On April 23, 2026, faculty and staff from the Division of Public Health gathered at Rice-Eccles Stadium to celebrate 36 graduates for successfully completing degree requirements across multiple programs, including Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Public Health, Master of Statistics in Biostatistics, and Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health.
The ceremony featured remarks from guest speaker Grant Sunada, PhD, a 2018 graduate of the division’s PhD program and current executive director for the Tooele County Health Department.
“It is so gratifying to see a graduate of our program go on to have such an impact on public health practice,” said Public Health Division Chief Jim VanDerslice, PhD.
The program included student reflections, awards and recognitions, and the administration of the Public Health Oath.
During the student reflections, three graduates—Dana Rees, MPH/MPA; Andrew Koster, MSTAT; and Kristina Gale, PhD—expressed gratitude for the support they received from family, friends, and classmates, while also sharing optimism about their next steps.
“Since the program began 52 years ago, over 1,500 students have graduated with master and doctoral degrees,” VanDerslice said. “Our graduates go on to protect public health at federal, state, and local health departments, advocate for communities, conduct impactful research, and educate future leaders in public health.”
To conclude the evening, Scott Benson, MD, administered the Public Health Oath, which was recited in unison by graduates and faculty who played a key role in their education. Graduates pledged to be guardians of the public’s health and committed to practicing their profession with conscience and dignity.
“Our hope is that graduates view their degree as an effective and valuable tool to propel them toward their future endeavors and careers within the variety of disciplines in public health,” VanDerslice said.
See the list of award recipients below:
Outstanding Master's Students of the Year – Elizabeth Brennan and Dana Rees
Outstanding MPH Online Student of the Year – Gabriela Silva
Outstanding MSTAT Student of the Year – Yueshan Xiong
Outstanding PhD Student of the Year – Kristina Gale
Public Health Fieldwork and Dissemination Award – Olivia Pratt
Student Advisory Council's Faculty Member of the Year – Tejinder P. Singh, MPH
Division Chief Award for Exceptional Staff Contribution – Utah Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Team: Tatiana Allen-Webb, Maria (Maisa) Gomez, Prudvi Marneedi, and Oreta Tupola
Division Chief Award for Exceptional Faculty Contribution – Kimberley Shoaf, DrPH