“Public health has a way of inserting itself into every aspect of our lives,” said Margaret Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration in her remarks at the Yale School of Public Health Commencement ceremony. Hamburg noted the change in perception of the field over the last decade, including perception by world leaders. “Clinton,” Hamburg’s former boss, “understands the importance of public health.” Paraphrasing the former president’s Class Day challenge to graduates to grapple with issues and implement the details of health reform, Hamburg added, “You are right where you need to be. All around you are pioneers.”
Hamburg went on to relate the recently published paper, “Achieving Large Ends With Limited Means: Grand Strategy in Global Health” (by faculty members Lesley Curry, Ph.D., M.P.H., Elizabeth H. Bradley, Ph.D. and others) to building careers in public health. “Dream big and think small. Make everyday tactical decisions with science in mind.” This can lead to success as it did in the eradication of small pox and in Hamburg’s own landmark campaign to contain New York City’s tuberculosis outbreak in the 1990s. “Immerse yourself in details. You have the tools, and you are in a position to make a difference when the country and the world need you most.”
In the student address, Artem Kopelev, a 2010 M.P.H. recipient, thanked all parents and family members saying, “Our achievements are extensions of your love and support.” Inspired by a folk tale from his native Ukraine, Kopelev asked his classmates to join him as warriors who fight for truth, justice and health. “Social well-being is the essence of public health. We are the marines, guarding and improving on the health of others.” Kopelev did his internship in Ethiopia working on the Clinton Foundation’s project with Yale and was also named a Weinerman Fellow for his commitment to social justice, awareness of community needs, and involvement in social and political action.
Durland Fish, Ph.D., professor in the division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, was recognized as the YSPH Mentor of the Year. Expressing his appreciation to the students he added, “Advising students on their research is one of the great pleasures of academic life.”
Teacher of the Year, Ingrid Nembhard, used her remarks to teach one last lesson to the Class of 2010. Following the theme of her popular class on Leadership and Organization Behavior she emphasized that leadership is first “how you lead yourself.” Nembhard, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the division of Health Policy and Administration.
In other commencement events public health and the school’s role in global health was evident. President Clinton’s Class Day speech made note of his foundation’s involvement with the YSPH’s initiatives in Liberia and Ethiopia. (video of Clinton’s speech) Also, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, a key partner in the those initiatives returned to campus to receive an Honorary Doctorate. (coverage of Johnson’s April 2009 Yale address).
“Class of 2010,” said Dean Paul D. Cleary, Ph.D. in his final send off to the 108 graduates of the MPH program, “you are amazing – for what you have achieved and the potential for what you will go onto achieve.”