In March, Pitt Public Health Dean Maureen Lichtveld joined University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Joan Gabel and Provost Joseph McCarthy on the West Coast for a series of alumni events that brought the Pitt community together in California.
While the Chancellor and Provost hosted two large gatherings, Lichtveld took the opportunity to connect more personally with alumni, both during the events and in smaller, individual meetings. Across these conversations, she engaged with alumni representing a wide range of sectors across public health.
One evening in Palo Alto offered a particularly warm and intimate setting. Hosted by Debra Cen (IDM ’91) and Stephen Hmelar, the dinner brought together alumni and supporters for a meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences. Among those in attendance were Hu Li (EPI ‘10), Dongli Zhou (A&S ’07, ‘10) and Joe (Xing) Huan (BIOST ‘09), as well as Ken and Anne Graham; Dick Levy and Annie Bergman; and Charles and Caroline Yu of LumiQuick Diagnostics. The conversation moved from shared ties to Pitt to the challenges facing and shaping the field of public health today.
Throughout the trip, these moments of connection continued. Photos from the visit capture alumni including Wen-Ta Chiu (EPI ’87, ’89), pictured both individually and with Jonathan Salk; Yi-Chuan Yu (EPI ‘21); and Chris Barker (BIOST ‘80) and Harvey Cochien (BIOST ’87). Others, including Cen and Jasmine Dioguardi (HUGEN ’22), were among the alumni and friends who participated.
“The West Coast events were a chance to reconnect with alumni and strengthen relationships across the Pitt Public Health community," shared Dean Lichtveld. “I am very grateful for the commitment of our alumni to advancing public health research and supporting the next generation of emerging leaders whether they live in Pittsburgh, Los Angeles or Palo Alto.”
As a result of these visits, several follow-up action items are already being implemented, including the creation of an Asian American Pitt alumni network, added Lichtveld.
-Clare Collins