Memories & Well-Wishes for the Class of 2020
The connections that our students make with each other and the larger Dartmouth community will stay with them for life. From bonding over group projects and excursions through downtown Hanover, the Dartmouth network is a place they can turn to for anything and everything. We celebrate their accomplishments, their long-lasting friendships, and send them off with words of wisdom and well-wishes as they shape the future of public health. Take a look below as we capture our students' journeys during their time at Dartmouth through photos, and share in our advice we pass along to them. Congratulations to the Class of 2020!
Words of Wisdom
I cannot think of a moment in history where the country has faced such a crisis: a pandemic for which we were unprepared piled on top of the divisions wrought by widening inequality and the persistence of systemic racism. Many have said (but I haven’t yet): never waste a crisis. You have an incredible opportunity to put what you’ve learned here to great use.
- Elliott S. Fisher, MD, MPH, Professor
Continue to have "healthy skepticism" of all that you read and learn, and "interrupt polite conversations with data." (a Jack Wennberg quote)
- Carrie Colla, PhD, Associate Professor
What a time you have chosen to study public health! Now, you get to be part of the solution. The world needs you more than ever.
- Aurora Drew, PhD, Instructor
The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an extraordinary spotlight on the importance of public health and I'm thrilled that you will now be joining the ranks of change leaders. I hope that you will always find your work in this field challenging, exciting and fulfilling.
- Sam Casella, MD, Associate Professor
For those of you interested in improving the world through policy, now you can go out and do it for real. Understand the issues. Know the arguments on all sides. Look closely at reality, and after you've determined what you believe is right, go out and use your voice.
- Jared Rhoads, MPH'16, instructor
Be well and remember to keep your tanks full – as your own health is critical to your effectiveness at caring for others. Prioritizing personal health is a first step towards optimizing public health and promoting population health.
- Catherine Pipas, MD, MPH, Professor
You are entering a world in public health crisis where the skills and experiences you have had at The Dartmouth Institute arms you with tools to create a better world. It would be easy to feel that the task is too large. Collectively and united we can. Let's just do it!
- Robert McLellan, MD, MPH, Professor
The future of public health is in your capable hands and you are on your way to make important contributions for populations that need you.
- Roland Lamb, MPH, Curriculum Specialist
You are part of a Dartmouth family from now on and we're here for each other. Don't lose sight of your individual passions and goals ... they are the source of your character and identity.
- Brian Kelly, Career Development Manager