Graduating students’ reception is a culminating experience

New SPH alum Stephen Baum (below) proudly shows off the graduation gift he received from the Public Health Student Association at the May 13 reception.

Spring 2004 School of Public Health graduates celebrated a significant milestone in their careers with a combined reception and research presentation May 13.

With several community members from local public health departments as well as veterinary experts in attendance, members of the Masters of Public Health Capstone Course presented their research on the West Nile Virus and its impact on the equine population in Texas . Many proud family members also watched as the students presented this final program requirement known as the Culminating Experience.

Approximately half of this semester’s Capstone Course were graduating students, and the large class size made it possible take on such a significant research project in collaboration with the Texas Department of Health and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. A total of 4,177 surveys were distributed to veterinarians across the state. SPH Associate Dean Bob Galvan, MPH, MS, praised the graduating students for their hard work and dedication during this required project and throughout their degree programs.

The research presenters reported results indicating an equine West Nile Virus fatality case rate of 21.8 percent, and a stronger need for education targeted specifically to veterinarians. Investigators anticipate future research studies on the knowledge and beliefs of equine owners. Although the graduating students from the Spring Capstone Course may no longer be on campus to participate in the next step of this much-needed project, they were assured that their contributions set the stage for expanded research in the area.

Nora Santana, MPH, SPH Alumni Society board member, invited the new graduates to support their alumni society in its efforts to become a strong organization for career development and scholarship. In response, 15 new graduates joined the society that night, taking advantage of the New Graduate Membership Level of $10. All SPH graduates were presented with a personalized marble nameplate, courtesy of the Public Health Student Association. For most, it was the first time they had seen their name followed by the professional designation of MPH or DrPH.