We are the future of public health. A theme aptly adopted for the College of Public Health and Human Sciences’ annual Celebration of Excellence event held May 4.
In what has become much more than a tradition, the annual event celebrates the college’s extraordinary students and those who support them in a meaningful way.
Made possible by the generous gifts of college donors totaling approximately $400,000, nearly 250 students were awarded with scholarships and fellowships.
CPHHS Dean Tammy Bray spoke of the college’s journey to become the first and only accredited college of public health and human sciences in Oregon, highlighting how the college is positioned to lead the future of public health by ensuring lifelong health and well-being for every person, every family and every community in Oregon and beyond.
Accreditation means many things for the college, students and community, including raising stature locally and abroad, supporting a qualified workforce and helping secure resources to attract and retain world-class faculty and committed students.
Those who attended were treated to lunch and dessert while listening to inspiring speeches by two students and college supporter Carmen Phillips – whose mother, Hallie Ford, was instrumental in creating the college center that bears her name, the Hallie E. Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families. Carmen shared why she supports the college and students and the importance of being involved and engaged in the community.
Public Health undergraduate student and scholarship recipient Gabriela Garcia spoke of her experiences as a first-generation college student who is active in campus clubs and organizations.
Human Development and Family Studies graduate student and fellowship recipient Jeff Flesch shared his passion to address adolescent development and school bullying.
As a special recognition to honor OSU First Lady Beth Ray, who recently lost her battle with cancer, Dean Bray hosted a toast in her name. Beth always had a strong presence in the OSU community and was enthusiastic and committed to students who attended the university.
In memory of Beth and her passion for supporting students, this year the college recognized one of its own students with a certificate in her honor – CPHHS MPH alum and Environmental and Occupational Health PhD student Andres Cardenas.
