Celebrating the past while steering toward the future is the work of every school of public health. We know that with each advance, we “stand on the shoulders of giants.” Yet, in looking back, we must not lose sight of the goal ahead of us — creating a world where health is the right and responsibility of every human being. No exceptions.
Our school turns 75 this year.
Although officially established in 1944, it was part of a much older public health legacy at the University of Minnesota, that dates to 1872, when Dr. Charles Hewitt delivered the first lectures on public health. They were the first such lectures in the nation. Public health has northern roots and we are proud to contribute to the common global good.
“Looking back, we don’t want to lose sight of the real goal ahead of us — creating a world where health is the right and responsibility of every human being. No exceptions.”
John R. Finnegan Jr., PhD, Dean and Professor
Our school has always looked to the needs of people around the world and we have learned the power of partnership to define those needs. We are collaborators with communities wherever we serve. In this issue of Advances, we see evidence of that collaboration in stories about a problem-solving technique, a grassroots organization to rescue unsold produce, a program to tackle foodborne illness outbreaks, and others.
Each of these stories also describes a unique model, technique, method, or program that we have developed at our school or have been part of creating. We hope others will adopt or adapt them to tackle public health challenges in their communities.
In the year ahead, I trust that we in the public health community will strengthen our commitment to forging a just and equitable country where all people feel welcome and safe.
Yours in health,
John R. Finnegan Jr., PhD
Dean and Professor
