Immersive Learning at the Sim Center & SMU Estate Planning Seminar

SMU Breakfast – Dine & Discover

Immersive Learning at the Sim Center 
& SMU Estate Planning Seminar

In Honor of the University’s 1909 Legacy Society

Free to SMU Community!

RSVP HERE

While you enjoy a full breakfast in Oakland's elegant Claremont Country Club, you will learn about Samuel Merritt University's advanced simulation training facilities and the strategies that make it a model program for guided learning. You will also hear tips about financial and estate planning from an SMU nurse, who is now an estate attorney, and a financial advisor. Join us!

Come Learn With Us & Enjoy a Complimentary Breakfast 

When: Friday, May 19, 2023

Where: Claremont Country Club, 5295 Broadway Terrace, Oakland, CA 
The pre-eminent private club in Oakland with the beautiful Tudor-style clubhouse
Please note, this is NOT the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley.

Important, the Club has a strict business casual dress code – which must be observed at all times:

• Jackets required for all men. Ties are optional.
• Dress pants or dresses for women.
• Please remove hats.
• NOT permitted: jeans and denim, shirts, shorts, and athletic wear.
• Thank you for helping us respect this special venue by observing these requirements.

Kindly RSVP by May 10 to Penny Peak at (510) 879-3349 or ppeak@samuelmerritt.edu or RSVP online

Program Information:

8-9 am: SMU Breakfast & Immersive Learning at the Simulation Center: Learn how SMU students respond to life-like scenarios in one of the most advanced healthcare simulation facilities in the West.

At the “Sim Center,” SMU students, faculty, and working health professionals collaborate to respond to life-like scenarios, try on different hats, and become better health care team members. Students receive carefully guided practice in technical skills, medical and surgical procedures, critical thinking, decision making, teamwork, leadership, and communication. Celeste Villanueva, Ed.D., CRNA, Assistant VP, Academic Affairs; and Jeanette Wong, MPA, RN, Executive Director, Health Sciences Simulation Center, will explain how the Sim Center works and how SMU students respond to various life-like scenarios.

9-10 am: Estate Planning Seminar: Preparing for the Future: Learn about effective tax-saving strategies and the steps you can take to prepare an estate plan that reflects your values. 

A well-constructed estate plan will help you avoid probate and leave a legacy that fully reflects your values. Come learn about protecting your assets, tax-saving strategies, how a trust and will work together, and the steps you can take to be prepared as you get older and face the challenges that aging brings. SMU alumna Julie M. Fiedler, ’82, an estate planning attorney and registered nurse, and David Little, JD, Senior Wealth Strategist for Wells Fargo Bank, will share advice to help you gain peace of mind through estate planning strategies and the steps to develop your personal estate plan.

Speakers:

Julie M. Fiedler, ’82, RN, JD, LLM Elder Law

Based in San Ramon, attorney and Samuel Merritt University alumna Julie M. Fiedler is a Registered Nurse and Certified Elder Law Attorney with over 20 years of experience in healthcare and 20 years in legal services. Her background as a critical care nurse, and as an elder law and estate planning attorney gives her a unique perspective on helping clients meet their estate planning goals. Julie is past President of the Northern California Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and has also served on the Board of Directors for NAELA. She is actively involved in the certification of elder law attorneys with the National Elder Law Foundation, the only national organization that certifies attorneys as specialists in the field of elder law. Julie has taught continuing education classes for healthcare providers, is a frequent lecturer for Bay Area Hospice, and has spoken to numerous civic organizations.

David Little, JD

David is a Senior Wealth Strategist for Wells Fargo Bank, serving Northern California. He works with clients and their advisors to help develop customized wealth plans and solutions based on a thorough understanding of their personal values, financial goals, and vision for their legacy. David also has many years of experience as an attorney in estate planning and administration, although currently he is not practicing law. He is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).

Celeste Villanueva, Ed.D., CRNA

Celeste serves as Interim Dean, College of Nursing and Assistant Vice President, Academic Affairs. During her 26-year career at Samuel Merritt University, Celeste has held a number of senior leadership roles, including Founding Director, Health Sciences Simulation Center, which she ran for 10 years; Founding Director, Center for Innovation & Excellence in Learning; and Director, Nurse Anesthesia Program. She has also filled interim leadership roles, including her current position as Interim Dean, College of Nursing, and previously as Interim Provost & Vice President, Academic Affairs.

Jeanette Wong, MPA, RN

Jeanette Wong is Executive Director of the Samuel Merritt University (SMU) Health Sciences Simulation Center (HSSC) and is responsible for leading a team of highly competent Simulation Educators, a Simulation Technology Specialist, and administrative support staff to achieve the mission of the HSSC across three campuses. After spending over a decade as the HSSC’s Operation Manager, Jeanette appreciates the value of immersive learning, especially when it is purposefully integrated into programs, and enjoys working with faculty to ensure the experience is positive for the learners.