Our University’s Most Prestigious Awards
The Samuel Merritt University (SMU) Health Impact Awards are the University's most prestigious awards honoring the outstanding and significant accomplishments of students, faculty, staff, alumni, organizations and supporters of health sciences and healthcare.
The SMU Health Impact Awards program has closed nominations as of December 2, 2025. Be on the lookout for the save the date for the in-person celebration in spring 2025.
Our SMU community is the embodiment of our core values—advancing health equity, serving the public, and delivering compassionate care. The collective efforts of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters make a lasting, positive difference in the communities we serve. We invite you to celebrate the remarkable individuals who make SMU truly exceptional.”
Dr. Ching-Hua Wang
President and CEO of Samuel Merritt University
About the Awards
Launched in 2023, the SMU Health Impact Awards program honors exemplary SMU students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends who have made significant contributions to health sciences or healthcare by virtue of their professional activities and/or community service, or who have demonstrated exceptional promise for outstanding future achievements.
Recipients will be 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 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.
Nominations for the 2025 awards will be accepted through December 2, 2024. Please direct any questions to University Advancement at 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.