News: Carmona to Keynote SPH Alumni Reunion

Save the date for the inaugural all-school SPH Alumni Reunion featuring Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006). Dr. Carmona is a distinguished professor of the Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona, the Chairman of Canyon Ranch and President of Canyon Ranch Institute.

The SPH Alumni Reunion, sponsored by the School of Public Health Alumni Board and the MHA Alumni Association, will be held on Thursday, April 10 at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. Those interested in volunteering for this event should contact Michelle Lian-Anderson, director of alumni relations, at liana001@umn.edu or 612-626-5536.

(Note: Richard Carmona is pictured speaking at the 2006 SPH Commencement.)

Share Your Fond Memory

This past week was finals week for SPH students. While it's a hectic time of year in general, imagine preparing for papers, quizes, and tests, too!

As you reflect on finals weeks' of yore, do they elicit any fond memories for you? Send in your tales of surviving finals week and we'll share them with students next semester--in preparation for finals week in May 2008. Each SPH alumnus who shares a fond memory will be entered into a drawing for SPH gear. Twelve fabulous prize packages will be given away! Simply "reply" to this e-mail with your memory.

Hunting and Health Care:
MHA Grads Connected 27 years ago

Editor's Note: The connections made in the SPH can last a lifetime. Just ask Allen Yearick and Peter Thoreen, featured below in what we hope is the first in a series of short stories about SPH alumni connections. If you have a story you'd like to share please contact: Michelle Lian-Anderson at liana001@umn.edu

Allen Yearick (MHA, '82), left, and Peter Thoreen (MHA, '82) met as grad students in 1980. They have hunted together annually ever since.

Allen Yearick and Peter Thoreen didn't know when they met as graduate students in 1980 that they would form a friendship that would last a lifetime.

Besides being in the Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.) program, the two men discovered through casual conversation that they both had a passion for the outdoors and for hunting. They took their first hunting trip together the fall that they met and have gone on hunting trips every fall and/or spring since then -- despite living in different states.

"We make it an annual tradition to get together," says Yearick, a Florida-based business-owner/entrepreneur. "We forged a lifelong friendship as well as continuing our professional relationship."

Besides working in the health care industry for many years, Yearick has owned and operated businesses including bars and restaurants. He works as a consultant in the health care industry, but is hoping to return to a job in Health Care management.

Thoreen, president and chief executive officer at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa, says the two might have never connected if it weren't for their mutual interest in hunting.

"We share the love of the outdoors," says Thoreen, "Just being together in the quiet solitude of nature whether we are discussing what is new each other's lives or simply just sitting in silence as we enjoy the woods or other areas we hunt together in," says Thoreen.

When they're together, the men also spend a lot of time discussing health care.

The two, who worked in health care in the Twin Cities for several years after graduating in 1982, also made some of their trips family affairs by including their fathers and others, says Thoreen, who has a cabin in Becker County.
Several years ago they began making the trek to the Black Hills in the spring to hunt wild turkeys, after Yearick (who's hunted turkeys since he was 12 yrs old) introduced the sport to Thoreen. Both men are members of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and Yearick started his local Chapter as its President in 2001.

"Peter has always had tremendous support of my business interests after years working in Hospital Administration and continues his support/networking as I look at returning to health care full-time, Yearick says. It's a relationship that has grown very special over these many years and those yet to come, and it all started at the U of M."

From the SPH Alumni Board Chair

Dear Colleagues:

It is hard to believe that we are at the end of 2007 and ready to launch a new year. 2007 was a remarkable year for the re-birth of the School of Public Health Alumni Society. With the talent of many dedicated alumni on the transition steering committee, a new board was named to advance the creation of the alumni society.

This year we have been able to convene all of our new Board members at a retreat in the McNamara Alumni Center on October 26 and 27. With the help of Ellen Benavides (MHA, '84) as our facilitator, we were able to establish some clear goals and committees to create a workplan for the coming year.

1. Goal #1: Alumni are committed to supporting students through recruitment, scholarship, mentoring, and employment coaching.

2. Goal #2: Organize resources to add value for alumni. Targeted strategies would include a continuum of career services; promotion of life-long learning; development of a communication plan; promote loyalty to SPH; and advance SPH Alumni Society membership goals through the University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA).

3. Goal #3: Alumni will support the SPH mission of Education, Research, and Service by developing and strengthening partnerships; influencing development and implementation of public health policy; and contributing to the viability of the SPH.

With the outstanding leadership of each of our board members, there are several opportunities for volunteering for our membership at large.

Newly formed committees include:
Mentor Advisory Committee - Chair, An Liu (MS, '02)
Communications Committee - Co-chaired by Cecilia Kramer (MPH, '90) and Mary Kay Hunt (MPH, '83)
Alumni Engagement - Chair, Gita Uppal (MPH, '99)
Annual Meeting - Chair, Brigid Riley (MPH, '98)
Governance- Chair, Richard Person (MPH, '83)
Membership - Chair, Mary Sheehan (MPH, '84)
Finance- Chair, Jim Anderson (MHA, '68)

As noted in this newsletter, the All-School Alumni Reunion/Annual Meeting will occur on April 10, 2008. We are planning on this event to be a great celebration of the alumni coming together. We need your talent to do program planning, fund raising and special arrangements to let the School of Public Health alumni know there is a forum for their voices to be heard in our school. Please give us a chance to meet you again and mobilize your talent towards a dynamic alumni society.

Please contact Michelle Lian Anderson, director of Alumni Relations, at liana001@umn.edu or call her at 612- 626-5536.

Best regards,

Judy Beniak (MPH, '81)
Board Chair

Meet the Board

Brenna Vuong wants to create excitement among the recent and future graduates of the School of Public Health. That's why Vuong, who graduated with an M.P.H. in Community Health Education in 2004, was eager to join the SPH Alumni Society Board.

"Being one of the younger members of the board, I would like to see new graduates more involved with the school," Vuong says. "I'd like to create excitement among the new graduates and keep people engaged in the school."

Vuong, a program specialist for employee wellness at Twin Cities-based Fairview Health Services, says her positive experiences with SPH professors and staff helped foster her desire to get involved and remain involved with the school. When she heard about the formation of the alumni board, she says she jumped at the opportunity to participate.

Vuong, who has a strong interest in community health, says she thrives on collaborating with public health agencies and organizations. She also enjoys educating people on the prevention of disease.

During her two-year term on the board she will put her organizational skills to use as the board's secretary. She's also excited about the opportunity to gain more professional experience and network with other public health professionals.

Get certified in public health (CPH)

SPH alumni have dedicated years of intense study, research and reflection to receive one (or more) of these designations: MHA, MPH, MS, or PhD.  Now you have an opportunity to distinguish yourself further by adding "CPH" to your business card and e-mail signature line. 

The new credentialing opportunity for public health professionals has finally arrived!

SPH alumni can take the exam:
All persons who have been awarded Masters or Doctoral degrees from schools and programs of public health accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) by July 31, 2008 are eligible to take the exam and become certified by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE).

Why take the exam?
•  Sets a standard of knowledge and skills in public health
•  Encourages life-long learning
•  Adds credibility to public health profession
•  Increasing public health awareness
•  Fosters environment of a professional community

Where can one take the exam?
Computer-based delivery of the exam is available at approximately 300 testing centers located in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Is there a registration fee?
The registration fee is based on when you register for the exam:
$350  November 10 - December 31, 2007
$400  January 1 - April 30, 2008

When will the exam be administered?
August 11-30, 2008

• View details online

Announcements

ASPH Announces Public Health Training Opportunities at CDC

ASPH is offering 25 new and exciting training opportunities within the ASPH/CDC Public Health Fellowship Program. Applicants need to be graduate degree candidates and early career professionals with graduate degrees from ASPH member schools. ASPH has also announced the availability of funds to support seven new public health internship opportunities at the CDC for summer 2008.

The deadline for applications for the fellowship program is Feb. 12, 2008. The deadline for the internship program is Feb. 1, 2008.
• Learn more online

Have you moved recently? If so, please keep the School apprised so that we can continue to send you Advances magazine, event announcements and other important SPH updates.
• Click here to update your home and/or business addresses

Don't be afraid to boast a little. Tell us about your new job, promotion, award or recognition. We'll make sure to pass the word along in an upcoming issue of Advances.
• Click here to give us an update

FREE resource: Join the SPH online Alumni Networking Directory! The Directory is a bridge between the school's graduates and current students, and is a valuable resource for exploring career possibilities and enhancing professional development.
• Join the SPH Alumni Network

Save the Date

2008 Legislative Briefing

Join other University supporters and President Bruininks at the annual Legislative Briefing. You will get an insider's preview of the U's 2008 capital bonding request, generate enthusiasm with other U supporters, and learn how to share your story in a way that will help the leadership and citizens of Minnesota realize how the U touches everyone. Enjoy a light dinner buffet and learn what you can do to support the U.

Jan. 23, 5:30-8 p.m., McNamara Alumni Center. Just before the event, the U of M-Duluth will hold a session specifically for UMD alumni and friends, 5:15-6:15 p.m. See Support the U or call 612-626-1417.

Minne-College

From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The SPH is hosting a pre-Minne-College SPH alumni luncheon. Join Dean John Finnegan and the SPH delegation from Minnesota for a delicious meal and engaging conversation.

Space is limited, so RSVP early to either:

• Michelle Lian-Anderson, director of alumni relations, at liana001@umn.edu or 612-626-5536
• Mark Enger, associate program director/alumni relations for the MHA Program, at menger@umn.edu or 612-625-7459

From 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The Minne-College is an afternoon filled with informative discussions on a variety of topics, including the keynote address by Dr. Karen Ashe, professor of Neurology and Neuroscience, Medical School, andworld-renowned Alzheimer's researcher. Dr. Ashe will discuss "Understanding and Treating Alzheimer's Disease: Research and Advances at the U of M."

SPH professor Deborah L. Swackhamer, Ph.D., Interim Director, Institute on the Environment, will present "A Thirst for Tomorrow: The Future of Minnesota's Waters."

This event is sponsored by the University of Minnesota Alumni Association; the College of Education and Human Development; the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences; the Institute of Technology; the Medical School; and the School of Public Health.

All School of Public Health alumni are invited.

Register to attend: http://alumni.umn.edu/Minne-College.html

Winter College

Thursday, Feb. 28
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona

This new collaborative event between the School of Public Health and Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business promises to be engaging and exciting. It's the perfect mix for both educational and networking opportunities.

One highlight is the discussion by SPH professor Jon Christianson, Ph.D., James A. Hamilton Chair in Health Policy and Management, on "Designing and Reacting to Ray for Performance in Health Care: What the Research Tells Us."

HPM, HSRP, MHA, and PHAP alumni are invited.

4 to 6 p.m. Welcome and lectures
6 to 7:30 p.m. Reception

Please RSVP by Feb. 15 if you can attend:
http://wpcarey.asu.edu/shmp/az-winter-college.cfm

For questions about this event, contact either:

• Michelle Lian-Anderson, director of alumni relations, at liana001@umn.edu or 612-626-5536
• Mark Enger, associate program director/alumni relations for the MHA Program, at menger@umn.edu or 612-625-7459

National Public Health Week

Monday, April 7 - Friday, April 11
Minneapolis, Minnesota

The School of Public Health will be hosting several events throughout the week to celebrate National Public Health Week.

Public Service Announcement Film Contest
Monday, April 7
Mayo Memorial Auditorium
For the second year, the PSA film contest, "It's Global," will ask participants to answer the question: "What are the health conditions where you live and what do you have to say about them?" The PSA contest award ceremony will be held on Monday night with films running throughout the week.

Film Festival
Monday, April 7 - Friday, April 11
Mayo Memorial Auditorium
This will be the fourth year for the School of Public Health and Minnesota Public Health Association's (MPHA) film festival. In 2007, approximately 400 people attended the festival to see public health-related films and subject matter experts introducing them.

Alumni Reunion
Thursday, April 10
Nicollet Island Pavilion
Save the date for the inaugural all-school SPH Alumni Reunion featuring Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006). Dr. Carmona is a distinguished professor of the Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona, the Chairman of Canyon Ranch and President of Canyon Ranch Institute.

The SPH Alumni Reunion, co-sponsored by the SPH, the SPH Alumni Board and the MHA Alumni Association, will be held on Thursday, April 10 at the Nicollet Island Pavilion.

Those interested in volunteering for this premiere event should contact Michelle Lian-Anderson, director of alumni relations, at liana001@umn.edu or 612-626-5536.

Research Day
Friday, April 11
Mayo Memorial Auditorium
SPH Research Day will honor and celebrate the research endeavors of SPH students. The aim is to encourage students to consider further research in their public health careers, and to demonstrate to prospective students the kinds of research SPH students can do. There will be blue ribbon awards given by faculty and alumni for excellence within each degree program and by students for a Students Choice Award for the best MPH, MHA, MS, and PhD posters.

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SPH Alumni News is sent by the the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, 420 Delaware Street, S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455. www.sph.umn.edu.