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Funds raised will prepare the future public health workforce to support New York City with innovative and equitable health solutions
New York, NY | May 22, 2025 – The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy Foundation hosted its inaugural Public Health Futures Gala on May 15, 2025, bringing together 250 cross-sector leaders and raising more than $650,000 to prepare the next generation of public health professionals committed to advancing the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.
Emceed by WABC-TV Anchor Bill Ritter, the evening honored Dr. Kyu Rhee, President & CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), with the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Public Health Philanthropy. Dr. Lyndon Haviland, Chair of the CUNY SPH Foundation Board, presented the award, praising Dr. Rhee’s lifetime of leadership and his role at NACHC in expanding access to high-quality, affordable, transdisciplinary primary care for more than 31.5 million people at over 14,000 sites across all 50 states.
With the theme Creating Brighter, Bolder Futures for the Public Health Workforce, the event raised critical funds for CUNY SPH Foundation scholarships and innovative programs that empower students, engage communities, and spark transformative public health solutions across industries.
“The CUNY SPH Foundation is a powerful partner to CUNY SPH’s mission to enhance health equity. In supporting students who bring remarkable talent, drive, and lived experience, we enrich the field with exceptionally well prepared young inspirational leaders,” said Dr. Ayman El-Mohandes, Dean of CUNY SPH. “We’re preparing them to champion better health and wellbeing in every corner of New York City, and to advance a more just and equitable public health system.”
Among its signature initiatives, the CUNY SPH Foundation launched the Career Skills Academy, a flagship program that equips students, many of whom are full-time professionals and heads of households, with the essential professional skills needed to thrive and lead. The student body is 77% women, 65% from underrepresented groups, and 90% remain in New York after graduation to serve their communities.
“The CUNY SPH Foundation is an engine for social justice—closing opportunity gaps and accelerating both the success of our students and real-world solutions to today’s most urgent public health challenges,” said Adam M. Doyno, Executive Director and Chief Development Officer of the Foundation. “We are proud to be making a meaningful and lasting impact on our students’ careers and lives.”
For the fifth year, U.S. News & World Report has named CUNY SPH the top public school of public health in New York City, New York State, and the Tri-State area. This year, it was ranked 16th nationwide among 214 schools and programs of public health.
Sponsors included the Secunda Family Foundation; EmblemHealth; BNY; Margaret Crotty and Rory Riggs, EMU Health; Gramercy Surgery Center; Harlem Community Development Corporation; Dr. Lyndon Haviland, MD-CALC; Stellar Health, and the Zegar Family Foundation. Alley Corp, Alfonso Chang, Ciba Health, Crowell & Moring, HealthFirst, HLTH, Morrison Cohen, the National Association of Community Health Centers, The Research Foundation of CUNY, Dr. Nicole and William Roberts, and Yuvo Health.
Media contact:
Lynthia Romney
romneycom@gmail.com
914-589-2140
About CUNY SPH
The CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH) is committed to promoting and sustaining healthier populations in New York City and around the world through excellence in education, research, and service in public health and by advocating for sound policy and practice to advance social justice and improve health outcomes for all.
About the CUNY SPH Foundation
The CUNY SPH Foundation’s mission is to advance the achievement of CUNY SPH’s mission, vision, and values as New York City’s public school of public health through fundraising, building strategic partnerships, and providing services as a champion for the school’s students as they embark on public health careers and its faculty as they work to educate the next generation of public health professionals.
