Three Scholarships Awarded to First-Year MPH Students

The School of Public Health at the University of Memphis is pleased to announce the award of scholarships to three first-year MPH students.

The Dr. Roger and Mary E. LaBonte Scholarship was awarded to Gabrielle Dowdy. Ms. Dowdy is the first award recipient of this scholarship fund, established by MPH alumnus Dr. Roger LaBonte and his wife Mary. Along with matching funds from the School of Public Health, the scholarship will cover tuition for the second year of coursework to complete the MPH degree.

The following two first-year MPH students were named 2020 Public Health Community Scholars: Rebecca Kronenberg and Ashli B. Martin. These scholarships were made possible by funding from the Dean's Office of the School of Public Health. Public Health Community Scholars will receive a monthly stipend during their 3-month summer MPH Practicum and the following academic year that completes their graduate study. Additionally, a tuition waiver will be provided for the second year of MPH coursework. In return, students will work 20 hours per week during their 3-month summer practicum at a community location and will continue working 20 hours/week at that location during the following academic year.

Awards were made on the basis of history of contribution to health improvement in the Memphis metropolitan area, academic qualifications, advisor recommendation, and demonstrated need. The awards committee consisted of SPH faculty and community public health practitioners. The School of Public Health is proud to recognize these students, whose efforts will contribute greatly to the health of our community.