It’s always inspiring to meet someone smart, talented and driven. And when you meet hundreds of people like that in a single day, it’s worth celebrating. Today we marked the beginning of the academic year by welcoming more than 700 new undergraduate students to the College of Public Health at Temple’s 2016 Convocation.

They join a diverse group of 167 faculty members and over 4000 current students, who together represent one of the most innovative institutions of public health education and research in the country. College of Public Health Dean Laura A. Siminoff officially welcomed the college’s Class of 2020, telling incoming undergraduates that they have chosen a rich environment in which to foster their love of learning and dedication to improving public health: “A hallmark of our college is our commitment to interdisciplinary education and research. I hope that as you move through your coursework and your field placements, you will take advantage of these opportunities to understand how interconnected all the disciplines that contribute to the health and welfare of populations and individuals are, whether you are a nursing student or a social work student, pursuing a degree in public health or interested in ultimately becoming a physical therapist.

“I also hope many of you will pursue opportunities to obtain research experience with one of the many faculty research studies here. Together—faculty, staff, and students—we are working to advance the health of the population here in North Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania, and beyond. As a graduate of the College of Public Health, you will be a leader in this movement, and we are so proud to have you here!”

Welcome to all of our new undergraduate students—we know you will achieve great things during your journey at Temple.