From left to right: Elyse Garcia, Audrey P. Miller, Beatrice Ambroise, Lori Schirle, Deborah L. Krauser, Frank Guido-Sanz, Elizabeth “Liz” Joseph, Rosa M. Roche and Susan Marie Perry
May 1, 2024 – Florida International University’s Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences (NWCNHS) is celebrating 50 years of educating South Florida’s nurses and caregivers. On Saturday, May 4, the college will honor distinguished nursing alumni with awards and legacy recognitions.
According to a report commissioned by the Florida Hospital Association and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, Florida will face a shortfall of 59,100 nurses by 2035. FIU Nursing, with nearly 9,000 alumni, is making a significant contribution toward addressing the shortage by educating the nurses and practitioners South Florida needs.
Most recently, the college was ranked as having the No. 21 best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, No. 30 best Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and No. 33 best Nursing Anesthesia Program, among public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
“The College couldn’t achieve these kinds of milestones without the strength and commitment of our valued alumni. They continue to make a positive impact in the world while helping people in need, and also making the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences an even better place to prepare those entering this incredibly fulfilling profession. Our Distinguished Alumni Awardees represent some of the most talented, accomplished, and dedicated nurses in the region and beyond,” said Jorge Valdés, Interim Dean of the NWCNHS.
The nine Distinguished Alumni Awardees in Excellence and Lifetime Spirit of Caring Award share commonalities including commitment to the highest level of patient care and outcomes and a lifetime passion for the nursing profession.
Read more about Nursing’s 50th Jubilee Celebration event, the history of nursing and health sciences education at FIU, including the list of Distinguished Alumni Awardees here.
About FIU:
Florida International University is a top public university that drives real talent and innovation in Miami and globally. Very high research (R1) activity and high social mobility come together at FIU to uplift and accelerate student success in a global city by focusing in the areas of environment, health and innovation. Today, FIU has two campuses and multiple centers. FIU serves a diverse student body of more than 56,000 and 300,000 Panther alumni. FIU is ranked No. 4 Best Public University by the Wall Street Journal and U.S. News and World Report places dozens of FIU programs among the best in the nation, including international business at No. 2. Washington Monthly Magazine ranks FIU among the top 20 public universities contributing to the public good and Degree Choices places it among the top 10 in the nation for return on investment.
