Inaugural MPH cohort included in June 2018 commencement

Nearly 1300 students walked across the stage of Miller Auditorium to receive diplomas on June 23. Among those graduates were 15 individuals from the first cohort of the Master of Public Health program, which officially launched in the fall of 2016.

"It's always exciting to see an inaugural cohort finish their program," says Dr. Vivian Valdmanis, professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs. "These students faced many challenges that come with a brand new program, and they overcame them with great tenacity and grace. I am very proud of all of them."

"We are delighted to recognize this accomplishment of the first MPH Cohort at WMU," says Dr. Mark Kelley, director of the School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs and co-coordinator of public health programs. "We look forward to seeing the wonderful ways in which they will impact the health of the communities in which they live and work. Our program will continue to grow and develop as we learn from their experiences."

The MPH program at WMU is offered in a hybrid format with coursework done primarily online and several face-to-face meetings at the WMU-Grand Rapids Beltline location throughout the year. The initial cohort included students from as far away as Wheeling, Illinois; Marquette, Michigan; and Metro Detroit; in addition to a number from the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo areas.