Celebrating leaders advancing health and community well-being
The Health Impact Awards bring together healthcare, civic, philanthropic, and community leaders to recognize individuals and organizations creating meaningful change. Proceeds support Samuel Merritt University’s mission to educate compassionate, highly skilled health professionals who are prepared to serve California’s diverse communities.
Nomination Process
Launched in 2023, the SMU Health Impact Awards bring together healthcare, civic, philanthropic, and community leaders to recognize individuals and organizations creating meaningful change. Proceeds support Samuel Merritt University’s mission to educate compassionate, highly skilled health professionals who are prepared to serve California’s diverse communities.
Recipients are determined by the SMU president following recommendations from a selection committee representing the diversity of the University, including the Deans of the Colleges of Health Sciences, Nursing, and Podiatric Medicine or their designees, as well as faculty, staff, alumni, and student representatives. Recipients are highly encouraged to attend the SMU Health Impact Awards recognition event so we may collectively celebrate their accomplishments. Any posthumous recognition must be approved in advance by the recipient’s family.
If you are interested in joining the nomination committee, please contact alumniaffairs@samuelmerritt.edu
Distinguished Alumni Award
Recognizing SMU alumni who have achieved a significant body of professional accomplishment and/or service in health sciences and healthcare. These remarkable alumni are exemplary in a range of areas that may include their healthcare or medical practice, research, professional achievements, and service to the University or community.
Innovative Leadership Award
Recognizing alumni, organizations, and friends of the University who contribute to health sciences or medicine through significant innovation and/or entrepreneurial endeavors.
Outstanding Service Award
Recognizing alumni, organizations, and friends whose volunteer activities contribute significantly to SMU, health sciences, medicine, and/or the health of specific communities.
Recent Graduate Impact Award
Recognizing alumni who graduated within the last decade and whose leadership, innovation, and achievements in health sciences, and/or impact to benefit a community in need are especially notable.
Spirit of SMU Award
Recognizing a current student who exemplifies the SMU mission by positively influencing the experience of care in our communities.
Distinguished Friend of the University
Recognizing alumni, organizations, and friends of SMU who have made noteworthy contributions to the vitality and advancement of the University and/or the fields of health sciences and medicine.