News Release

UM School of Public Health convocation recognizes 370 degree candidates from the class of 2003; excerpts from speeches and faculty awards

May 05, 2003 press release from the University of Michigan School of Public Health

At the convocation ceremony held in the University of Michigan Rackham Auditorium on Friday, April 25, 370 master’s and doctoral degree candidates from the School of Public Health class of 2003 were recognized. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, delivered the keynote address.

Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey told the degree candidates that in choosing public health as a career “you are choosing to help make this world a better place.” She urged them to “uphold and cherish” the age-old values of the health professions: service, altruism, excellence, education, and the quest for knowledge. “These values have never seemed more important,” she said. “Today’s so-called health marketplace will test you.”

Noreen M. Clark, dean of the school, congratulated the class of 2003 in her welcoming remarks. She also noted that they were gathered at a moment of national urgency, as news reports from Iraq demonstrate that war takes no sides when inflicting human suffering and environmental devastation: "Regardless of our individual views on the conflict, events in Iraq reaffirm our commitment to public health, for it will play a critical role in helping the people of Iraq recover from the destruction of battle. In the coming weeks, public health officials will deliver humanitarian aide; help rebuild the country's infrastructure; and restore safe water, air, and food. And they will organize desperately needed health care for people of every age, gender, and ethnicity. The members of the Class of 2003 are joining a vital profession."

Faculty Award Presentations
The 2003 Excellence in Research Award was presented during the ceremony to Roderick J.A. Little, the Richard D. Remington Collegiate Professor of Biostatistics. Associate Professor of Biostatistics Susan Murray received the 2003 Excellence in Teaching Award.

In her introduction to the presentation of the research award, degree candidate Patricia Miranda said: "This year’s recipient for the School of Public Health Excellence in Research Award has been a leading investigator in the modeling, evaluation and analysis of missing data, making outstanding contributions to the theory and application of statistics. Dr. Roderick Little is also one of the department’s most popular doctoral dissertation advisors."

Degree candidate Leah Romano introduced the teaching award presentation by saying: "Dr. Susan Murray is a true teacher who is dedicated to her discipline and who gives untiringly of herself to help her students thrive and learn. She possesses a unique ability to make even the most intimidating topics accessible and understandable. With her trademark ‘10-minute problem,’ she begins class on the hour and uses the extra time to solve difficult problems or talk about topics that are not covered in the syllabus."

Remarks on Behalf of the Students
Two degree candidates addressed their fellow students, families, friends, and faculty during the ceremony.

Susie Lee began by congratulating her peers "for their hard work and for completing their respective programs. This is a wonderful evening, a night we have all been waiting for." She noted that the majority of the class of 2003 began school about a week before the tragedy of September 11, and she discussed the focus on bioterrorism, SARS, and other public health concerns that arose during their tenure. She concluded: "As we are closing one chapter of our lives and moving forward to another, I leave this school with an education that has prepared me to combat many of today's issues in public health. And I also leave with great friendships and fond memories. I hope all of you feel the same way."

Lauretta Adwoa Larbi Ansah said: "There is nothing wrong with wanting more, and today you should leave with the notion that you are capable of much more. Whether it is a better-paying job or a healthier lifestyle--it is all within your reach…. We have no idea where our newfound skills will take us, but you should be ready for the challenge."

Gifts from the Class of 2003
As they leave the school, members of the University of Michigan School of Public Health graduating class of 2003 have contributed and/or pledged $13,485 for scholarships for future SPH graduate students. Pledging increased 57% over last year's figures. A "matching" gift from several alumni will bring the amount over the $28,000 mark. More information and links to departmental scholarship descriptions.

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

© 2003 The Regents of the University of Michigan
Updated May 08, 2003