The USF College of Public Health (COPH) welcomed scholarship supporters and student recipients to its inaugural Scholarship Reception on Wednesday, Oct. 7, celebrating the generosity that helps students pursue their education and prepare to make a difference in communities around the world.
COPH Dean Sten Vermund delivering opening remarks. (Photo by Freddie Coleman)
Dean Sten Vermund opened the evening with remarks recognizing the generosity of scholarship supporters and the importance of investing in the next generation of public health professionals. “When you invest in a public health student, you invest in a healthier future,” Vermund said.
The inaugural Scholarship Reception at the Sam and Martha Gibbons Alumni Center brought scholarship supporters and student recipients together, with seating thoughtfully arranged to connect donors with the students they support and the faculty who guide their academic journeys. (Photo by Freddie Coleman)
For Kaniz Angel, a second-year master of public health student concentrating in applied biostatistics and epidemiology, scholarships have eased the financial burden of graduate school while helping her pursue her goal of improving health outcomes for disadvantaged populations.
After working two jobs and helping support her household, Angel said receiving scholarships brought an overwhelming sense of relief.
“The day I saw the notification that I received a scholarship, I cried tears of joy,” Angel said. “I cried for every single one I received.”
Angel received five scholarships, including the Carmine and Nicholas Pinto Global Health Scholarship. She said her experience at COPH has also helped her feel supported as she grows into a public health professional.
“I feel seen and welcomed here. The faculty and staff here value my voice and feedback,” she said.
For doctoral candidate Molly Joyce, scholarship support has helped her pursue specialized training to strengthen her research in infectious diseases.
A PhD student concentrating in global infectious diseases, Joyce is developing geographic information system (GIS)-based risk models to help predict hotspots for mosquito-borne disease transmission in Florida.
Scholarship support has allowed her to attend training courses in infectious disease modeling, spatial modeling and Python programming, building skills she can apply to her dissertation and future career.
“I would not have been able to attend all of these workshops without the scholarship support that I received,” Joyce said.
After completing her PhD, Joyce hopes to work in outbreak investigation and analysis, helping strengthen disease surveillance and response coordination.
Scholarship recipient Molly Joyce (center) with Dean Vermund (far left) and professor Dr. Henian Chen (far right) along with her family and supporters. (Photo by Freddie Coleman)
For Drs. Marian and Lynette Menezes, with the latter being the associate vice president international of USF Health, supporting students is a way to honor family and pay forward the opportunities education provided. The couple established the Carmine and Nicholas Pinto Global Health Scholarship in honor of Dr. Lynette Menezes's parents, whose goal was to provide their children with the best education possible despite limited resources.
Drs. Marian and Lynette Menezes with scholarship recipient Kaniz Angel (center). (Photo by Freddie Coleman)
Having received scholarships throughout her own education, Dr. Lynette Menezes believes every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow.
“I believe in paying it forward to honor their dream that every child deserves an education,” she said.
Former USF President Betty Castor (right) greeted students and attendees. Castor has played an important role in supporting the COPH, alongside her late husband Samuel P. Bell, III, helping pave the way for future generations of public health leaders. (Photo by Freddie Coleman)
Vermund closed the evening by celebrating both the students and the supporters who make their achievements possible.
“To our students: congratulations. We are proud of your accomplishments, inspired by your aspirations and excited to see the impact you will make in the years ahead,” Vermund said.