Donors Go All-In at Dream Makers 2024

Friday, Mar 29, 2024 • Rachel Biggs : CONTACT

President Cowley speaking at Dream Makers reception from the stairwell

For the first time, Dream Makers, The University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation’s annual event honoring scholarship donors was held at one of the on-campus learning environments where students are training to be the next generation of nursing professionals.

This year's event was moved from its traditional ballroom setting to the new School of Social Work/Smart Hospital Building, to allow donors a first-hand look at the cutting-edge facility.

3 female student scholarship recipients“The new Smart Hospital has given us additional opportunities to engage with our community partners and donors, and we were pleased to have our community partners and donors join us here for Dream Makers,” said Kim Siniscalchi, Professor of Practice.

Opened in 2023, the Smart Hospital is a 33,000-square-foot-facility featuring state-of-the-art, technology enriched learning spaces, teaching and research labs, and a simulation learning center. The International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) has endorsed the Smart Hospital in applying its Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice. UTA is one of only 26 institutions worldwide to receive this endorsement.

“Our goal was to give our donors unprecedented access to our space and to experience how their support translates to student training and success,” said Siniscalchi.

The immersive, open-house style event opened with remarks from UTA President Jennifer Cowley, who encouraged guests to explore the space and engage with faculty, staff, and students. 

Nursing scholarship recipients intereact with sim mannequin Located throughout the building, the seven guest experiences included:

  • Home Health Suite
  • Health Informatics Lab
  • VR Lab
  • Labor and Delivery Simulation
  • Escape Room
  • Moulage Station
  • Musculoskeletal Screening Room

“We are grateful to our team here in the Smart Hospital for their role in staffing the tour locations, interacting with our guests, and answering their questions,” said Jenny Roye, Assistant Dean of Simulation and Technology. “Sharing our space and our work with the community is a pleasure.”

To contribute to the Dream Makers and CONHI student scholarships, visit our website.

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