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Community Corner

Wheelock College to Honor Public Health Advocate at 2014 Commencement

On Friday, May 16, 2014, Dr. Howard K. Koh, of Andover, MA, will deliver the 2014 Undergraduate Commencement address at Wheelock College’s graduation ceremony celebrating the theme, Innovation. Access. Opportunity. Koh, the 14th Assistant Secretary for Health for the United States Department of Health and Human Service, will be honored for his influential work increasing access to quality healthcare for children and families around the globe.

“We are thrilled to be honoring Dr. Howard K. Koh, who shares an unwavering commitment to our mission of improving the lives of children and families,” said Wheelock President Jackie Jenkins-Scott. “Our Commencement theme truly reflects his life’s work as a passionate public health advocate.”

Dr. Koh was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate in 2009 as the Assistant Secretary for Health for the United States Department of Health and Human Services. He is dedicated to the mission of creating better public health systems for prevention and care so that all people can reach their highest attainable standard of health. Dr. Koh has close ties to Boston, having served as Commissioner of Public Health for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1997-2003). His son, Daniel Arrigg Koh, serves as Chief of staff to Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh.

As Assistant Secretary for Health, Dr. Koh oversees 12 public health offices, including the Office of the Surgeon General and the U.S. Public Health Service Commission Corps. He serves as senior public health advisor to the Secretary in implementing an array of interdisciplinary programs relating to disease prevention, health promotion, the reduction of health disparities, women's and minority health, adolescent health, HIV/AIDS, chronic infections diseases, and health fitness and promotion.

Wheelock will host two commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 16, 2014. The morning ceremony, featuring a keynote speech from Dr. Howard K. Koh, will celebrate undergraduate seniors at Temple Israel (477 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA) at 10am. The afternoon ceremony, featuring a keynote speech from David C. Banks, will honor graduate level students at the Wheelock Family Theatre (180 The Riverway, Boston, MA) at 3pm. For more information visit: www.wheelock.edu/commencement.


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