Dear friends of the School of Public Health:
I hope this message finds you and your family well. The COVID-19 global pandemic continues to pose a serious threat to population health and has compelled unprecedented action by leaders at all levels to minimize its health impact and to protect the public’s health. The School of Public Health faculty and staff have worked hard to uphold our commitment to quality education. Responding to the need to adapt our learning environment, we transitioned to an online format for distance learning to ensure our students could stay safe while completing the spring and summer semesters without disruption to their degree progression. I am delighted to share that we have an expected total of 214 students graduating this spring and summer. While we are not able to formally honor their achievements in person at this time, we are pleased to
virtually recognize and celebrate
with them. Thank you for the many ways you have contributed to our students’ success. Especially during the hardships and challenges of this pandemic, your support through the university’s
Emergency Assistance Fund
is helping Georgia State students to stay safe, healthy, and on the path to graduation.
As this pandemic reveals the critical importance of public health, there is increasing national and global awareness of the essential work to which our faculty, alumni, and students have dedicated their professional lives. There have been incredible efforts by our school community in fighting this pandemic, and it is clear that our alumni and students are equipped with the education and training to be properly prepared for this unprecedented moment. In addition to the many ways the School of Public Health is actively engaged in the pandemic response (described
here
), 45 of our graduate students are currently working for the Georgia Department of Public Health as contact tracers doing their part to prevent the further spread of the virus. Your generosity supports this work, and we are very grateful for the ways you have invested in public health education and research. While there is much uncertainty about the months ahead, we are doing everything we can in our budgetary and operational strategic planning to ensure that our School of Public Health continues on a strong trajectory, and I am confident we will get through this challenging time together.
Wishing you all health and safety.
Warmly,
