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Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight

Celebrating Success and Inspiring Stories


Explore news about Zuckerman College alumni to learn more about the Public Health Wildcats making a difference in their communities and around the world.

Alumni of the Year

Every year, the University of Arizona salutes a group of alumni for their achievements, public service, advocacy for education, volunteerism and service to students, the colleges and the university.

2023-2024 Alumna of the Year
Mary Roary PhD ’08, MBA

Dr. Mary Roary received the 2023-2024 Alumna of the Year Award for the Zuckerman College of Public Health at the university’s awards ceremony.

Read on Arizona Alumni > Read on Zuckerman College > Watch on YouTube >

Past Alumni of the Year

2022-2023
Julianna Reece
MD, MBA, MPH ’96

Read on Arizona Alumni >

2021-2022
Marina Hadjioannou Waters
JD ’03, MPH ’04

Read on Arizona Alumni >
Read on Luna360 >
Watch on YouTube >

2019-2020
Natalie Lahood
MPH ’14, MIB, BS ’12

Read on Arizona Alumni >
Watch on YouTube >

2018-2019
Traci Lyn Kodeck
MPH ’99

Read on Arizona Alumni >
Watch on YouTube >

2016-2017
Mark S. Smolinski
MD, MPH ’94

Read on Arizona Alumni >
Read on Monroe News >
Watch on YouTube >

2015-2016
Roberto Cláudio Rodrigues Bezerra
PhD ’06, MPH ’02

Read on Arizona Alumni >
Read on Arizona International >

2010-2011
Zhao Chen
PhD ’96 , MPH ’95

Read on Arizona Alumni >

2001-2002
Dr. Richard Carmona
MD, MPH ’98, FACS

Read on Arizona News >

Alumni & Community Leaders Award

Our alumni and our community supporters give their time and expertise to support the health of so many communities – locally, nationally, and globally – and with these annual awards we are proud to highlight their dedication to public health and their exceptional service.

2023-2024 Award Winners

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2022-2023 Award Winners

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2021-2022 Award Winners

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Honorary Degrees

The University awards honorary degrees to recognize achievements within the academic environment and in the world at large. These degrees honor individuals for their contribution to the University of Arizona, the state, the nation, or the world.

Amy Zuckerman D.HumL ’23

Amy Zuckerman, community advocate, photographer, and public health champion, was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by President Robbins at the University of Arizona Spring 2023 Commencement ceremony in recognition of her contributions to the university and public health.

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David Adame D.HumL ’17

David Adame, former president and CEO of Chicanos Por La Causa Inc., the largest community development corporation in Arizona and one that is dedicated to serving communities in areas including education, housing and health services, received an honorary degree from the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.

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Will Humble MPH, Dr. hc ’15

Will Humble is a long-time public health enthusiast, and is currently the Executive Director for the Arizona Public Health Association (AzPHA). His 30 years in public health include more than 2 decades at the Arizona Department of Health Services, where he served in various roles, most recently as Director.

Read More >


Global Alumni

Meet our Global Alumni

Our alumni hold leadership positions worldwide to advance public health promotion and programs. Their efforts increase health and wellness in dozens of countries and touch millions of lives.

Learn more >

Our Alumni Change the World

We gathered messages from our alumni who live and work around the United States and in other countries, about how their education enabled them to become public health champions.

Learn more >

More Alumni Stories

Roberto Lucero PhD, MPH ’03, RN, FAAN, FACMI

Robert Lucero to be inducted into Sigma International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame

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Joe Russo, DrPH ’23, MPH ’14

ASU partners with March of Dimes to launch Mom and Baby Mobile Health Center

Read more >

Stephanie Russo Carroll DrPH ’15, MPH ’01

Public Health Alumna Gives TEDx Talk on Indigenous Data Governance

Read more >

Beatrice Abiero PhD, BS ’11

New Class Of 40 Under 40 In Public Health Reflects Resilient And Impactful Workforce

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Elena Burr MPH ’23

Adams State Exceptional New Alumna Elena Burr has a heartfelt desire for health equity

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Zuckerman Students & Alumni

Student and Alumni Podcasts Promote Public Health

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Abraham Deng Ater, DrPH, MPH ’10

Father of Former "Lost Boy" of Sudan Encourages Him to Persure a Career in Public Health

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Shiana Ferng MPH ’15, MBA ’15, BS ’13

Dream Jobs: Compassion-Driven Grad Lands Work at Global Company

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Soroosh Behshad MD ’11, MPH ’08

Alum Travels to Provide Care to Refugees

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Roberto Cláudio Rodrigues Bezerra PhD ’06, MPH ’02

UA Project in Brazil Receives Award

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Erin Nurss MPH ’10, BS ’07

UA Graduate Student Crowned Miss Arizona

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More Information

For questions or more information about engagement opportunities, please contact:

Amber Richmond

Amber Richmond, MA ’18
Manager, Alumni & Student Strategic Initiatives
amrichmond@arizona.edu
520-626-3978

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