Carmona to Keynote SPH Alumni and Friends Scholarship Gala

Richard Carmona, 17th surgeon general of the United States (2002-2006), will deliver the keynote address for the first-ever School of Public Health Alumni and Friends Scholarship Gala on April 10.

Carmona is a distinguished professor of the Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona. He is also president of the Canyon Ranch Institute and chairman of Canyon Ranch, an award-winning facility that promotes healthy living. All SPH alumni are invited to the gala and to two other reunion-themed events scheduled for the same day.

The first two events are free to attend. The SPH Alumni Society's reunion kickoff will take place at 3 p.m. Major-specific social hours will begin at 5 p.m. And the Alumni and Friends Scholarship Gala featuring Carmona is scheduled for 6 p.m.

"The hope is that our alumni will 'come home' to connect with classmates, faculty, and staff," says Michelle Lian- Anderson, director of alumni relations for the SPH. "The reunion is also an opportunity to hear from our newly re-established Alumni Society Board."

The gala is designed to support the next generation of public health leaders by raising funds for SPH students. Proceeds from ticket sales for the fundraiser will go toward the creation of new alumni scholarships. The goal is to build an endowment to provide scholarships for each of the school's academic majors.

Tickets are $55, but attendees are encouraged to donate more. All three events will be held at the Nicollet Island Inn and Nicollet Island Pavilion in Minneapolis.

To purchase gala tickets, or for directions and parking information, go to www.mmf.umn.edu/sph/nphw.