University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health Dean Donald S. Burke, M.D., presented the 225th Anniversary Medallion for distinguished service in their respective careers to Pitt alumni Vichit Yamboonruang, Ph.D., and Margaret McMillion, former U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda.
Dr. Burke awarded the medallions during a Pitt alumni reception Wednesday, June 12, at the Golden Tulip Sovereign Hotel in Bangkok.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to reunite with our alumni abroad and recognize the incredible contributions that Pitt graduates are making in the international community,” said Dr. Burke, UPMC-Jonas Salk Chair of Global Health. “It is an honor to present these awards to Dr. Yamboonruang and Ms. McMillion, and to spend time learning about our alumni’s remarkable careers.”
Dr. Yamboonruang is president of the Thai Premier League Co. Ltd., a Thai professional league for association football clubs. Dr. Yamboonruang also serves as president for Golf Time Syndicate Co. Ltd. and Global Bonds Industrial Co. Ltd. He received his master’s degree in science and hygiene from Pitt Public Health and his doctorate from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA).
Ms. McMillion received her master’s degree in public and international affairs from GSPIA in 1975. As policy officer in South Africa from 1982-85, she was instrumental in the implementation of the fund to support human rights awareness. In 2001, she was named U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda and was involved in the completion of the post-1994 genocide transition process that led to the establishment of an elected government. She currently is a faculty member in the international relations program at Webster University in Thailand.
Pitt Chancellor Mark Nordenberg commissioned the 225th Anniversary Medallion last year to recognize alumni who have achieved outstanding results in their professions and continue their commitment to the success of the university and its students.
John Delaney, Ph.D., dean of Pitt’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and College of Business Administration, presented the Distinguished International Alumni Award to Kulpatra Sirodom. Dr. Sirodom earned her doctorate in finance in 1987 and is the former dean of the business school at Thammasat University in Bangkok. She now is chairman of Thammasat’s Asian Business Innovation Center.
“Dr. Sirodom is one of the most highly regarded finance experts in Thailand,” said Dr. Delaney. “In addition to providing leadership at Thammasat University, she is sought out for advice by the government and private industry. She serves as a public director on several corporate boards and is regularly quoted in the press. The Katz School is proud to call her one of our own and honor her with this award — the first international alumnae to receive the distinguished alumni award.”
6/12/2013