From the Dean

Dear Friends,

The novel H1N1 influenza outbreak certainly reminds us that public health is truly global. What happens in Mexico can impact the health of people living in not only Minnesota but Madrid, Mumbai, and beyond. In this issue of Advances, we cover the global reach of the work done by University of Minnesota School of Public Health faculty, staff, students, and colleagues around the world. It is exciting work that has the potential to impact the health and lives of people in villages, towns, and cities across the globe.

The H1N1 influenza outbreak tested the public health response system from the World Health Organization to the University of Minnesota. As the University¿s assistant vice president for public health, I got a firsthand look at how our planning over the past four years has paid off. We are now incorporating lessons learned from these events to further improve protection of the University community¿s health should a more severe outbreak occur.

Springtime is a busy season for marking milestones and celebrating special events at the SPH. At our commencement ceremony a few weeks ago, we watched with pride as more than 200 students representing 48 countries graduated. Eric Whitaker, noted authority on health disparities and confidant of President Barack Obama, served as our commencement speaker (see page 12). That same weekend we held our second annual Alumni and Friends Scholarship Gala, where explorer and health guru Dan Buettner captivated the audience with a talk about what he calls ¿Blue Zones,¿ spots around the globe where people live longer by living better in an interesting list of ways (see pages 10 and 15). All of the proceeds from the event go toward student scholarships.

Yours in health,

John Finnegan
Assistant Vice President for Public Health
Dean and Professor