MGH Institute SHRS Winter Concert Celebrates the Arts

Date

December 18, 2025

Topics

There was an engaging and energetic atmosphere for the School of Health and Rehabilitation's annual Winter Concert in Building 39 last Thursday, as students, faculty, and staff gathered to see the creativity and talent of several MGH Institute students and a musical tribute to President Paula Milone-Nuzzo.

Surrounded by artwork created by Yobella Cook, MSSLP’26, and accompanied by Mike Boutin, assistant dean for faculty and student success, five gave a range of musical and dance performances. Helen Cohen, MSSLP '26 performed three songs on guitar, Abigail Sprague, MSSLP '27 sang two classic Christmas ballads, Victor Criollo, MSSLP '27 gave a glimpse into his Mexican culture through dance, and Simone Gamble, MSSLP '26, and Jacqueline LaRivee, MSSLP '2 shared their vocal abilities as well. The afternoon event was highlighted by a performance of the tune “Suzy Snowflake,” with special lyrics written by Annie Holland, an instructor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders department, in honor of President Paula Milone-Nuzzo, who is retiring this year.

“I thought the concert was a huge success,” said Boutin. “There was a lot of energy and engagement in the audience, and it was a great opportunity to honor Paula, who has always been an eager audience member at these concerts. Simply put, it’s fun and brings people joy.”

The event builds on a tradition that began before the COVID-19 pandemic with the IHP musicians student group, which was revived again through winter concerts designed to showcase student talent. This year’s celebration was co-sponsored by the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, the School of Nursing, and the new Student Humanities in Health Professions group, demonstrating how music, art, and performance can foster empathy, reflection, and community in healthcare education.

SHRS Winter Concert

woman smiling and clapping with two women doing the same next to her — President Paula Milone-Nuzzo was all smiles after her song dedication, written and performed by faculty member Annie Holland, who changed the lyrics from the song "Suzy Snowflake" to "Here Comes Paula President.

woman singing in green dress — Abigail Sprague, MSSLP '27, performed "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by High Martin and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Walter Kent.

man standing mid dance — Victor Criollo, MSSLP'27, shared a cultural dance called "Danza De Los Machetes," using machetes as a prop.

woman singing in green sweater — Simone Gamble, MSSLP '26, sang "The Christmas Song" by Mel Torme.

woman singing in pink sweater — Jacqueline LaRivee, MSSLP '26, sang "White Christmas by Irving Berlin, "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow" by Jule Styne, and "The Christmas Waltz" by Sammy Cahn, accompanied by Mike Boutin on the piano.

woman playing guitar — Helen Cohen, MSSLP '26, played her guitar and sang to "In My Life," by The Beatles, "La Vie en Rose" by Edith Piaf, and "Being Alive" by Stephen Sondheim.

woman holding paper and microphone — Annie Holland, professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders department, wrote and led special lyrics set to the winter tune “Suzy Snowflake” in honor of President Milone-Nuzzo, as well as a cover of "Winter Wonderland" by Felix Bernard.