with the support needed for me to do well. I grew a bond with a group of scholars that many people don’t share. Focusing on our issues as students of color during our counseling session guided us through becoming stronger individuals and role models for those who lack cultural awareness. This group of people helped provide me with guidance and constant support along the way. The grant also helped relieve my financial stress, which was probably one of the biggest blessings I have ever had. When students are solely responsible for paying for their education

“I became a part of the NWD program after I failed a class the previous semester and the opportunity could not have come at a more perfect time. I had failed my class not because I didn’t understand the material, but because I had a lot of outside responsibility. Though I was used to juggling everything while running on empty, I quickly learned that wasn’t possible in nursing school if I wanted to graduate. The HRSA grant equipped me with tools to help me succeed that were also essential for me to survive. The program gave me a mentor who became like a big sister. She understood how demanding nursing school was and she not only listened but held me accountable to the goals we set. The scholarship and monthly stipend relieved a major burden and constant struggle. It allowed me to stop working full-time while in the program, dedicate more time to my studies, and honestly not worry about how I was going to

it is difficult to give it their all because they are also trying to figure out how they are going to continue to pay their way through it. My parents did not attend college and it is difficult for them to understand my struggle because they have never been through it. I feel that I would not be where I am today nor be as great of a nurse if it wasn’t for the NWD grant and the people involved in it. I appreciate it more than I can put into words and hope it continues to bless people.”

—Jennifer Martinez, BSN ‘18

maintain my day-to-day life. Group and individual counseling offered me a different perspective on how to process what was going on and to set healthy boundaries to maintain my sanity. I feel genuinely indebted to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for working so hard on our behalf and helping us to realize how important self-help is in succeeding in life. Their investment in my future affirmed why I want to be a nurse. I want my patients to know how passionate and invested I am in their health and their healing process as I give them the best care I can. I want to empower my patients with tools and knowledge about their health and health decisions. Lastly, I want my patients to walk away knowing they matter and that is what HRSA has done for me.”

– Darnisha Turner BSN ’17

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

“I grew up on the east side of San Jose, a predominantly immigrant Hispanic and Vietnamese community. My friends and I had the same experiences with our parents overworking and not having the best healthcare literacy. This made me want to strive to bring healthcare services to this area that was accessible and viable for those who needed it most. I was drawn to the physical therapy field during undergrad and it was the right fit for me.

myself and my siblings’ needs really came full circle for me with this scholarship. Seeing the HRSA grant listed on my financial aid every trimester reinvigorated me every time. It gave me this consistent reminder of where I come from and what I hope to return to in order to positively influence the community with my healthcare degree.“

— Nickey Kha, DPT ’18

Receiving the HRSA grants was amazing. My background as a child of immigrants who always sacrificed their health for

“I was lucky enough to qualify for the grant. Graduate school, especially at a private institution like SMU, is not cheap by any means. The grant allowed me to live while going through a full-time program, without adding even more debt from student loans. For many students like myself, who don’t have the financial resources to really afford grad school, the grants allow us to cover the necessities without adding to the amount we’ll have to pay back later. And for someone like me who has never had any savings or parents to pay for college,

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

and lives paycheck to paycheck, it was a great help. In my family, there are five siblings and I am the only one who has finished college and gone in to a graduate degree. I hope that this program does not disappear any time soon (given the climate of the Department of Education), because sometimes, grants like this one can really help someone reach their dreams.” ◾

— Xiomara Rayo, DPT ’18

SMU’s First President Reflects on Retirement Sharon Diaz’s 36-year presidential tenure at Samuel Merritt University has defied expectations — those of her own and others. “Who would think anybody would stay some place for all that time? I certainly didn’t intend to,” Diaz says. “I originally thought that once we were able to get the University

TOP President Diaz in her office.

on the map, I would retire.”

BOTTOM Diaz during her early career.

Yet with each milestone she achieved — financial stability, adding academic programs, and opening new campuses — the time to leave never seemed right and Diaz says she continued to thrive with each new challenge. Moving Forward Now Diaz is ready to hand over the reins. “It’s become clear that as much as I love what I do, we need somebody with a fresh eye,” she says. In late January, Diaz announced her intention to retire and a national search for her successor is underway.

that the next president will have some initial challenges because SMU is “filled with my DNA.” “There’s not a single person at the University who has been here longer than me,” she says. “Many of those who know me well make decisions based on how they think I would make them.” Jonathan Brown, chair of the Board of Regents and president emeritus of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, praised Diaz for her service as

While sharing her decision with the

SMU’s first president and said her

SMU community, Diaz acknowledged

talents will be hard to replace.

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

“President Diaz has boldly led this University into the 21st century, always keeping her eye on what was best for its students as well as for the wider community,” said Brown. “Thanks to her efforts, SMU graduates are well-prepared to face the rapid changes taking place in healthcare.” Lessons Learned Diaz’s early days are never far from her mind, helping to put her legacy into perspective.

“President Diaz has boldly led this University into the 21st century, always keeping her eye on what was best for its students as well as for the wider community.” —JONATHAN BROWN, CHAIR, SMU BOARD OF REGENTS

“When I started, we were a diploma school and had no future,” she says of that era in the 1970s. “Similar nursing schools were closing down all across the country.” Grappling during that time with declining enrollment, plunging revenues, and a threat of closure taught Diaz some important lessons about survival amid the evolving needs of healthcare. “We continued to adapt and move ahead as the environment around us changed,” she says. Diaz’s

accomplishments are now part of the history and fabric of the University.

San Mateo and Sacramento while also launching online nursing programs.

Under her watch, Samuel Merritt was transformed into a degree-granting institution and eventually into an accredited health sciences university with academic programs across five disciplines. Over the past two decades, SMU opened campuses in

“There’s no way I can take credit for all that we have done,” says Diaz, attributing much of the University’s growth to academic leaders Scot Foster and Abby Heydman for leading the charge in program development and faculty scholarship.

continued 31

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

Throughout her tenure, Diaz has kept a watchful eye on the bottom line. “Too many college and university presidents don’t do that and too many boards let them get away with it,” she says. Achieving long-term financial stability was largely due to a decision Diaz made early on to diversify the programs offered by SMU beyond nursing, mindful that most all healthcare professions experience fluctuating market cycles. “We chose programs that provide a return to the students when they graduate,” she says. “We don’t offer programs that don’t benefit them.” Diaz has a long list of people she acknowledges for the strides made by SMU. It includes a “superior” faculty responsible for the University’s high student retention and graduation rates, a “hard-working” staff who keep

the University running efficiently and also contribute to student success, and “outstanding” members of the Board of Regents who have provided strategic guidance. She takes particular pride in the contributions of her leadership team for raising SMU’s profile. “I have surrounded myself with people who think they could do a better job than I do,” says Diaz. “That’s purposeful because you want people who are competent, capable, and challenging.” A Legacy Upon Which to Grow Margrette Peterson, her longtime executive assistant, lauds Diaz for her “fierce and consistent commitment to diversity and inclusion.” She adds, however, that Diaz doesn’t get the credit she deserves for SMU’s support for disadvantaged students and its outreach to the community.

President Diaz at 2018 Commencement.

Looking back, she attributes her professional longevity to continuously being energized by new challenges.

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

LEFT Chief Diversity Officer Shirley Strong and President Diaz talk to students. RIGHT Diaz with students on Oakland campus.

Diaz says it’s not about recognition. “You do it because it’s the right thing to do,” she says. It’s a lesson she learned early from personal experience by watching the healthcare system marginalize her Hispanic husband and other ethnic minorities. “We know that there’s a lot of inferior care delivered based on race,” she says. “It’s so critical that we have people of color in the health professions to reflect the communities they will serve.” Realizing in 2011 that recruiting students of color was not enough, Diaz created the SMU Office of Diversity and Inclusion to better support underrepresented students while also building a welcoming community. Looking back, she attributes her professional longevity to continually being energized by new challenges.

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

“That’s really the reason why I stayed; because I just kept on learning,” Diaz says. Among her most pressing priorities in recent years has been finding a new location for the Oakland campus. She has been exploring ways to provide the University with more modern facilities and room to grow. Taking on New Challenges Now that she has decided to step down, Diaz is looking forward to the next chapter in her life. “It’s time to sit back and smell the roses,” she says, or more accurately the fragrances of plumeria and passion flowers when she permanently moves to her adopted home in Kauai. Island life won’t stop Diaz from staying busy. She plans to advise higher education institutions, particularly private ones struggling

with enrollment or financial challenges, on the steps necessary to turn their universities around. Another future goal: coaching new university presidents on how to effectively work with their boards and staffs. “I know well from personal experience what it’s like when you’re first starting out as president, especially if you’ve never done it before and there’s no one around you to help you do it,” she says. ◾

Motion Analysis Research is Accelerating

Several major research initiatives are underway at SMU’s Motion Analysis Research Center (MARC) to advance the scholarship of human movement. Using the MARC’s sophisticated biomechanical equipment, student and faculty researchers are engaged in a variety of studies related to the functioning of joints and muscles among physically active people. In one study led by Cherri Choate, DPM, assistant professor at the California School of Podiatric Medicine (CSPM), and Stephen Hill, PhD, manager of the MARC, student researchers are looking at whether

people perform differently wearing so-called “maximalist” athletic shoes with thick cushioning and a deeper foot bed than in a shoe with more neutral cushioning. “It’s something new that students are interested in,” said Choate. The maximalist shoe is the most recent innovation in running shoes. It comes on the heels of the minimalist trend a few years ago when runners slipped into ultra-flexible shoes that looked more like gloves, allowing them to feel the road as if they were barefoot. With no cushion to absorb the impact, the minimalist trend led to a jump in reported injuries.

“Now the pendulum has swung the other way and people are looking for ways of protecting themselves,” said Hill. The maximalist shoe study required that participants be in good health and run at least 10 miles per week. A large percentage of the subjects turned out to be current or former collegiate runners. With the help of reflective markers placed on the bodies of study participants, the researchers tracked the impact of movement on each runner’s joints, the pressure on the soles of their feet, and how their feet and knees worked together while

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

walking and running on a specialized treadmill in both maximalist shoes and average running shoes. Although the data is still being analyzed, Choate said preliminary findings show that people wearing the super-cushioned shoe struck the ground harder than those wearing the more neutral shoe. The MARC is one of the nation’s only multi-disciplinary research laboratories designed for students and faculty to collaborate on clinical biomechanics research related to

human motion. Since 2013, it has been serving as a teaching center on motion analysis for CSPM and SMU’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs.

Director Drew Smith, PhD. “Our new cutting-edge technology is being put to excellent use in helping us more fully understand the dynamics of muscle strength and joint movement.”

Students and faculty members use the center to study biomechanics, gait, upper and lower body movement as well as the effect of treatment modalities so they can apply what they learn for the benefit of patients.

Other ongoing MARC research includes a study into whether the use of orthotics is sufficient enough to reduce the high incidence of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injuries of the knee among women engaged in sports.

“I am gratified to see more SMU faculty using the MARC for research as well as teaching,” said MARC

LEFT Measuring the performance of maximalist athletic shoes. RIGHT Research participant running on MARC treadmill.

Led by Hill and CSPM Assistant Professor Tim Dutra, DPM, the study is investigating whether custom-made orthotics stabilize the foot and reduce the internal rotation of the tibia so there is less rotation of the knee joint. The researchers are measuring the joint movement of 30 participants — all healthy women who run at least 10 miles per week — as they walk and jog on floor-mounted force platforms. The focus on women is due to their higher risk of injury and because there is a lack of biomechanics research among women athletes. Hill said while research in the MARC can be part of the curriculum for occupational therapy students, it is voluntary for CSPM students. “Podiatric medicine students are genuinely excited to gain hands-on experience by performing clinical research,” he said. “It enhances their ability to incorporate evidence-based care and technology in their clinical practice, and prepares them to be better candidates for residencies.” ◾

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

Getting Social Follow SMU on Instagram (@samuelmerrittu), Facebook (@samuelmerrittuniversity) and Twitter (@samuelmerrittu), to stay connected with students, alumni, faculty, and staff!

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

Online Programs SMUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online programs continue to gain interest and expand reach.

States where we currently have students:

NV CA

OH VA

Retention rate:

86%

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

150

Total number of graduates:

112 ...

Total enrollments to date:

December 2017

218 AS OF JANUARY 31, 2018

Current enrollments:

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

439

April 2018

Financial Review

2017

Operating Revenue Total tuition

$78,226,752

Fees

$1,273,672

Other revenue

$1,563,305

Release from restrictions

$4,921,544

T OTA L

$85,985,273

Deductions Other deductions and scholarships

Net Revenue

$9,996,966

$75,988,307

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

Operating Expenses Instruction

$40,498,799

Academic support

$9,442,711

Student services

$5,078,563

Institutional support

$14,757,600

Auxiliary enterprises

$1,062,545

T OTA L

$70,840,218

Income Operating income/(loss) Interest income/gains T OTA L

$5,148,089 $14,118,484 $19,266,573

Investment Activity in Restricted Funds Investment income Realized gains/Unrealized gains T OTA L

$879,858 $8,996,387 $9,876,245

Honor Roll of Donors In gratitude for the generous support of all our donors — this report reflects gifts to Samuel Merritt University received between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017.

Geraldine “GERRI” Adams Endowed Scholarship Fund

Dr. Fusae K. Abbott Tami Bechtle ◻ Derric Bynum Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Jill M. Emerson Corine Harris Jamie S. Hirota Jenine Bagley-Jackson La Torri Johnson Lillian Lugo-Harvin ◻ Michaele Southall Markcus Thomas Royce and Sue Valencia ◻ Byron Weston

Alameda Contra Costa County Podiatric Medicine Medical Society ◻ Alameda Contra Costa County Podiatric Medicine Medical Society Scholarship Fund #2

Alameda Contra Costa County Podiatric Medicine Medical Society ◻ Alumni Scholarship Fund

Dr. Armen A. Kirakosian ’05 American Podiatric Medical Students’ Association Basketball Tournament Fund

Affordable Care Act and Expansion of Physician Assistants Training

Dr. Armen A. Kirakosian ’05

Program Grant

Anna Barnard LGBTQIA

Department of Health and Human Services ◻

Scholarship Fund

Alameda Contra Costa County Podiatric Medicine Medical Society Scholarship Fund

Bold denotes Donors $25,000 or more

Robert S. Andrews Kevin Archibald ◻ Kristina Bautista Elmare Botha Christine Broz

Josh Campbell Sulastri Carr Dr. Nicole Christensen Beatriz E. Coll Elizabeth Cook Dr. Craig M. Elliott, II Matt Engelhardt Adelina Gage-Kelly Cecelia Garcia Dr. Susan M. Grieve ’98 Ellen R. Hoffman Antoinette Holmes Binh Hua Carlos Joy Lisa Marie La Vallee Kathryn Lucas Rachel Luna Dr. Richard MacIntyre ◻ Mary McCall Kristen McCowan Dr. Terrence M. Nordstrom ◻ Robert Penman Kristen Petersen Nadine Pruitt Kevin Reilly Maria Ronquillo Enriqueta M. Rubens

Dr. Anglyn Sasser Jennifer Scolari Rene Smey Hai-Thom Sota Julia M. Stevens William Stiers Rachel True Kathryn Ward Susan Wiley David Daniel Beaton ’09 Memorial Award Endowment Fund

Eric Ching ’09 In memory of David D. Beaton ’09 California College of Podiatric Medicine Class of 1972 Scholarship Fund

Dr. Ronald E. Uhlman ’72 California Podiatric Medical Association Endowed Scholarship Fund

California Podiatric Medical Association ◻

◻ Members of The Universalis Centralis Circle $1,000 or more SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

California School Of Podiatric Medicine Alumni & Associates Endowed Scholarship Fund

Dr. Diane Y. Chow ’88 Dr. Natalie T. Chu ’97 Dr. Amir A. Dehghan ’86 Dr. Anthony Kakis ’80 Dr. S. Patrick Lai ’77 Dr. Eddie P. Lo ’97 Dr. Luke J. McCann ’17 Dr. David W. Morse Dr. Lyle W. Parker ’81 Dr. Thomas G. Penman ’77 Dr. Alan M. Singer ’81 Dr. Mary E. Van Vooren ’01 Dr. John N. Venson ◻ California School Of Podiatric Medicine Alumni and Associates Operating Fund (Student Activities and Scholarships)

Dr. Richard R. Abe ’74 Dr. Jeffery J. Angarola ’86 Dr. Mark L. Appleton ’77 Dr. Steven W. Bailey ’85 Dr. Tracy L. Basso ’88 Dr. Timothy W. Bernard ’78 Dr. Robert V. Bindi ’66 Dr. Richard L. Blake ’79 Dr. Alan Bocko ’94 Dr. Rochelle L. Bomar ’95 Dr. Bruce R. Booth ’88 Dr. Steven M. Brandwene ’83 Dr. Diane D. Branks ’85 Dr. Michael P. Brooks ’76 Dr. B. Richard Burke ’72 Dr. Robert A. Burke ’72 Dr. Gene Caicco ’94 Dr. Robert J. Califano ’74 Dr. Thomas A. Carine ’76 Dr. Alan R. Catanzariti ’83 Dr. Shawn Cazzell ’07 Dr. Jeffrey V. Chou ’90 Dr. Diane Y. Chow ’88 Dr. Natalie T. Chu ’97 Dr. Allen O. Clyde ’76 Dr. Karl R. Coulter ’74 Dr. Gary W. Count ’77 Dr. Benjamin D. Cullen ’10 Dr. Amir A. Dehghan ’86 Dr. Michael L. Dinnel ’76 Dr. Bruce M. Dobbs ’73 Dr. Carla I. Docharty ’91 Dr. Mitchell F. Dorris ’89 Dr. Mark G. Drusin ’78 Dr. Frank Ducato ’57 Dr. Anthony J. Errico ’71

Dr. Michael Esber ’90 Dr. Jerry M. Fabrikant ’78 Dr. Christopher J. Fenesy ’79 Dr. Lois Fleming ’89 Dr. James Fong ’82 Dr. Robert R. Franger ’80 Dr. Gregg Gilles ’86 Dr. Louis D. Gilles ’15 Dr. John M. Giurini ’83 Dr. Weldon B. Glass ’73 Dr. Brooke A. Goodman ’12 Dr. Mark R. Gorman ’66 Dr. James Hagan ’72 Dr. Kim A. Halladay ’81 Dr. Elliott Handwerker ’76 Dr. Lawrence B. Harkless ’75 Dr. Darryl M. Haycock ’95 Dr. Gregory W. Herb ’76 Dr. John C. Hoagland ’62 Dr. Anthony R. Hoffman ’95 Dr. Arlene A. Hoffman ’76 Dr. Rachel A. Hoyal ’07 Dr. Ralph P. Hoyal ’75 Dr. Naiwa Javed ’08 Dr. Richard M. Jensen ’94 ◻ Dr. Ronald Jensen ’84 Dr. Harlien M. Johnson ’89 Dr. Lynn R. Johnson ’70 Dr. Roger A. Johnson ’66 Dr. Anthony Kakis ’80 Dr. Katherine L. Kalthoff ’92 Dr. Robert J. Kaplan ’76 Dr. Jeffrey H. Katz ’86 Dr. Brad A. Katzman ’81 Dr. Neil R. Kelley ’78 Dr. Edward E. Kelly ’94 Dr. Charles A. Kelman ’78 Dr. Christy King ’09 Dr. Kevin A. Kirby ’83 Dr. Timothy S. Kneebone ’93 Dr. James L. Knudson ’77 Dr. Richard T. Koenigsberg ’73 Dr. Paul R. Kruper ’76 Dr. Christine P. Kwok-Olesky ’07 Dr. Esther Kwon ’11 Dr. Kristina Lacy ’13 Dr. Chun-Sun Lai ’76 Dr. S. Patrick Lai ’77 Dr. Pamela D. Leavitt ’88 Dr. Sang D. Lee ’00 Dr. Curtis D. Leviant ’83 Dr. Leslie G. Levy ’79 Dr. Timothy Liddy ’88 Dr. Eddy P. Lo ’97 Dr. Carolyn E. Mc Aloon ’97 Dr. Luke J. McCann ’17 Dr. Gary S. McCarter ’80

Dr. William D. McDonald ’83 Dr. Brian A. McDowell ’69 Dr. Burr B. Mc Keehan ’67 Dr. Kenneth R. Maisak ’08 Dr. Scott N. Maling ’96 Dr. Dimple K. Marwaha ’95 Dr. Clark D. Miller ’70 Dr. Steven R. Miller ’76 Dr. Anoosh Moadab ’01 Dr. John E. Morehead ’75 Dr. David W. Morse ’74 Dr. Robert D. Murphy ’77 ◻ Dr. Samuel Nava ’92 Dr. Larry M. Nelson ’91 Dr. Lloyd I. Nesbitt ’75 Dr. Robert S. Nichols ’54 ◻ Dr. Matthew H. Paden ’91 Dr. Thomas Palmer ’87 Dr. Lyle W. Parker ’81 Dr. George N. Pattis ’82 Dr. Hai-En Peng ’00 Dr. Benjamin Pham Dr. Ruben Pollak ’97 ◻ Dr. Edward S. Pozarny ’82 Dr. Jay M. Purvin ’79 Dr. Robbe T. Rigby ’74 Dr. Frank J. Rizzo ’86 Dr. Mario W. Rizzo ’78 Dr. Donald E. Robinson ’68 Dr. Douglas S. Robinson ’87 Dr. Richard J. Robinson ’86 Dr. James B. Robison ’89 Dr. Jordan S. Rosenthal ’86 Dr. Elston D. Rothermel ’66 Dr. Claudia L. Sands ’87 Dr. Rodney E. Sanneman ’69 Dr. Richard J. Sarte ’84 Dr. Andrew C. Schink ’78 Dr. Paul S. Schwartz ’79 Dr. Sahra A. Sellers ’10 Dr. John Senatore ’83 Dr. Timothy P. Shea ’73 Dr. Alan M. Singer ’81 Dr. Pamela Sisney ’83 Dr. Cynthia Smith ’76 Dr. Dale J. Sovak ’96 Dr. Eric D. Stamps ’93 Dr. Michael A. Stein ’81 Dr. Steven I. Subotnick ’69 Dr. Bryan T. Sullivan ’86 Dr. Ted Tanaka ’86 Dr. Linda M. Thornton ’86 Dr. Grace Ting ’88 Dr. Frazier B. Todd, Sr. ’72 Dr. Tomas Valdez, Jr. ’92 Dr. Ronald L. Valmassy ’74 Dr. Mary E. Van Vooren ’01

Dr. Mher Vartivarian ’09 Dr. Oliver T. Wang ’98 Dr. Stephen C. White ’51 Dr. Randolph T. Wright ’78 Dr. Daisy T. Wu ’00 Dr. Bobby Yee ’89 Dr. Christopher Y. Yee Dr. David Y. Yee ’89 Dr. Fred D. Youngswick ’75 Dr. Jonathan Uy Dr. Michael A. Zapf ’84 Dr. Stanley J. Zusman ’63 California School of Podiatric Medicine Class of 2009

Dr. Gregory A. Tovmassian ’09 California School of Podiatric Medicine Student Medical Mission Fund

Alvarado Hospital Medical Center Bakotic Pathology Associates, LLC ◻ Chipotle Mexican Grill ◻ Todd Coningsby Roberto De Los Santos Elisa Garnica Dr. Armen A. Kirokosian ’05 Loan Hero, Inc. Evan R. Philippi Podiatric Insurance Company of America ◻ Samuel Merritt University Student Body Association ◻ Leslie M. Terry Zalman A. Vitenson Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Scholarship Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Annual Meeting Appeal Fund

Carolyn Angelo ’09 Eric Ching ’09 Kevin A. Hamby ’06 Dr. Joseph J. Janakes ’06 Cockcroft Family Endowed Scholarship Fund

Patricia E. Cockcroft ◻ Designated Non-Scholarship Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Heart Share Training Services

continued 43

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

Honor Roll of Donors

Sharon Clark Diaz Endowed

Ethnic Health Institure

Scholarship Fund

Discretionary Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Jill M. Emerson Lillian Lugo-Harvin ◻ Mr. and Mrs. Gary Morrison ◻ Margrette Peterson Irma Walker-Adame’ ◻

East Bay Regional Park District

Ava Pischel Elliott Endowed Scholarship Fund

David M. and Oolah B. Evans Physical Therapy Scholarship Fund

Dr. Nicole Christensen ◻ Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Dr. Susan M. Grieve ’98 Dr. Terrence M. Nordstrom ◻ Susan Wiley

Elizabeth Cook ’77 Eugene A. & Virginia Falaschi Employee Campaign Scholarship

Memorial Scholarship Fund

Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Susan Penna-Falaschi In memory of Bob Bucci In memory of Mike Cavallo In memory of Marge Paoletti In memory of Carl and Sue Swenson

Deborah Aguilar Jim and Stephanie Bangert ◻ Kristina Bautista Leia Casey Dr. Nicole Christensen ◻ Nandini Dasgupta Kathleen Edmunds David Fulkerson Gregory Gingras ◻ Stephanie Greenspan Daniel Grobani Dr. Teresa Gwin Goli Hashemi Antoinette Holmes Nina Lavorini Yurismary Llerena Lillian Lugo-Harvin ◻ Dr. Richard MacIntyre ◻ Marie Ma Alondra Maciel Paul Monegas Dr. Terrence M. Nordstrom ◻ Nadine Pruitt Dr. Cecily D. Reeves Dr. Bruce Richardson Dr. Richard M. Rocco Nay Saetern Elena Sanchez Dr. Arlene A. Sargent ◻ Blair Simmons Rene Smey Loida Stewart Catherine Tanner ’06 Royce and Sue Valencia ◻ Alice Vestergaard Dr. Celeste G. Villanueva ◻ Marjorie Villanueva Jeannene Zettler-Rhodes

Bold denotes Donors $25,000 or more

Family Nurse Practitioner Disadvantaged Students Scholarship Fund

Mari Blome’ ◻ Blue and Gold Fleet Boomtown Casino and Hotel Bronco Wine Country Cal Shakes – California Shakespeare Theater California’s Great America C’era Una Volta Children’s Fairyland Dr. John Del Monte ’76 ◻ Harrah’s / Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Havana Cuban Restaurant Colleen M. Kenney The Melting Pot Pave’ Fine Jewelry Design Peppermill Reno Dr. Jack A. Reingold ’79 ◻ Renaissance Rialto, Inc. Scott’s Steve Silver’s Beach Blanket Babylon Dr. Paulina Van Marilyn Weed-Means ◻ Gina Wilburn ◻ Winchester Mystery House, LLC Mrs. Claudine Zuber

CVS Health Foundation ◻ Graduate Nursing Scholarship Family Nurse Practitioner

Fund

Scholarship Fund

Dr. Fusae K. Abbott Dr. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Dr. Arlene A. Sargent ◻

Dr. Angelina L. Chau ’07 Dr. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Dr. Rhonda Ramirez ’96

John E. Green, DPM, Podiatric Erin Fry ’07 Doctor Of Nurse Practitioner Award Fund

Mr. and Mrs. Dusty Fry ◻ In memory of daughter, Erin Fry ’07 Dr. Cecily D. Reeves

Medicine Scholarship Fund

Hitchcock Heydman Endowed Scholarship Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Hotspotting Project Fund

Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers ◻ Pegge Shuman Houser Endowed Scholarship Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Anne E. Seed Gordon “Skip” Huber, Jr. Endowed Geriatric Nursing Scholarship Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Royce and Sue Valencia ◻ Dr. Daniel C. Fulmer ’76B & Gail R. Johnson ’90 Podiatric Medicine Scholarship Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Royce and Sue Valencia ◻ Jonas Center For Nursing Scholarship Fund

American Association of Colleges in Nursing ◻ Kaiser Permanente Scholarship/ Loan Program Fund

Kaiser Permanente Nurse Scholars Academy ◻

Dr. Donald Green ’72 ◻ Dr. Richard A. Green ’68 San Diego Podiatric Medical Society ◻

Sarah B. Keating Endowed Nursing

Dr. Morris Haas Podiatric Medicine

Michelle Katz-Hellerstein

General Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Fund

Dr. John Swartzberg ◻

California Foundation for Excellence ◻ Dr. Mark Haas ’76 ◻

General Unrestricted Fund

Royce and Sue Valencia ◻

Scholarship Fund

Kurita Nursing Scholarship Fund

Mended Hearts of Oakland Chapter 188

Estate of Dr. John S. Hege ◻ Lloyd Leanse

Health Sciences Simulation Center

Michelle Le Memorial Nursing

Expansion Fund

Scholarship Fund

Gift-In-Kind Donations

Kevin Reilly

Karin E. Kasper Dr. Laurie Rosa ◻ Royce and Sue Valencia ◻

Kevin Archibald ◻ Avalon Travel Bay Area Discovery Museum Berkeley Repertory Theatre Berkeley Symphony Dr. Audrey Berman ◻

Mr. And Mrs. Richard L. Highsmith Scholarship Fund

Dorfman Pacific, Inc. ◻ In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Highsmith

Dr. William & Phyllis Lowe Medicine Endowed Scholarship Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻

◻ Members of The Universalis Centralis Circle $1,000 or more SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

Dr. and Mrs. William Lowe ◻ In memory of Marilyn Bristow In memory of William Tom Dr. Frank Tomasello ’59 ◻ In honor of Dr. and Mrs. William Lowe Tom C. And Rose Lim Luey ’51 Endowed Scholarship Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ May L. Jang Rose Lim Luey ’51 In memory of Robert B. Lim In honor of Steven and Cynthia Quan In honor of Karen Luey Sui Johanna Mednick Memorial

Robert N. Nelson M.D. Endowed Scholarship Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Marie J. Niemann ’54 Nursing Scholarship Fund

Estate of Marie J. Niemann ’54 ◻ Yuri Nishimura Endowed Scholarship Fund

Kelly Nishimura Dr. Celeste G. Villanueva ◻ Nursing Discretionary Fund

Jim and Stephanie Bangert ◻ In memory of Lotte Berman Isaacs

Podiatric Medicine Scholarship Fund

Nursing Scholarship Fund

Dr. David L. Mednick ’85 ◻ Men In Nursing Scholarship Fund

Robert S. Andrews Dr. Howard And Patricia Milliken Nursing Scholarship Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Dr. Howard E. Milliken ◻ Royce and Sue Valencia ◻ Melvin A. And Betty Reed Moffitt Scholarship Fund

Aileen Moffitt In memory of parents, Melvin A. and Betty Reed Moffitt Dr. Jack L. Morris ’70 Memorial Podiatric Medicine Scholarship Fund

The FAPA Foundation Corp. Don and Renee Hunt Joanne M. Morris ◻ Jim and Pat Murphy Yvonne M. Santos-Battaglia Carol A. Transano Valley Glass Motion Analysis Research Laboratory Fund

Dr. Cherri S. Choate ’90 Dr. and Mrs. Eric R. Hubbard ◻ Dr. Andrew Smith ◻

Christine E. Armigo ’00 Janice Manzella Bartholomew ’81 In memory of Carol Gordon Falgout ’44 Dr. Loretta Camarano Carolyn Mettler Collins ’64 ◻ Janne A. Coloma ’07 Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Rene Clymer-Engelhart Geralyn Frandsen In memory of Lotte Berman Isaacs Gloria Giorgi Galeotti ’49 In memory of Ida Bettucchi In memory of Heather Galeotti Marjorie Hammer Carol R. Hartman ’54 Elizabeth F. Hasley In memory of Carol Gordon Falgout ’44 In Faith Community Foundation Robert Janosov ◻ In memory of Gail E. Fortier Janosov ’54 Dr. Pamela Minarik Jennifer N. Nguyen Catherine Pinto Phillips ’75 Daisy Hall Ray ’54 In memory of Roxana Cowden Larsen ’54 Maria Ronquillo Elizabeth Sibson-Tuan

Nursing Workforce Diversity – Division Of Nursing And Public Health Grant

Department of Health and Human Services ◻

Dr. Sharon L. Gorman Dr. Susan M. Grieve ’98 The Loveall Family Dr. Gail L. Widener Susan Wiley

Nu Xi, Chapter At Large Nursing

Picchi Memorial Education Fund

Scholarship Fund

Robert L. Anderson Jim and Stephanie Bangert ◻ Dr. Audrey Berman ◻ Jennifer Bollong Michael C. Bush Barbara H. Cadwalader Karin N. Carothers Dr. Wing Chin Joyce A. Christensen Dr. Nicole Christensen ◻ Dr. William R. Crain Dr. James Cuthbertson Vera Dami Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Dr. and Mrs. Roger R. Ecker Dr. and Mrs. James F. Eggert Robert A. Eppley Dr. Stephanie Fung Dr. Thomas Y. Fung Anita Carrati Gandolfo P’47 Susan Y. Garces Mr. and Mrs. Richard T. Ginley Dr. Marci Gottlieb Dr. Neil H. Gozan Dr. L.V. Grant Dr. Teresa Gwin Dr. Nicola B. Hanchock Dr. Jay B. Hann, III Dr. Joseph W. Hewitson ’89 Mrs. Meryl Himmelman

Nu Xi, Chapter at Large ◻ Occupational Therapy Scholarship Fund

Dr. Donna Breger-Stanton Elizabeth Ching Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Dr. Craig M. Elliott, II Dr. Gordon M. Giles ◻ Dr. Guy McCormack Carole O’Shea Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund

The O’Shea Foundation ◻ Physician Assistant Scholarship Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Kikukawa Sarah J. Maxwell ’06 Lorraine F. Petti Laurie Paolinetti Julia M. Stevens Physical Therapy Scholarship Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Dr. Craig M. Elliott, II Randall G. Gee

continued 45

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

Honor Roll of Donors

Dr. Herbert A. Holman Mr. and Mrs. Steve Hopkins Dr. and Mrs. Cornell Hopper Shelley Horwitz Madeleine Kahn Dr. and Mrs. Richard A. Kahn Mr. and Mrs. Richard Krause Jean Levin Keith Libert Kelly L. Libert Joel Linzer ◻ Nancy L. Marriner Catherine Walker Matthews ’66 Dr. John C. Merchant Marion A. Mills Dr. and Mrs. Scott E. Murray Dr. Lawrence M. Ng Dr. Terrence M. Nordstrom ◻ Leslie Paine Kurt Patzner Dr. Lamont D. Paxton Dr. Paul R. Perchonock Mrs. Carrell Peterson Andrea E. Picchi Carla Picchi Joanna C. Picchi Joseph S. Picchi Linda M. Picchi Martha A. Picchi Teresa E. Picchi ’96 ◻ Joel Piser In honor of Joseph Picchi Andrew P. Pojman Dr. George A. Pugh Dr. Anthony S. Ravnik Cecilia R. Rhodes Dr. Mervyn A. Sahud Anne Scher Dr. Lionel Schour Ruth Y. Shaps Dr. John D. Sheppard Dr. and Mrs. Wade W. Sherwood Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Siegel Hai-Thom T. Sota Mary E. Spear Mary B. Strauss Eugene D. Sweetland Nancy S. Sweetland Arlene Swinderman Dr. and Mrs. Gary Tamkin Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Van Nest Loretta Bua Vanderveen P’60 Irma Walker-Adame’ ◻ Dr. and Mrs. Edward Waller, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Carl Watanabe Dr. John C. Weaver, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Robert Weyand

Bold denotes Donors $25,000 or more

Barbara Wiggin Janice L. Wrobel Melba B. Wu Podiatric Medicine Fund

Estate of Dr. Wilfred R. Gartner ’71 ◻ Podiatric Medicine Scholarship Fund

Dr. Penny Bamford Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Dr. Richard M. Jensen ’94 ◻ Dr. William Tarran ’88 In honor of Dr. Jon Hultman ’70 Dr. John N. Venson ◻

Lillian Lugo-Harvin ◻ Jamie S. Hirota Nancy T. Hirota In memory of Mary E. Robinson Mary Hoang Kristi Kindberg Saeng Saephanh Royce and Sue Valencia ◻ Dr. Merton Root ’52 Memorial

Alumni Scholarship Fund

Jovine Fifer Hankins P’53 Regina Moton Wilkerson P’61 Regents Diversity Scholarship Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ In honor of Dr. Teh-wei Hu Dr. Alvin McLean, Jr. ◻ Mark K. Reynolds Technology And Academic Instruction Fund

Dr. Fusae K. Abbott Tom and Gena Caya Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Dr. Sylvia Fox Mary L. Grefal Lillian Lugo-Harvin ◻ Kevin Reilly Michael Tam Markcus Thomas Alejandro Rodriguez Royce and Sue Valencia ◻ Marcus Walton

Scholarships For Disadvantaged Students Grant- Physical Therapy

Department of Health and Human Services ◻ Scholarships For Disadvantaged

Podiatric Medicine Scholarship

Students Grant- Physician

Fund

Dr. Arlene F. Hoffman ’76 ◻ In memory of Dr. Merton Root ’52 Jeri E. Ryan Scholarship Fund

Providence College Of Nursing

Department of Health and Human Services ◻

Assistant

Department of Health and Human Services ◻ R. Shapiro Family Foundation

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻

Endowed Physical Therapy Scholarship Fund

San Diego County Podiatric Medicine Society Scholarship Fund

San Diego Podiatric Medical Society ◻

R. Shapiro Family Foundation ◻ Royce and Sue Valencia ◻ Peter D. And Jennie Lim Shiu

Scholars In Service Scholarship

Endowed Scholarship Fund

Fund

May C. Lim In memory of Pauline Chew In memory of Robert G. Hurlbert May Lim Jang In memory of Kenneth Luey Rose Lim Luey ’51 In honor of Jed and Paula Schiu In honor of Barbara Sheng

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Brandy J. Beazley ◻ Corine Harris Scholarships For Disadvantaged Students Grant- Family Nurse Practitioner

Dr. George H. Riess ’44 Memorial Podiatric Medicine Endowed Scholarship Fund

Dr. and Mrs. Dick A. Peterson ◻ Mary E. Robinson Endowed Scholarship Fund

Dr. Fusae K. Abbott Dr. Penny Bamford Tami Bechtle ◻ Tom and Gena Caya Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Jill M. Emerson Corine Harris

Please consider making a gift to Samuel Merritt University. To learn about different options for giving or to make a donation online, go to samuelmerritt.edu/donors. You may also mail a check or call to make a credit card contribution to: Samuel Merritt University, Office of Development 3300 Webster Street, Suite 301 Oakland, CA 94609 510-907-2435

◻ Members of The Universalis Centralis Circle $1,000 or more SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

Marilyn M. Snider Nursing Scholarship Fund

Marilyn M. Snider ◻ Dr. And Mrs. James Stavosky ’83 Podiatric Medicine Scholarship Fund

Dr. and Mrs. James Stavosky ◻ Jane Steel Endowed Nursing Fund

Estate of Jane Steel ◻ Student Emergency Award Fund

Dr. Fusae K. Abbott Amy H. Anderson Jim and Stephanie Bangert ◻ Dr. Joan Bard Tami Becthle ◻ Dr. Audrey Berman ◻ Roberta L. Block Donita Boles Leslie Brown Christine Broz Sulastri Carr Dr. Nicole Christensen ◻ Rene Clymer-Engelhart Elizabeth Cook Lynda Creighton Nandini Dasgupta Jorge De Avila Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Kimberly Engelhardt Susan Forsyth Dr. Scot D. Foster ◻ Dr. Sharon L. Gorman Stephanie Greenspan Dr. Susan M. Grieve ’98 Daniel Grobani Dr., Teresa Gwin Goli Hashemi Madeleine Kahn Deborah K. Kalish Adelina Gage-Kelly Adriane Kiefling Elaine M. Lemay ◻ Lillian Lugo-Harvin ◻ Rachel Luna Dr. Richard MacIntyre ◻ Michael Mai Elizabeth Mayo Jennifer McAdam Mary McCall Kristen McCowan Dr. Alvin McLean, Jr. ◻ Fayette B. Merino Elisa Laird-Metke

Dr. Pamela Minarik Mr. and Mrs. Gary Morrison ◻ Margie C. Murphy Sarah Naumann Michael Negrete Paula H. Nisenson ’83 Dr. Terrence M. Nordstrom ◻ Margrette Peterson Nadine Pruitt Dr. Barbara A. Puder ◻ Allyson Purcell Dr. Rhonda Ramirez Dr. Cecily D. Reeves Roberta B. Richards Elba Rios Randy Roach Margaret and Richard Roisman Peter Ruszel ◻ Cecilia Sarmiento Anne Scher Conchita F. Serri Elizabeth Sibson-Tuan Tal Sraboyants ’14 Cynthia Stange Dr. Canyon K. Steinzig ’96 William Stiers Shirley Strong ◻ Arlene Swinderman Carole Thomas Brandi Thompson Gerald L. Thompson ◻ Cynthia M. Ulman ◻ Royce and Sue Valencia ◻ Alice Vestergaard Veronica Wallace Kathryn Ward Byron Weston Dr. Gail L. Widener Elizabeth Winer Jeanette H. Wong Shun Y. Wu Deanna Yee Jeannene Settler-Rhodes Dr. Bennett Zier Student Emergency Loan Fund

Dr. Fusae K. Abbott Steve and Peggy Griffith Maria Salas Loida Stewart Student Food Pantry Fund

Jim and Stephanie Bangert ◻ Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Feldman Dr. Scot D. Foster ◻

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

Dr. Owen Garrick Randy Gee Dr. Susan M. Grieve Elaine M. Lemay ◻ Dr. Alvin Mc Lean, Jr. ◻ Mr. and Mrs. Gary Morrison ◻ Paula H. Nisenson Roberta B. Richards Veronica Scheers Jennifer Scolari Anne E. Seed Conchita F. Serri Nicholas So Cynthia M. Ulman ◻ Royce and Sue Valencia ◻ In honor of Dr. John Swartzberg Dr. Celeste G. Villanueva ◻ Mark A. Swift, Jr. Memorial

In honor of Sam and Doris Chakires In honor of A.J. Farshler In honor of Fred and Barbara Farshler In honor of Jeff and Lauren Farshler and Family In honor of Thomas, Dina, and Enzo Farshler In honor of Tony and Julie Farshler In honor of Dustin and Shannon Lloyd and Family In honor of Stephanie Lorenz In memory of Bernice Mangoia In honor of Carolyn Volponi Snell Irma P. Walker Adame’ Podiatric

Scholarship Fund

Medicine Scholarship Fund

Darlene A. De Lancey ◻ In memory of Lotte Berman Isaacs In memory of Mark A. Swift, Jr. In memory of Scott Hatten Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Royce and Sue Valencia ◻ In memory of Lotte Berman Isaacs

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Dr. Timothy G. Dutra ’85 Lillian Lugo-Harvin Irma P. Walker-Adame’ ◻

Dr. Douglas M. Taylor Podiatric Medicine Scholarship Fund

Dr. Douglas M. Taylor Tavi M. Van Ogle ’88 Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund

Royce and Sue Valencia ◻ Dr. Shahan Vartivarian ’09 Podiatric Medicine Memorial Scholarship Fund

Dr. Eric D. Stamps ’93 Dr. Gregory Tovmassian ’09 Virginia Oneto Volponi ’39 Nursing Endowed Scholarship Fund

Annalisa Anderson Stephan N. Krug ◻ Carolyn Volponi Snell In honor of sister, Joanne Volponi In memory of Bernice Mangoia Joanne Volponi ◻ In honor of Brent and Annalisa Anderson and Family In honor of Chris Chakires

Dr. Patricia Harvey Webb Scholarship Fund

Dr. Fusae K. Abbott Dr. Audrey Berman ◻ Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Adelina Gage-Kelly Dr. Nancy S. Haugen Jamie S. Hirota In memory of Lotte Berman Isaacs Dr. Patricia Kuster Dr. Janet W. Rowland ’03 Dr. Sylvia Fox Dr. William & Doreen Wong Podiatric Medicine Endowed Scholarship Fund

Drs. Luis F. and Sharon C. Diaz ◻ Royce and Sue Valencia ◻ Doreen Wong ◻ Dr. Stephen J.F. Zuber ’69 Memorial Endowed Podiatric Medicine Scholarship Fund

Dr. Cherri Choate ’90

Commencement Samuel Merritt University celebrated its 106 th Commencement at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland on May 25, 2018. Naomi Fuchs, CEO of Santa Rosa Community Health Centers, delivered the Commencement Address. She told the graduates that paying close attention to the unique story of each of their patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives will help them to become more effective healers.

SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY

“Remember that health is not fixing a body part or an illness, but supporting a whole person with a rich, complex history, and that health equity is essential to a just and civil society.” —Naomi Fuchs, 2018 Commencement Speaker

2018 Graduates by the Numbers School of Nursing Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy

Physician Assistant

California School of Podiatric Medicine

Total graduates

2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

811

950

AT SAMUEL MERRITT UNIVERSITY, WE VALUE: 1 A learning environment where we challenge ourselves and our students to think critically, seek mastery, and act compassionately. 2 A collegial environment where we are fair, respectful, and behave with integrity. 3 A collaborative environment where we partner with one another and with others in the community. 4 An innovative environment where we take reasoned risks and move nimbly. 5 A results-oriented environment where we provide and expect exceptional performance and service.

Stephanie Bangert Executive Director, Communications and External Relations

Sasha Solomonov Associate Director, Social Media and Web Content

Jim Muyo Director, Communications

Gena Caya Alumni Affairs and Special Events Coordinator

Debra Holtz Senior Writer Donita Boles Associate Director, Publications Alejandro Rodriguez Associate Director, Advertising and Marketing

Jim Fidelibus Photography Johnny Moreno Photography Jenny Pfeiffer Photography

Chen Design Associates Art Direction, Design and Illustration

Hasain Rasheed Photography

Celia Catalino Photography

Michael Short Photography

Steve Davis Photography

Essence Printing Printing

This publication was produced by the Office of Communications at Samuel Merritt University. Please send inquiries to communications@samuelmerritt.edu.

Jonathan Brown, DPA, Chair President Emeritus, AICCU

Gloria Harmon, MS Retired Administrator, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center

John Swartzberg, MD, Vice Chair Clinical Professor Emeritus, UC Berkeley School of Public Health

Anna Kiger, DNP, DSc, MBA Chief Nurse Officer/ Office of Patient Experience, Sutter Health

Enitan Adesanya, MBA, Chair of the Finance Committee CEO, Desade Corporation Brad Barber, JD Director, Moraga-Orinda Fire District Melanie Bell-Mayeda, MBA Partner and Managing Director, IDEO Sam Davis, B Arch, MED Principal, Sam Davis Architecture Sharon Diaz, PhD (hc), (ex-officio) President and CEO, Samuel Merritt University

Lloyd Leanse, BA Managing Director, Higher Education Group, Prager & CO., LLC Board Member, Tuition Plan Consortium, LLC Alvin McLean, Jr., PhD CEO and Chairman, CHCS Services Professor, JFK University Gary Morrison, JD Deputy General Counsel Emeritus, Regents of the University of California Julie Petrini, RN, MPA / HSA CEO of Hospitals, Sutter Health Bay Area Lisa Zuffi, BA Senior VP/ Relationship Manager, East Bay Regional Office, Presidio Bank

Owen Garrick, MD President /COO, Bridge Clinical Research Jeff Gerard, MM (ex-officio) Senior Vice President of Strategic Services, Sutter Health

Sharon Diaz, PhD (hc) President and CEO

Elaine Lemay, MHROD Executive Director, Human Resources

Scot Foster, PhD Academic Vice President and Provost

Shirley Strong, MEd Chief Diversity Officer

Gregory Gingras, MSB, CMA, CFM Vice President, Finance and Administration, and CFO

Cynthia Ulman, MBA Executive Director, Planning and Business Development

Terrence Nordstrom, EdD, PT Vice President, Enrollment and Student Services

Sue Valencia, BA, CFRE Executive Director, Development and Alumni Affairs

Stephanie Bangert, MLS Executive Director, Communications and External Relations

450 30th Street, Suite 2840 Oakland CA 94609 www.samuelmerritt.edu