News from the School of Public Health

Most people haven’t experienced deeply caring for an animal for weeks or months at a time, bringing them into their home to heal and get strong, knowing they will eventually be moving on to someone else's home. For the Montfort family, this kind of generosity has become a way of life. Led by SPH alumna Reka Montfort and her husband Josh Montfort, Head Coach and Director of Gymkana, this family has not only embraced the noble cause of fostering rescue dogs but is also gearing up to make an even more significant impact by training service dogs.

Throughout history, there are individuals whose actions resonate beyond their own lifetimes and shape the course of society by inspiring future generations. Harold (“Hal”) Brown stands as one of those unsung heroes whose dedication to civil rights and social justice continues to influence others, and in particular, his own son, Department of Kinesiology Chair Michael Brown.

A lot can happen in 1,260 days, but one of the most impressive is the earning of a doctorate. In November of 2023, Assistant Program Director of Human Resources Elaine Rudder completed her Doctor of Education (EdD) degree, marking the end of a three-and-a-half year quest.

Sandra Crouse Quinn, former professor and chair of the Department of Family Science, is a long-time singer and advocate for the arts. She also happens to be a renowned researcher. Combining her love of both worlds is key to keeping her active during her recent retirement. Sandra applies her public health lens to all she does, and she especially loves singing with local choral groups. 

That universal feeling of “cabin fever” during the COVID-19 pandemic is something many Americans felt during those initial months of quarantine. Days started to blend together as each one felt the same as the last. As the pandemic continued, many of us researched hobbies with the hopes of uncovering a newly found passion during this time of uncertainty.

Co-sponsored by the School of Public Health, the week-long camp teachers middle school students how to collect and analyze statistical data and then display what they discovered in creative ways.