“In today’s world, the shortage is not merely in knowledge and skills but rather in the ability to apply them appropriately in diverse situations and locations. Public Health U has adeptly addressed significant challenges that students often face, such as cost and accessibility, while simultaneously delivering top-notch quality education.”
– Master’s in Public Health Graduate, RAKOTOARIMANANA Nomenjanahary Levi Hoséa
On Saturday, May 11, Public Health U hosted a remarkable virtual graduation ceremony filled with joy and celebration. Despite the virtual format, the setting did not diminish the enthusiasm and pride that filled the event as we celebrated the accomplishments of our graduates. Through technology, we connected from different locations, allowing the spirit of achievement and camaraderie to transcend physical boundaries. Together, we celebrated academic accomplishments and the spirit of perseverance and innovation that defines our community at Public Health U.
Honoring Our Graduates
This year’s ceremony was truly memorable, marking the achievement of eight (8) dedicated individuals. Each graduate expressed their unwavering commitment and passion for advancing public health in their designated countries and communities and spoke of the impact PHU had on their professional and personal lives, making their success all the more inspiring. Our graduates are poised to become leaders who spearhead efforts to address complex public health challenges and drive positive change. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and potential to make a meaningful impact in their fields. Our Valedictorian, Maryam Musa, delivered a truly inspiring speech. Her words resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. Here’s a snippet from their speech:
“When you feel like the going is getting tough, ask yourself what it will cost you to give up on a dream or project you are working on. What is it costing you to procrastinate on your assignment? What is it costing you not to post on the discussion forum or read the learning materials for a module? What is it costing you not to give your best to your final assignment?”
Recognizing Certificate Recipients
During the ceremony, we also recognized fifteen (15) individuals who earned the Public Health Basic Certificates after completing four core courses that establish a strong foundation in public health principles. We also acknowledged eight (8) Public Health Progress Certificate recipients who completed eight courses, including a combination of core and elective courses. Each certificate presented represents a stepping stone towards greater expertise and impact in addressing public health challenges. Here’s what one of our recipients shared on her journey with Public Health U so far.
“With this program, I am equipped to educate the public on key health topics and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, enabling me to lead community health programs and address pressing health concerns such as chronic diseases and health disparities.”
– Public Health Progress Certificate Awardee, Rosenee Briones-Ruiz
Distinguished Guests and Supporters
Our ceremony was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including the Chief Executive Officer of NextGenU.org, Miriam Chickering; PHU Academic Director and Director of Public Health for NextGenU.org, Dr. Anne Peterson; Founder of NextGenU.org, Dr. Erica Frank; and our esteemed Board Member, Dr. Marilyn Winkleby. Our graduates and certificate awardees, along with their friends, family members, and loved ones, were in attendance. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated supervisors of our graduates. Without their guidance, mentorship, and expertise, our graduates would not have successfully navigated their dissertations and achieved their academic goals. Guiding us through the highly celebrated occasion was our exceptional Master of Ceremonies, Felix Emeka Anyiam, who conducted the event with grace and professionalism, ensuring that everyone felt connected and that the sense of accomplishment and community spirit was palpable throughout the ceremony.
Looking to the Future
We are immensely proud of our graduates and extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of them for reaching this significant milestone. As we celebrate their success, we look forward to seeing their continued impact and contributions to the field of public health. As we look toward the future, we anticipate celebrating more achievements and envision honoring those who will graduate from our Ph.D. in Global Health and Master of Education for Health Professionals programs, further expanding our community of accomplished scholars and practitioners.
Join Us in Making a Difference
If you are passionate about public health and want to make a difference, we invite you to:
Together, we can make waves in public health education and create a healthier world for all.
Reisha Narine
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