On first week of May, the department of Public Health Sciences celebrated the remarkable achievements of its graduating class with a memorable Graduation Dinner and Commencement Ceremony. Held at Academic Rotunda, the event was a joyous occasion filled with laughter, heartfelt speeches, and a sense of accomplishment that marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Graduation Dinner

The evening began with a delightful dinner, where graduates, faculty, and family members gathered to honor the hard work and dedication that led to this momentous day. The venue was beautifully decorated, creating an elegant and festive atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed a gourmet meal, complete with a variety of delicious dishes that catered to all tastes.

Throughout the dinner, guests were treated to a series of speeches. Distinguished alumni and esteemed faculty members shared inspiring words, reflecting on the journey of the graduates and offering advice for their future endeavors. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of outstanding students who had excelled academically and contributed significantly to the department and community.

Commencement Ceremony

Following the dinner, the Commencement Ceremony commenced with the traditional procession of graduates. Clad in their caps and gowns, the graduates walked proudly to the stage, greeted by applause from their loved ones and mentors. The ceremony was a testament to their perseverance, resilience, and the knowledge they had gained during their time at the university.

We invite you to browse through the photo gallery to relive the memories of this special occasion. Congratulations to the Class of 2024! We are incredibly proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing the incredible things you will accomplish in the future.

Get ready for an enriching and eye-opening experience during our 12th-week event, specially designed to engage students and the wider community in the fascinating world of Applied Public Health Sciences. We’ve lined up three outstanding speakers, each addressing critical topics that resonate with today’s global challenges. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to expand your horizons and gain insights from renowned experts in the field!

📅 **Mark Your Calendar for April 2nd- April 4th, 2024!**

📢 **Here’s a sneak peek at our phenomenal lineup**:

🗓️ **April 2nd at 6pm: Dr. Cindy Miller**
🎙️ Topic: “Addressing barriers to quality, inclusive health and health care for persons with disabilities: Building the workforce capacity for systems change”

Link:https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MGIxNDFmNWMtZWEzMC00MTJkLTk2NjQtMTExNzA3YTY2ZmU2%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%225c82d83a-818a-4c16-b540-ded2344a7ad3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e44b7ee9-5d93-457c-a1c2-49ef27740214%22%7d

Bio: Dr. Cindy Miller is a physician, educator, and advocate for access to health care for persons with disabilities. After completing her medical education at George Washington University and completing post-graduate training at GW and its affiliated hospitals, she practiced pediatric radiology at Duke University Medical Center before being recruited to Yale as Section Chief of Pediatric Radiology. The second half of her career at Yale was marked by a switch to thoracic radiology and by her becoming involved in developing and implementing curriculum on disability and chronic disease. She continues to teach medical students and recently has begun teaching residents in primary care medicine about this important topic.

After retiring from Yale in 2018, she pursued an MSW with a concentration in Community Practice for Social Change. This led to her recognition of the power of advocacy. Following an introduction to the Secretary of the Citizens’ Coalition for Equal Access, she has become passionate about the Coalition’s work to ensure that medical facilities are equipped with all that is necessary to enable those with physical disabilities to receive a complete physical exam and has testified before the State legislature regarding this on 2 separate occasions.

🗓️ **April 3rd at 6:30pm in the Rotunda: Logan Zhang**
🎙️ Topic: “Mindfulness for Students and Professionals”

Bio: He has been deeply interested in meditation and mindfulness techniques for several years. What started as a method to improve my focus and productivity has become a life changing passion of his. On behalf of UConn Health’s wellness committee, he has led many guided meditation sessions and taught courses on mindfulness applications in a healthcare/professional context.

🗓️ **April 4th: Brooke Kline and Rona Rohbar at 6pm**
🎙️ Topic: Complex Disparities: Fundamental Issues in Refugee & Immigrant Health

Link:https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGZkMmViMDAtNGZiNC00NGM1LTljYzUtMGMzMWM1MDFhYmQy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%225c82d83a-818a-4c16-b540-ded2344a7ad3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e44b7ee9-5d93-457c-a1c2-49ef27740214%22%7d

Brooke’s Bio:
Brooke Kline is the Director of Operations for IRIS, overseeing training and compliance, monitoring and evaluation, program support services and human resources Brooke has nearly two decades of experience in the field of International Affairs, beginning her career as a Student Attorney in the Immigration Law and Policy Clinic at the University of Denver and, most recently, as Health Policy & Management Consultant at the Stillman Law Firm. She has lived and worked in Italy, India, Pakistan, South Sudan, Somalia, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, and Ethiopia. Brooke’s experience in these countries include working as a Law Clerk for the U.S. Department of Justice (Criminal Division – Office of Int’l Affairs), as an International Operations Manager for Motorearth, and as an Emergency Field Coordinator for Doctors Without Borders. She received her B.A. in Justice & Public Affairs from American University, her J.D from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and holds several medical certificates

Rona’s Bio: Originally from Afghanistan, Rona Rohbar immigrated to the United States with her family, and was resettled by IRIS in 2002. She is a dedicated health care advocate with 8 years of experience, driven by a passion for improving health outcomes. Currently, as the Health Department Manager at IRIS in New Haven, she serves as a cultural liaison, ensuring that refugees and Special Immigrant Visa holders receive comprehensive health care upon arrival. Rona is fluent in Pashto, Dari, Urdu, and English.