Cizik School of Nursing Alumni

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Welcome Home

As part of the 15,000 alumni improving health around the world, you and your fellow graduates from Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston are changing lives. Alumni like you are providing compassionate care at bedsides, leading health care teams, and making scientific discoveries that improve outcomes for patients and families—and it all started with your nursing education.

15,000

Alumni (1972 - Present)

1,020

Full-time Students

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Get Involved

Connect with fellow alumni, guide the school that set you on your career journey, or help students who dream of walking a path like the one you have paved.

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Attend an Event

Our school offers many opportunities to stay in touch with former classmates and make new connections. You won’t want to miss any of these fun events!

Seema S. Aggarwal, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor at Cizik School of Nursing

Stay Updated

Every day, your fellow alumni are making a difference in the world of health and the lives of patients. Read how they are creating a healthier tomorrow.

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Make a Gift

Support students dedicated to following in your footsteps, advance critical research in your field, or propel outreach initiatives that serve people in our communities.

Distinguished Alumnus Award

Every year, exceptional alumni receive our Distinguished Alumnus Awards in celebration of their substantial contributions to nursing. Past recipients include deans, faculty of nursing schools, health system executives, and notable nurse scientists. View the list of our 50 previous award winners below.

If you know someone who would be a good candidate for the Distinguished Alumnus Award, submit a nomination form, letter of recommendation, and resume now.

Award Winners Submit Your Nomination

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Three Cizik School of Nursing alumni at and event

UTHealth Houston Alumni Community

Even after graduation, your connection with Cizik School of Nursing remains strong, and the school provides many ways for you to stay in touch with your alma mater and each other. Through the UTHealth Houston Alumni Community, you can connect with classmates, network with fellow alumni, and stay involved with Cizik School of Nursing for the latest news and fun events.

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50th Anniversary Reunion

Nine members of UTHealth Houston’s first class of nurses visited their alma mater on November 13, 2024 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their graduation. This event included a tour of the school and lunch with Dean Diane Santa Maria, where they learned firsthand about all the latest developments at Cizik School of Nursing.

“I am extremely grateful for the PARTNERS Scholarship. Receiving these funds solidified my commitment to obtaining a PhD and becoming a Cizik School of Nursing faculty member to educate the future of our profession. With the assistance from PARTNERS, I was able to avoid working additional shifts to pay for my education and could dedicate myself to full-time studies.”

Daniel Arellano, PhD ’19, NP, RN

Nurse Practitioner, Intensive Care Unit, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Assistant Professor, Department of Undergraduate Studies, Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston
“The Accelerated PhD Program Scholarship allowed me to fully commit and immerse myself in my doctoral program. Having the reduced financial burden and opportunity to focus exclusively on my studies enhanced my engagement in the coursework and application to my research and practice. I use the knowledge and skills I gained through the program daily in my research to support maternal-child health in the community.”

Cary Cain, PhD ’19, MPH ’12, RN

Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics

Baylor College of Medicine
“The generous support I received through a scholarship allowed me to dedicate my time and energy to building a strong research foundation, which has aided me well in building my career as a nurse researcher and disability advocate. This scholarship was instrumental in allowing me to pursue my PhD because the program is rigorous and fast paced.”

Hilary Touchett, PhD ’19, RN

Investigator and Research Health Scientist

Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and the South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center