Alumni

I grew up in East Texas, in a suburban town sheltered from the impact and images of poverty and disease. It wasn’t until I was 15 years old and volunteered at Camp HOPE, that I realized the effect of those hardships on families and communities.

For the next 10 years I helped children with HIV/AIDS, often from underprivileged families, experience summer camp without the fear of stigma or discrimination. As an undergraduate, I encountered poverty and disease on a much broader scale. I assisted at a pediatric HIV clinic in Swaziland with mother-to-child transmission research and traveled throughout the country talking to school children about sex and HIV education.

Yet, I wanted to do more. I explored options for a dual M.D./M.P.H. program, and Mailman School’s reputation, scope of international work and instruction beyond the classroom was a big draw. But, as you well know, the cost of a graduate education is substantial and, thankfully, I received a scholarship through the School’s annual fund.

I can tell you first-hand that your generosity has a direct impact on the lives of not only aspiring public health leaders but the lives of many others as well, which is why I hope you will make a gift to the Fund for Public Health Leadership.

Every dollar of your gift will go to provide indispensable financial aid to Mailman students. What’s more, I am also pleased to say that a member of the School’s Alumni Board and Board of Overseers has generously pledged to match all gifts at a 1:1 ratio – doubling the impact of your gift!

Thank you for contributing to the success of the future graduates of the Mailman School.

Sincerely,

Ryan Close, M.D./M.P.H. Class of 2012