Dear Students, Staff and Faculty,

Happy New Academic Year! Hopefully this summer you found paths to rest and rejuvenation and ways to make joy.

To those of you joining the School of Public Health (SPH) for the first time: WELCOME! Thanks for choosing us. We’ve been waiting for you with great anticipation. We’re better with you here.

To you returning members of our campus community: WELCOME BACK! We missed you. The place just wasn’t the same without you here. We are grateful for all you are and do and glad you’re back with us.

As we once again convene a new school year to examine, teach, learn and practice the science and art of public health, we need all of you – your hearts, minds and spirits – applied for the health of all.

This moment is different. Frankly it has been difficult to find rest, rejuvenation, or joy. The care-free days of summer are not the same. From the unnatural rate, rage and reach of natural disasters to political, social and scientific upheaval our public’s health and our public health field is at risk.

Still, public health is more important than ever. Now is the time to better condition, stretch, and flex our practice muscles with a renewed sense of urgency. Interested in exploring your real-world advocacy skills? Ready for a new community engagement opportunity? Looking to get up close and personal with local, state or national policy or policy makers? The Activist Lab is here to help.

The Activist Lab’s relationships and activities offer our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners the opportunity to develop tools they can use to be effective change agents. And we align with and join local, regional, and national advocates as they confront injustice in the world. We stand on three pillars: Build Just Community; Be a Change Agent; and Take a Stand. Each pillar manifests on campus and in community via events, programming, trainings and other activities. For example, we Build Just Community on campus and beyond through our Think. Teach. Do. (TTD) Fellowship. On-Campus students can nurture their Change Agent skills by applying for an by applying for an Impact Grant or Activist Practicum. Or explore ways to Take a Stand with active change agents near and far by watching or listening to Public Health Conversation Starters. The Activist Lab can be your catalyst for bold public health practice.

In these uniquely challenging times join us in building just community; be the change you want to see; take a stand.

Now is the time. We, and the world, are waiting for you.

Here’s wishing you an awesome semester!

Kind regards,

Craig

Craig S. Andrade, RN, MPH, DrPH
Associate Dean for Practice

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