2008 SSPH Alumni Reception

Florida International University
Robert Stempel School of Public Health
11200 SW 8th ST HLS 566
Miami Fl, 33199

THE ROBERT STEMPEL SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH ALUMNI RECEPTION

Miami, Fla.  –On Friday evening, March 7, 2008, the Robert Stempel School of Public Health (SSPH) at Florida International University hosted its annual Alumni Reception in the MARC Building Pavilion at the University Park Campus.

The event was a huge success, with 100 alumni, guests, faculty and staff attending.  Alumni took this opportunity to re-acquaint themselves with their former classmates and professors and to network with other alumni and attendees.  The evening began with Dr. Saul Sztam, SSPH Assistant Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs, welcoming the audience and encouraging future participation and collaboration between the alumni and the school.  Dr. Michele Ciccazzo, Interim Dean for the SSPH, provided an update on the school’s most recent accomplishments and future plans.  “In the Stempel School of Public Health we are dedicated to training and educating the future leaders, researchers and health professionals who focus on improving the public’s health. As alumni of our programs we are proud of your accomplishments and look forward to continuing to hear of your endeavors and successes.” 
    

As one of only 40 CEPH accredited schools of Public Health in the United States, and only the second school in Florida to receive this recognition, the Robert Stempel School of Public Health (SSPH) is proud to be a part of Florida International University’s commitment to addressing the health care needs of the local community. 

The school honored the memory of SSPH graduate Katie Evans with a tribute from Anamarie Garces and Kristy Siegel, close friends of Katie and her former classmates. The Katie Evans Memorial Scholarship was introduced by the Katie Memorial Foundation, represented by Katie’s husband, John Evans, and presented to Nicole Kellier, Ph. D student in Public Health with a specialization in Epidemiology.  The Alpha Omega Leadership Award was presented to John Evans, in Katie’s name.  Miguel Cruz, SSPH alumni, was also recognized for his 2008 FIU Torch Award for Distinguished Outstanding Alumni Award.

Alumnus Martina De Varona ‘2000, Government operations consultant at Miami Dade County Health Department, stated “Such a wonderful event! What I liked the most was the attendance. It is great to know that our alumni are willing to be involved in such a great event. I also enjoyed networking and speaking to previous professors. After so many years since graduation it was great to see old peers!”

Alumna Dawn Stoutt-Prospect ‘2006, Operations Manager at the University of Miami Human Subject Research Office, stated “This was an excellent event, very informative and lots of fun. It was great to catch up with old classmates and professors. I absolutely loved it.”

Several eye-catching FIU gifts were provided by the FIU Office of Alumni Relations, and presented to SSPH alumni as door prizes.  "There was truly a sense of unity and school spirit in the room that made the evening quite remarkable" Duane Wiles, Associate Executive Director, FIU Alumni Association.  Mr. Wiles introduced the possibility of an SSPH alumni chapter and collected applications from several interested alumni.  

Contact the SSPH Office of Student and Alumni Affairs for additional information at 305-348-7777 or via e-mail at phalumni @fiu.edu, or visit our website at http://ssph.fiu.edu.