In late September 2024, Columbia University’ Mailman School of Public Health held its annual Alumni summit and recognized key alumni for their extraordinary contributions to the field of public health and service to the School. This year, the School has honored Gail Emrick, MPH ’87, MIA ’87, as a 2024 Allan Rosenfield Distinguished Alumni.
Selected by Dean Linda Freid, Gail was nominated by former SEAHEC Intern, Emeka Ilogebu (a current Columbia Mailman student and faculty at City University of New York) as well as Linda Cushman, former Dean of Student Affairs at Mailman, as well as Dr. Jonathan Ripp, of Mt. Sinai Medical School (With Dr. Ripp, Mt. Sinai had held over 10 years of student service learning courses with SEAHEC from 209 – 2019).
Gail Emrick received a joint master’s degree in public health and international affairs from Columbia Mailman and School of International & Public Affairs. Gail dedicated her professional life to promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities in Central America and the US-Mexico border regions. Just last month, Gail retired as the executive director of the Southeast Arizona Health Education Center after serving the organization since 2008. In this role, she worked to improve Arizona’s rural health workforce, and the center became a nationally recognized leader in migrant and farmworker health advocacy.
Gail’s impact goes beyond her professional career; she also served as a mentor to many Columbia Mailman students. Year after year, Gail hosted students for their Applied Practicum Experiences (APEx)—ensuring they received practical, hands-on experience that would complement their public health education. Gail provided students with direct opportunities to address the social, psychological, and health issues of marginalized communities, profoundly impacting the career choices and public health approaches of those students.
“Dr. Rosenfield was my teacher and mentor during my master’s program. He taught me so much about women’s reproductive health advocacy, tools that we need now more than ever,” Gail said when she learned of her award. “I am honored to receive an award created to remember his legacy.”
The Allan Rosenfield Distinguished Alumni Award for Excellence was created in 2007 to recognize exceptional contributions to the Mailman community and distinguished leadership in the field of public health. The award is a testament to Dr. Allan Rosenfield's legacy of leadership in public health, as well as his integrity, courage, and unwavering optimism. The 2024 alumni awardees were recognized at the 2024 Alumni Summit on September 27.