Written by Kim Furlow, communications manager for the Institute for Public Health
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.
African Proverb
The Global Health Center at the Institute for Public Health has announced that its longtime manager, Jacaranda van Rheenen, PhD, will leave the center for another position at the School of Medicine. Van Rheenen began her work with the Global Health Center as a project manager before transitioning to manager of operations. She helped start many programs and activities at the center including: the Global & Public Health Track at the Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program; WashU’s annual Global Health and Infectious Disease Conference, the center’s Global Health Work in Progress meetings, which help practitioners present and get feedback on their work; the Global Health Student Advisory Committee and other popular and informative programs.
“Together with Dr. Bill Powderly, it was an amazing experience and privilege to build the Global Health Center from the ground up,” said van Rheenen. “During my time at the GHC, I am grateful to have met wonderful colleagues, students and collaborators – many of whom have become good friends! I am excited to see how global health will continue to grow at the university with the development of the new School of Public Health.”
Although van Rheenen will still work at Washington University in St. Louis, colleagues at the Institute for Public Health say she will be missed in the halls of the Institute’s Taylor Avenue office. Here are few fond farewells from faculty and staff.
“Jacaranda has been a great colleague, collaborator and friend. I wish her all of the best in her new role at WashU!” –Leah Kemper, MPH, Associate Director of the Institute for Public Health
“Jacaranda has always been willing to collaborate, provide a helping hand and encouragement. I always knew I could come to Jacaranda with a question or issue, especially when working on our summer programs, and she would gladly assist with a smile on her face. It has been a pleasure working with Jacaranda and I know her new co-workers will be just as lucky to have her to rely on!” –Natalie Galucia, MSW, Manager of the Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging at the Institute for Public Health
“I am truly lucky to have had the opportunity to work alongside Jacaranda for so many years! She is dedicated, persistent, and focused. Jacaranda is also a stellar human being! She is thoughtful, caring, and supportive. Although I will greatly miss working with her, I am excited for her as she begins this new journey!” –Anna Mazzuca, MA, Business Manager for the Institute for Public Health
“The remarkable impact that Dr. van Rheenen has left on the Global Health Center will be long lasting! Along with the entire center community, we look forward to building upon her initial contributions as its manager. We wish her the best in her new endeavors at WashU.” –Victor Davila-Roman, MD, Director; and Mark Huffman, MD, co-Director of the Global Health Center at the Institute for Public Health
Photos courtesy of Tina McGrath.