May 26, 2016
Thank you Dean Hunter.
Graduates of the class of 2016, proud parents and families, honored guests, friends, esteemed faculty and staff, honorable Dean Hunter, Miss Yu Na, and distinguished commencement speaker Dr. Shalala.
My fellow Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health graduates:
As President-Elect of our Alumni Association, I am honored to formally welcome you as new members of our Alumni Association on behalf of more than 13,000 alumni who came before you. I congratulate you on your success and salute you for your commitment to public health.
You are entering into the field of public health at a time full of new developments, which are creating new challenges. Just recently, we experienced that what historically were relatively isolated outbreaks, like Ebola, have for the first time become large-scale epidemics causing huge devastation across multiple countries. We have always known that infections do not recognize political boundaries, but with today’s cross-border communications, a different story is unfolding. Ebola exhausted health systems and strangled countries. Equally important was the global response which led us to realize that health systems not only need to be strengthened, but they also need to be made resilient to such threats. The emerging global health security agenda not only looks at prevention, containment, and management of outbreaks, but includes building strong, resilient health systems that are locally driven with quality of care at the core. This takes us beyond the health sector, engaging other sectors in society as well as communities and citizens. The science of community engagement is taking us to new unexplored areas of human interaction. Today, more than at any point earlier, we realize the importance of building health systems focused on patient and community needs; systems that are strong to deliver good health outcomes, and resilient to withstand future challenges. These future health systems will—and I emphasize they will—enable us to meet the sustainable development goals and provide universal health coverage. Indeed, this health agenda needs to be part of the broader development agenda of countries across the globe.
I take this opportunity to welcome you not only to the profession in its many diverse specialties, but also to one of the most vibrant alumni associations. You are part of a 13,000-strong Alumni Association with a very active agenda—which I hope you will find engaging in many ways. Through the Alumni Association you will find opportunities for professional and career development, as well as networking and support and friendship with colleagues around the globe.
Class of 2016, as you embark on the next phase of your life and carry public health service to every corner of the world, I wish you the very best in your career and greatness in the years ahead. As you dream, explore and discover, I hope you will stay connected with the School and Alumni Association, so we can cheer you on and celebrate your successes, and help lend a hand when you face challenges. On behalf of the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health Alumni Association, I congratulate you and wish you all the best in all your future endeavors.
Photo: Kent Dayton
Additional coverage
Students urged to lead a life of ‘service and integrity’
Commencement day photo gallery
Commencement eve photo gallery
Commencement slideshow
Storify, a collection of photos taken by students, families, and friends
Student, faculty, and staff award winners
Acting Dean David Hunter address
Clinton Foundation President Donna Shalala address
Student speaker Yu Na address