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UM SPH Dean Noreen Clark described how the new building complex is conceived as a crossroads of intellectual activity, of research and teaching, and of academe and community. The concept reflects a commitment to expand recruitment of outstanding junior faculty, Dean Clark explained, as well as a longstanding tradition of interdisciplinarity, which is underscored by the dozens of research centers housed at the school that bring together researchers from various backgrounds and academic disciplines to examine subjects ranging from statistical genetics to environment and children's health. "A literal as well as metaphorical crossroads, the new School of Public Health facility will allow for greater collaboration among departments, research centers, faculty, students, and communities of all kinds, and will enable students across departments to exchange ideas with each other and with colleagues throughout the world," Dean Clark explained in a statement. "Shared teaching spaces will be more centralized, and opportunities for research will multiply. As disciplines begin to share perspectives, they will change. The old disciplines will grow stronger, and new disciplines will evolve." University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman said that the new School of Public Health facility "will allow the school to continue to forge ahead on issues that affect us all" and to be an international leader addressing "concerns reaching around the world and reaching literally into our back yard." President Coleman noted that in the span of just a few days this fall, the School of Public Health featured programs on hepatitis, West Nile virus, and AIDS in Africa, while at the same time a student-organized coat-and-sweater drive would benefit members of the local community. Provost Paul Courant remarked that the history of public health at the university dates back 112 years to the first teaching of "sanitary sciences," and he praised the School of Public Health for continuing to "connect the academy to the real world." On a personal note, he related that he is a certified "Polio Pioneer," because as a child in in New York state in 1954 he participated in national vaccine field trials conducted from UM SPH by Jonas Salk's professor, Thomas Francis, Jr. Provost Courant concluded by saying that "the University is proud to support" continuing endeavors at the School of Public Health. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, the state of Michigan's first surgeon general and an alumna of UM SPH's program in statistical analysis, said she was "delighted to be here on this momentous and wonderful occasion." She described how "the state of Michigan enjoys a wonderful collaboration with the University of Michigan School of Public Health," and heralded the many ways they work together "tirelessly to improve the health of every citizen of Michigan." She explained her mandate from the governor to revitalize prevention efforts in the state, to reduce Michigan's current status as having the country's 12th highest rate of heart disease and 9th highest rate of infant mortality--with a rate of infant mortality among African-Americans that is three times greater. Surgeon General Wisdom said that "physical health relates to fiscal health" for Michigan, and she challenged everyone present to increase physical activity and well-being and spread the message about the importance of preventing unhealthy behaviors. In closing the remarks, Senior Associate Dean for Research-Designate Martin Philbert said the new building complex is a testimonial to the dedication of many individuals, especially outgoing Senior Associate Dean for Research and Facilities Robert Gray. Philbert pledged that public health efforts would be safeguarded in the school's new facilities, including the old building, the middle-aged building, and the modern facility to come. Chasity Wellnitz and Rebecca Danhof, co-chairs of the Public Health Students Association, joined the speakers to excavate the first shovelfuls of dirt for the planned new facility. Plans for the building include a seven-story tower over Washington Heights Street, housing modern research facilities, classrooms, interaction areas, and community-focused research space. Project funding will be provided from private gifts, SPH resources and capital investment proceeds. Construction and traffic updates. Contact: Terri Mellow, Director,
Office of Communications
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To
herald its future direction, the University of Michigan School of Public
Health celebrated a groundbreaking on October 23, 2003. The ceremony brought
together students, staff, and faculty with representatives from community
and organizational partners, including Michigan Surgeon General Kimberlydawn
Wisdom, UM President Mary Sue Coleman, and UM Provost Paul Courant.
