The 2008 Alumni and Friends Scholarship Gala

By John R. Finnegan, Jr.
Professor and Dean
March 31, 2008

On the evening of Thursday, April 10, the SPH will be holding an event that I believe signals a new era for the school and I would like faculty and staff members to make every effort to attend. The 2008 Alumni & Friends Scholarship Gala is a seminal event for three reasons:

1. It signals a renewed commitment to connecting with our alumni.  We are coming up on the one-year anniversary of our newly formed Alumni Society Board and on behalf of their alumni counterparts, the Board strongly believes this event will be an excellent way to re-engage SPH Alumni.
2. It represents our shift to a “culture of asking” alumni and others to support our school and our students in tangible ways.  With continued cuts in state funding, we will need to rely increasingly on private support.  We must get serious about asking for it.
3. It demonstrates our dedication to our students and to cultivating the next generation of public health leaders.  I am supporting the event out of the Dean’s Office budget, which means that nearly all proceeds from the ticket price (and 100 percent raised above that) will go toward a new SPH Alumni Scholarship that will be announced at the event.

The event will feature a keynote address from former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona (who will also receive an honorary doctorate at the event), presentation of the University of Minnesota Outstanding Alumni Award (the highest alumni award bestowed by the University) to environmental health graduate Ulric Gibson, and the chance to greet former students, colleagues, and friends. 

The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St. Minneapolis.  The cost is $55 ($30 for students).  Register online at www.mmf.umn.edu/sph/nphw.  Also check your campus mailbox for an invitation with all the details.  They will be delivered in the next day or so.

Just prior to the gala, beginning at 5 p.m., there will be major-specific reunion events for alumni.  While alumni attending these events will enjoy reconnecting with former classmates, I have no doubt that they are really hoping to be able to touch base with their favorite professor.  So faculty members, please look for a note from me telling you where alumni from each major will be gathering for a social hour just prior to the Alumni & Friends Gala.  The social hour is free of charge.

Thank you for all you do.  I hope to see you on April 10.

• More about National Public Health Week activities at SPH