SPH Professor Honored with Scholarship Fund

Winter 2007

Robert Veninga came to the School of Public Health as an instructor in 1969. Throughout the next 37 years, he served the school in various roles, including professor, division head, program director, and associate dean. Now, as he retires from an accomplished career, a colleague has inspired Veninga to step into yet a new role: philanthropist.

SPH alumna Janet Porter (Ph.D. '93) and her husband James O'Sullivan made a generous gift to establish the Robert and Karen Veninga Scholarship Fund. The Veningas soon followed with a significant contribution. And, in just two months, more than 70 alumni and friends have contributed. The fund will have its annual awards to international M.P.H. students doubled by the University's scholarship match program.

"These gifts pay tribute to Bob and Karen and their lifelong commitment to the University and the school," says Porter.

Veninga is best known for his work in organizational leadership. But being a mentor has always been at the heart of his career. Karen Veninga, an SPH graduate (M.P.H. '76), worked for more than 25 years in health care.

"As I cross paths with our alumni, there is one professor whose name is invoked with great fondness again and again, and that is Bob Veninga," says SPH Dean John Finnegan. "With this gift, he continues to inspire and strengthen our school."

If you have an interest in supporting this new scholarship, please call Adam Buhr at 612-626-2391 for more information.