Public health and human sciences students represent the future of health, and to recognize their achievements the college treated 325 high-achieving scholarship and fellowship recipients to two new events.
In addition to the standard congratulations letter they received in the mail, students were surprised with an “I am the #futureofhealth” water-proof sticker, funny and inspiring memes, a packet of confetti and a “golden ticket” containing instructions and information about this year’s festivities.
Students were asked to shout their success from the roof tops – via social media by posting a selfie with their scholarship/fellowship award packets using #futureofhealth and #cphhs.
They were then treated to an exclusive American Dream pizza party in May where they could write thank-you letters to donors, mingle with fellow students, take photos thanking their biggest supporters and take part in the 2015 scholarship/fellowship video.
But that’s not all. Students were then invited to a special drop-in breakfast where they had the opportunity to spin a prize wheel, pick up coffee and food, see their names printed on congratulatory posters, mingle with faculty and students, pick up their award certificates and take a photo with CPHHS Dean Tammy Bray.
All of these festivities were captured on camera and can be viewed in the video above and slideshow below.
“I hope to use my talents and training to contribute to research that will help diminish health disparities in disadvantaged groups.”
What are our wonderful students going to do with awards they earned? Here’s just a few snippets of what they told us:
“I plan to use my PhD to further research concerning individuals with disabilities. I want to bring light to the health and social disparities that are present for these individuals and their families.” Human Development and Family Studies PhD student Meghann Fenn.
“I hope to work with communities to address public health issues that include food security, agriculture, community development and social action.” MPH student Jason Skipton.
“I hope to use my talents and training to contribute to research that will help diminish health disparities in disadvantaged groups – both in the United States and internationally.” MPH student Valerie Barnhill.
“I hope to make the world a healthier place by fostering positive social relationships in the classroom.” HDFS student Sarah Pettis.
“I plan on making the world a better place by working with athletes to ensure a safe sporting environment, beginning at youth and into adulthood.” Athletic Training student Colleen Bohannan.
“I plan on helping families provide the best environment for children in the presence of challenges.” HDFS and Public Health student Lexi Welch.
“I plan on helping the world eat healthier so they can prevent chronic disease. I also plan to be part of Dietitian without Borders to bring nutrition care to those who are suffering.” Nutrition student Maria Di Iorio.
“I plan on pursuing nursing to help care for patients and work on preventive care and education.” Public Health student Kendra Pierce.
“I plan on making the world a healthier place by being a role model and making sure I am healthy myself, being educated and generous in sharing the important things I have learned, by keeping everything in perspective and being flexible enough for that perspective to change when needed, by remembering no job/task is beneath/undeserving of my help – everyone deserves a helping hand or two.” Exercise and Sport Science student Erika Cook.