Alumni Council Celebrates Inaugural Year
In the spring of 2019, the newly formed Alumni Council wrapped up its first year representing UIC School of Public Health alumni. Formerly the Alumni Board and the Recent Graduate Committee, the groups decided to implement a merge at the end of 2017 after leadership of both groups discussed ways to take alumni initiatives to the next level. “Merging the two groups provided an opportunity to not only adequately utilize resources but also make the best impact possible through the commitment of the members,” said Emily Pasteris, associate director of engagement and participation.
Members of the new Alumni Council spent part of the year closely reviewing their mission and realigning it with the school’s mission. Under the new structure, the priorities of the Alumni Council include building a stronger relationship with the student body, offering support to current students during their time at SPH, exploring ways to connect with perspective students, continuing to engage with the recent graduate population and creating and implementing meaningful networking opportunities for all alumni.
The council is comprised of 15 Chicago-based alumni with diverse public health backgrounds. Alumni represent each public health division and program, including the first-ever undergraduate alumni representative Katherine Koo (BA ‘17). “What I am most excited for during my term on the Alumni Council is to establish networking and engagement opportunities between current undergraduate public health students and alumni of all degree-seeking programs throughout SPH,” Koo said. “Not only will this help to facilitate personal and professional development amongst students and alumni, but will also foster a greater wrap-around undergraduate experience for future bachelors in public health students.”
This past July, Dan Finn (MPH ‘15) and Natalia Gallegos (MPH ‘15) became the Alumni Council’s inaugural co-chairs. “It has been a great opportunity to be part of shaping the new Alumni Council and its mission. Being a co-chair gives me a unique chance to give back to UIC SPH and it’s been really fun to watch the council develop through the strong contributions of its members,” Finn said.
One initiative that the Alumni Council is excited to be part of is helping SPH celebrate its 50th Anniversary year in 2020. “The SPH Alumni Council offers a strong voice in promoting the school, the students and the opportunities for alumni to get involved. As a co-chair of the Alumni Council, I know we are all excited about what the future holds as we head into our 50th anniversary and beyond,” Finn said. “Members are excited to celebrate this milestone year together and meet as many fellow alumni as they can at the Kick-Off Event in October and be part of what lies ahead for UIC SPH.”
The Alumni Council is taking applications for new members. We would love to hear from you if you are interested in applying or would like more information on getting involved.