Public health professionals work to enhance the health of populations and communities. A campus event this Thursday, Sept. 15, starting at 5 p.m. in the Student Education Center, is designed to help build a community of people interested in public health: Des Moines University’s Master of Public Health Student Club will host a Networking Night for DMU students in all programs who are interested in public health. With special guest DMU President Angela Walker Franklin, Ph.D., the event will be a wonderful opportunity for students to meet each other, learn about the profession and related campus organizations, and interact with faculty and members of the Iowa Public Health Association and American Public Health Association.
Another great feature of Networking Night is that it’s designed for both local students and those who take courses online. The “locals” can enjoy light refreshments while browsing booths, signing up for student organizations and learning about the IPHA and APHA. Online students can tap into the MPHSC Adobe Connect link beginning at 5 p.m. for socializing and networking. And everyone can listen to faculty comments starting at 5:30 p.m. in the SEC Auditorium.
“We hope to have diverse attendance at Networking Night, including online and local students of public health as well as students from all programs at Des Moines University,” says Caitlin Molsberry, MPH Student Club president. “As health professionals, we will all be working together to improve the health of our patients and communities. It makes perfect sense that we should begin to foster strong personal and professional relationships now.”
After faculty comments in the auditorium, on-campus students can enjoy a networking reception and another opportunity to learn about and sign up for various campus organizations. Online students can participate in a discussion with Elizabeth Eastman, MPH Student Club vice president and an online student.
If you plan to attend in person, the MPH Student Club asks that you take a brief survey to help the group estimate attendance. Be sure to bring cash or checks to sign up for organizations of interest (credit cards will not be accepted).
“Public health is recognized as an integral part of the work of all health professionals and key to improving the health of populations throughout the world,” says Mary Mincer Hansen, Ph.D., R.N., director of DMU’s MPH Program. “The MPH Student Club’s Networking Night is a great opportunity for students of all professions to learn more about public health and experience interprofessional networking.”
