The Brown University School of Public Health mourns the loss of Marvin Gene Ronning, who passed away on Monday, November 7 at the age of 60. During his years as a senior administrator and deputy director of the Rhode Island Free Clinic, Marvin was an unstinting champion for vulnerable families across the state. He practiced his faith in the power of education by mentoring innumerable students at the School of Public Health and by establishing academic partnerships with every institution of higher education in Rhode Island.
“Marvin was a wonderful friend of the School of Public Health,” said Fox Wetle, professor of health services, policy and practice and the founding dean of the School of Public Health. “Very early on, Marvin supported the MPH internship at the RI Free Clinic and worked with us to design a thriving experience that is used as a model for such internships today. Marvin was always dapper in his bow tie and crisply pressed shirts. Personally, I will miss Marvin’s collegial friendship and helpful advice, as will many, many SPH students, staff, and faculty.”