University of Michigan School of Public Health alumnus and supporter Gail L. Warden was among six recipients of the 2002 Distinguished Alumni Service Award, presented by the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan during a ceremony at the Michigan League on Oct. 24, 2002.

Gail L. Warden came from Dartmouth to the University of Michigan in 1963 to earn his master’s of hospital administration. Since then, he has been a national advocate for improving the American health care system and is a leader in the field of health care administration. He has spoken to classes in the Department of Health Management and Policy, has volunteered for numerous committees and organizations dedicated to health care, and is currently the president and chief executive officer of the Henry Ford Health System.

Despite his successful career, Gail has always made time to be a loyal supporter of the U-M and consistently thanks the U-M for affording him the education that allows him to strengthen and shape health care across the United States. His work has taken him all over the country, but he’s always been active and involved with the School of Public Health in Ann Arbor. He has advised faculty, spoken at education forums sponsored by the University and has spearheaded a fund-raising campaign for the department of health management and policy. He is a member of the school’s dean’s advisory committee, dedicated to preparing the school for its next campaign.

He even finds time for students, advising them on their careers and opening doors in their professional lives. He regularly attends brown bag lunches with students and participates in a variety of panels and receptions for the school. Terri Weinstein Mellow, director of the School of Public Health’s Office of Communications, remarks: “I often observe Gail talking with the students, taking a personal interest in seeing them move into the alumni arena, and instilling in them a sense of loyalty. It seems that Gail is always able to find the time to work with and for students, and with and for the University of Michigan.”

She concludes, “Gail Warden stands out as the most committed and dedicated alumni volunteer I have ever encountered … He is never too busy to take a call; he is proactive in his thinking about how to enhance the University; and he is willing to give of his time, his effort and his generosity.”

Contact: Terri Mellow, Director, Office of Communications
Phone: (734) 764-8094
E-mail: twm@umich.edu

© 2002 The Regents of the University of Michigan
Updated October 31, 2002