Public Health celebrates 40 years of research, service

The School of Public Health’s class of ’73.

The School of Public Health marks its 40th anniversary this year with events leading up to a gala at the Chicago Cultural Center next spring.

“Public health issues have changed drastically over the past 4 decades, but our commitment to teaching, research and service has remained consistent,” says Paul Brandt-Rauf, dean of the school since 2008.

When the school welcomed its first class in 1972, there were 22 faculty, 18 students and one degree program.

Today there are more than 600 students, nearly 100 faculty and 4,000 alumni. The only accredited school of public health in Illinois, it offers three master’s degrees, two doctoral degrees, 18 concentrations, eight certificate programs and a new undergraduate program.

“Our research has grown exponentially since the school’s beginning,” Brandt-Rauf said.

“Our faculty and students have conducted pioneering investigations that have improved the quality of air we breathe in Illinois, radically reduced violence around the world, slowed the spread of HIV/AIDS, and contributed to the health of the aging population.”

For more information on anniversary events and the April 13 gala, call 312-355-3027 or email SPH40@uic.edu.