Barbara Staggers, adolescent medicine expert, to speak at School of Public Health Commencement
On Saturday, May 17, in Zellerbach Hall, 76 undergraduates and 184 graduate students will walk the stage at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health Commencement. Of the 185 students receiving graduate degrees, 145 will receive an M.P.H. (including joint degrees); 10 will receive an M.A. or M.S.; 24 will receive a Ph.D., and 5 will receive a Dr.P.H.
Barbara Staggers, M.D., M.P.H. ’80, director of adolescent medicine at Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland, will deliver the event’s keynote address. Staggers is a renowned authority on the medical, psychosocial, and psychobiological needs of adolescents. The Chappell Hayes Health Center, which she founded at McClymonds High School in 2005, is recognized as a national model for school reform to combat West Oakland's notorious levels of violence, homicide, abuse, and dropout rates.
Faculty, students, alumni to receive special honors
The 2008 Alumnus of the Year award will be presented to Carl Lester, M.P.H. ’65, honoring his nearly 40 years of challenging and distinguished service in public health. Lester currently serves as director of the Center for Health Career Development, a nonprofit organization that offers health career enrichment programs and activities to underrepresented high school students. He retired as director of the Alameda Health Care Services Agency in 1987, one of the largest public health agencies in California. He has since devoted his time and energy to develop culturally relevant educational strategies and programs to help high-risk urban youth get into collegiate health-related and biotechnology programs. Lester was a member of the board of directors of the Public Health Alumni Association from 1995 to 2003.
Susan Ivey, associate adjunct professor with the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program, will receive the Distinguished Teaching and Mentorship Award. Ivey was nominated and selected by students as the teacher who provided the best academic teaching and mentorship to the current class.
Each year, alumni nominate a faculty member to receive the Zak Sabry Mentorship Award for mentoring students and encouraging creative faculty-student collaborations. This year the honor goes to Joan Bloom, professor and chair of the Division of Health Policy & Management.
Seven students receiving the Outstanding Graduate Student Instructors awards will also be honored at the ceremony. They are: Zoe Harris, Carrie Hoverman, Dawn Joyce, Dawn Richardson, Jonathan Snowden, Laura Stachel, and Jason Barry.
In addition, the funds raised by the 2008 Class Campaign will be announced at Commencement. The graduating class has pledged to raise $10,000 in gifts in order to thank the School and enhance the educational experience for future students.
The School of Public Health Commencement is open to graduating students and their ticketed guests only.
