SMU Recognized as Health Champion of 2024 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, Samuel Merritt University (SMU) was honored with the prestigious Health Champion of 2024 award at Assemblymember Mia Bonta’s 3rd Annual Assembly District 18 Awards Luncheon in Alameda. The award, presented by Assemblymember Bonta, recognizes SMU’s outstanding contributions to healthcare education, community health, and health equity in California’s 18th Assembly District in the last 116 years.
The event, which celebrates community leaders, nonprofits, businesses, and civic figures making a significant impact in the region, was attended by key figures such as former Congresswoman Barbara Lee and elected officials from Alameda, Emeryville, and Oakland. These leaders acknowledged the work of individuals and organizations that have shaped the community through dedication and service.
“I’m incredibly proud to recognize Samuel Merritt University as our Health Champion of
2024,” said Assemblymember Bonta. “SMU’s commitment to producing highly skilled healthcare professionals and addressing the healthcare challenges in our community, particularly around health equity, is deeply commendable. Their leadership and vision are instrumental in shaping a healthier future for our district.”
The Health Champion of the Year award highlights SMU’s role in providing exceptional healthcare education and training, along with its broader efforts to improve community health outcomes. SMU’s innovative programs in nursing, physical therapy, and physician assistant education directly contribute to strengthening the healthcare workforce, particularly in underserved areas.
“We are honored to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Ching-Hua Wang, President of Samuel Merritt University. “This award reaffirms our ongoing commitment to advancing health equity and addressing the healthcare challenges faced by our communities. We believe that education is the key to a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system, and we are proud to continue shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders.”
As part of the ceremony, Assemblymember Bonta also delivered her State of the District address, reflecting on recent legislative victories and emphasizing the importance of community collaboration. The event underscored the vital role that institutions like SMU play in fostering a healthier, more resilient community.
The Health Champion of the Year award is one of several honors presented during the event, with other recipients recognized for their contributions to the arts, education, social justice, and local business. SMU’s recognition as a health champion exemplifies the university’s dedication to the advancement of healthcare and the improvement of public health, marking a significant milestone in its mission to build healthier communities through education and collaboration.
