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CUNY SPH celebrated its eighth commencement last week, putting forth the largest group of graduates in the school’s history.
As in previous years, the event was held at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem and honored 263 master’s degree students and seven doctoral students.
In his opening remarks, Dean Ayman El-Mohandes lauded the dynamic class of 2024, which also includes 31 advanced certificate students. He acknowledged the challenging global conditions, including ongoing conflicts and violence, that the graduates face as they begin their careers in public health.
“These war atrocities are only one manifestation of many other continuing injustices in the world including consequences of poverty, inequality, lack of freedom and dignity, especially amongst women who carry an unfair burden in so many parts of the world,” the dean said. “Let us celebrate this moment together, and even in the darkest hour assemble our conviction and energy for good to move forwards, sustaining each other with respect and dignity.”
The dean presented the 2024 Honorary Doctor of Science in Public Health degree to reproductive justice pioneer Byllye Avery, for her contributions to the field of public health, advancing sexual and reproductive justice, and challenging structural racism and sexism. Late last year, CUNY SPH launched its first endowed professorship in Avery’s name, which will put forth cutting edge scholarship in the sexual and reproductive justice field.
In her keynote speech, Avery recalled the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who delivered the commencement speech at her own graduation from Talladega College in 1959.
“He told us we did not have the luxury to sit on the sidelines and watch,” she said. “And I say to you: we are in some deep mess right now, y’all. And you all don’t have the luxury to sit on the sidelines and watch. Democracy is not a spectator sport.”
Avery further emphasized the importance of exercising one’s hard-won right to vote this election year.
“Voting is one of our most precious rights. Please register to vote. If you take nothing away from this graduation, take that away.”
The 2024 Champion of Public Health Award was presented to Dr. Alan Shapiro, senior medical director and assistant professor of pediatrics at Montefiore Medical Center. As the co-founder and executive director of Terra Firma, Dr. Shapiro has been a tireless and highly effective advocate fighting to ensure all immigrant children and families have access to quality healthcare and legal representation.
Valedictorian Adrian Blader addressed their fellow graduates, highlighting the unprecedented challenges they faced together.
“One of my favorite classes in graduate school was Professor Freudenberg’s class, Health Activism in New York City,” Blader said. “On our first day he asked what we wanted to take away from the course and I said ‘hope.’ And hope is exactly what I have gotten from this degree and from working alongside you all. I have found hope through learning from previous public health movements and the people who came before us, united together to fight injustice and inequity.”
To close the ceremony, Dr. Shapiro led the graduates in reciting the Public Health Pledge, sealing their commitment to advancing public health and health equity in communities across the globe.
I pledge to do all within my power to safeguard human and environmental health through prevention, protection, promotion, and educational efforts. I will accept the responsibility to use my talents, training, and professional experience to instill public trust in all my public health endeavors. It is my personal commitment to serve my community with integrity and pride.
