SMU Partners with Oakland Ballers for Nurses Appreciation Night and Graduate Celebration

TC Clark
A lively group of Samuel Merritt University attendees, including children and adults in Oakland Ballers gear, cheer from the stands during the game.
SMU students, alumni, faculty, staff, and their families cheer on the Ballers during a lively night at the ballpark.

On Friday, May 23rd, Samuel Merritt University (SMU) joined the Oakland Ballers at the newly renovated Raimondi Park for a memorable evening in celebration of Nurses Appreciation Night and the university’s commencement. This exciting collaboration highlights SMU’s commitment to Oakland and its community, where the university has been rooted since 1909.

A wide view of the Oakland Ballers baseball field at dusk, with players in action and fans watching from the stands under the stadium lights.
A beautiful dusk settles over Raimondi Park as the Oakland Ballers take on the Ogden Raptors.

As the official higher education partner of the Oakland Ballers since 2025, SMU was proud to show its support for both the local team and the community during this special event. The Ballers, a beloved Oakland-based baseball team, share SMU’s dedication to building a thriving, supportive environment for Oakland residents. SMU’s partnership with the Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club, which began in 2024, also reinforces the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering local relationships and championing community engagement.

Approximately 120 SMU faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends attended the event, with the evening also serving as a celebration of the university’s newest graduates, who were honored earlier in the day at commencement. As part of the event, SMU provided free tickets to its community, offering an opportunity to gather, celebrate, and build stronger connections with Oakland.

Attendees at the Oakland Ballers game laugh and cheer as children are playfully wrapped in green gauze during a health-themed game hosted by Samuel Merritt University.
SMU guests participate in a lively health-themed game, racing to wrap teammates in gauze during a fun intermission challenge at the Oakland Ballers game.

The game itself featured health-focused activities and giveaways that engaged attendees, including a gauze-wrapping competition, a race to carry sample cups without spilling liquid, and CPR manikin training and free SMU-branded first aid kits. These fun and informative games emphasized the importance of health and wellness, further underscoring the university’s commitment to healthcare education and community well-being.

SMU President Ching-Hua Wang was interviewed during the game, where she shared the significance of the partnership: “We know the Ballers is a community organization and SMU has been here for 116 years. Both are for the community and if we come together, it will make the community better.” 

President Ching-Hua Wang of Samuel Merritt University and another woman smile and talk while holding microphones near the baseball field, standing beside the railing in Section A.
SMU President Ching-Hua Wang speaks with the Oakland Ballers host during a live interview.

Adding to the excitement, Steven Rush, Dean of the College of Nursing, threw out the first pitch, while Marc Gayol, Associate Dean, Graduate Programs, College of Nursing delivered a powerful rendition of the national anthem. These moments showcased SMU’s leadership and its deep connection to the healthcare industry.

The evening culminated in a dominant performance by the Oakland Ballers, who triumphed over the Ogden Raptors with a 16-1 victory. The team’s win was a fitting conclusion to a night of celebration and unity for the SMU and Oakland communities.

SMU College of Nursing Dean Steven Rush prepares to throw the ceremonial first pitch alongside event staff and hosts on the pitcher’s mound.
Dean Steven Rush throws out the ceremonial first pitch alongside the event crew during pre-game festivities.

This event highlights the importance of such partnerships, especially in a time when SMU is set to open its new campus in downtown Oakland in 2026. As the Oakland Ballers proudly declare their commitment to Oakland, SMU shares this vision. “We are not abandoning the city of Oakland,” said President Wang. “Like the Ballers, we are doubling down on staying in Oakland and continuing to grow and serve our community for generations to come.”

As Oakland’s only professional baseball team, the Ballers hold a unique position as a pillar of the community, especially after the departure of the A’s. Their mission to remain “Built by Oakland, for Oakland, forever Oakland,” aligns closely with SMU’s own deep ties to the city, making this partnership even more meaningful for all involved. The collaboration with the Oakland Ballers is a testament to SMU’s ongoing dedication to the people of Oakland, both through its educational programs and community engagement efforts.

A man in an Oakland Ballers t-shirt and Samuel Merritt University jacket sings National Anthem into a microphone on the baseball field, with an American flag backdrop waving in the distance.
Marc Gayol, Associate Dean, Graduate Programs, College of Nursing, sings the National Anthem during Nurses Appreciation Night at the Oakland Ballers game.

The partnership between SMU and the Oakland Ballers represents more than just a game; it’s a reflection of the shared values of community, growth, and resilience. As both organizations continue to thrive and serve Oakland, the future looks bright for the city’s residents and the institutions that call it home. 

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