Hartnell College Honors Salinas Valley Health at Inaugural Health Sciences Awards

SALINAS, Calif. — Salinas Valley Health is honored to be recognized in an inaugural event celebrating excellence across the health sciences at Hartnell College. The healthcare system received the Champion for Nursing & Health Excellence Award, and Salinas Valley Health nurse and Hartnell alumna Jovita Dominguez, BSN, RN, CPAN received the Excellence in Nursing Award.

Hartnell College and the Hartnell College Foundation created the awards program to recognize distinguished alumni and community partners who demonstrate excellence in patient care, leadership, service and professional integrity.

Salinas Valley Health is the first Champion recipient, honored for decades of partnership advancing nursing and respiratory therapy education. Thousands of Hartnell students have completed clinical rotations at Salinas Valley Health, and during the COVID-19 pandemic the organization maintained student placements when many clinical sites were forced to limit access. The healthcare system is also an early and ongoing supporter of Hartnell’s respiratory care program and partners with the academic institution on grants, research initiatives, program approvals, national accreditations and the development of the Center for Nursing and Health Sciences.

“From its beginning, Salinas Valley Health has been a steadfast partner in helping Hartnell produce highly qualified healthcare professionals who reflect and serve our community,” said Jacqueline Cruz, Ed.D., vice president of advancement and development and executive director of the Hartnell College Foundation. “Its commitment goes far beyond financial support, creating deeper educational opportunities and long-term impact for our students and programs.”

“Our long-standing partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence in health sciences education and service to our community,” said Carla Spencer, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Salinas Valley Health Chief Nursing Officer. “We are honored by this award and look forward to many more years cultivating the next generation of health care professionals.”  

Dominguez, a registered nurse in Salinas Valley Health’s observation care unit, was recognized for her longstanding commitment to patient care and nursing education. A graduate of Hartnell’s nursing program, Dominguez has served as Hartnell’s most experienced part-time clinical nursing instructor.

“Jovita represents the very best of Hartnell - skill, compassion and an unwavering belief in student success,” Cruz said. “Her impact reaches from the bedside to the classroom and across the state.”

Both Spencer and Dominguez gave special recognition and appreciation to Debra Kaczmar, former Dean of Academic Affairs at Hartnell for her unwavering impact and partnership over many decades.

In addition, Hartnell presented David Nicolai, a Hartnell respiratory care alumnus, with the Excellence in Respiratory Therapy Award for his professional achievement and service in the field.

Hartnell intends the awards program to become an annual recognition of alumni and partners who strengthen healthcare education and improve patient care throughout the region.

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Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843