Convocation ceremonies for the 1999 graduates of the School of Public Health were held on Friday, May 7 at the Chicago Illini Union.

Opening remarks at the convocation were made by David C. Broski, PhD, chancellor; Elizabeth Hoffman, PhD, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs; U. S. Representative Danny K. Davis; John H. Stroger, Jr., president, Cook County Board; Steven R. Potsic, MD, MPH, administrator, Region V, U.S. Public Health Service; John R. Lumpkin, MD, MPH, director, Illinois Department of Public Health; and Sheila Lyne, RSM, commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health. Donna E. Shalala, PhD, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, gave the convocation address. Dr. Shalala spoke on current and future goals for public health, ranging from enhancing prevention initiatives to eliminating disparities in health among diverse communities within the U.S. Remarks on behalf of the class of 1999 were presented by Sharla K. Willis.

The Delta Omega Society, a national honorary public health fraternity established to recognize and encourage scholarship and research among those undertaking postbaccalaureate study in public health and to recognize attainment in the field, nominated the following 1999 graduates as new members: Evelyn Bell; Sharon Hermanns; Brittany Nguyen; Bobby Sasson; Dawn Sievert; Lada Smyk; Mary Turyk; Amy Valukas; and Joan Woods.

The Alan W. Donaldson Memorial Award, the highest award granted by the School of Public Health to graduating students for academic excellence, qualities of leadership, and community service, was presented to Karen E. Peters.

The Golden Apple Award, given each year to a faculty member chosen by the student body in recognition of outstanding teaching and unusual service to students at the school, was presented to Bernard H. Baum, PhD.

Following the presentation of the 1999 graduates, they were joined by the faculty in reading the "Statement of Values" of the School of Public Health.