Celebrating 15 Years of Impact
Message from the Dean
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the College of Public Health, and I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and pride as we celebrate this significant milestone in our history with all who have been part of the college’s journey.
In 2009, the College of Public Health was established as the first school of public health in Ohio to offer a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, addressing the shortage of professionals throughout the state and across the nation. Since opening its doors, the college has continually strived to be at the forefront of public health, playing an important role in educating the next generation of servant leaders, while making a lasting impact in the lives and the health of our communities.
During the past 15 years, we have fulfilled our mission and trained nearly 3,000 leaders, scientists, and practitioners in conducting impactful research and engaging in practice to solve public health challenges. We have built relationships and collaborated with more than 300 organizations, locally, nationally and internationally.
Since its inception, the College of Public Health has built upon its beginnings to now offer more than ten specialized degrees, certificates, and programs that meet the needs of our students and our community. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our faculty and staff, and with the invaluable support of our partner organizations, we are training epidemiologists, environmental health specialists, health program managers, clinical trials coordinators, academic faculty members, and many other highly skilled public health professionals who are making a difference in the field every day.
I invite all of you to join us in celebrating the 15th anniversary of the college. This anniversary is not only a time to reflect on how far we’ve come, but also to look ahead to the future we are building together as a community. To mark this milestone, we are planning a very special event this spring, and I truly hope you will save the date and join us:
15th Anniversary Research & Community Showcase and Celebration
April 8, 2026 | 3:00–7:00 PM
51±¬ÁÏ Student Center
– Research & Community Showcase: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
– Anniversary Celebration: 5:00–7:00 p.m.
We invite students, alumni, faculty, staff, community partners, and friends to join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and, most importantly, look forward to the future of our college in building stronger, healthier communities. We truly hope to see you there.
Here’s to 15 years and to many more in making an impact in our communities!
Yours in good health,
Sonia Alemagno
Dean, College of Public Health
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Faces of CPH
Translating Research Into Real-World Healing
Jaime Shuster, Ph.D., blends psychology, public health and research to improve patient care at Cleveland Clinic.
Mother and Daughter Duo Improves Lives of Our Communities Thanks to Their Public Health Degrees
Meet Christine Woo, Ph.D, and Nathalie Nicol, BSPH – mother and daughter – both graduates of the 51±¬ÁÏ College of Public Health. While Woo was completing her doctorate in 2022, Nicol was just starting her journey at 51±¬ÁÏ.
CPH Alumna Impacting Public Health Through Clinical Trials
In the United States, clinical trials continue to be a major strategy for facilitating positive outcomes in both public health and healthcare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), clinical trials are defined as a type of research that studies new tests and treatments and evaluates their effects on human health outcomes. People volunteer to take part in clinical trials to test medical interventions including drugs, cells, and other biological products, surgical procedures, radiological procedures, devices, behavioral treatments and preventive care.
51±¬ÁÏ Graduates in the I Promise Program Are ‘Shining Examples of Scholarship, Service and Passion’
Three students who are members of the first cohort of the LeBron James Family Foundation I Promise program graduated from 51±¬ÁÏ during the spring 2025 commencement.
From Public Health Graduate to Air Force Epidemiologist
Victoria Bylsma said it only took about two hours after a mentor suggested she look into a graduate degree in public health for her to know what she wanted to do with her career. Today, the 51±¬ÁÏ Master of Public Health graduate helps to protect service members’ health and readiness as an injury epidemiologist at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Dayton.
Learning How to Learn
A first-generation student who began his education journey at the Twinsburg Academic Center now has his sites set on medical school.
Make an Impact
Show your College of Public Health pride and make an impact. Your gift in honor of the 15th anniversary will go to the College of Public Health Scholarship Fund, providing support for current and future generations of CPH students.
You will also receive exclusive CPH 15th anniversary swag.