‘A powerful community’: The School of Public Health kicks off Commencement & Reunion Weekend

Arvinjit “Arvin” Singh Sc.M. ’19, received the 2026 Alumni Impact Award. As Secretary of Health for the State of West Virginia, Singh is tackling the highest rates of smoking, obesity, diabetes and drug overdose deaths in the country. In just under a year in his new role, he has secured $200M to launch a multi-year initiative aimed at reversing these rates across West Virginia.

“One thing that stood out to me [at Brown], and still does, is the importance of engaging different viewpoints,” Singh said in his remarks. “Progress depends on the ability to challenge ideas and refine them through open dialogue. As someone who is a Conservative working in public health policy, I value institutions that make space for that kind of engagement.”

Three student speakers, nominated by their peers, addressed the crowd at the event:

•  Kate Choi ’26
• Charis Haynes MPH ’26
• Nick Lewis Ph.D.’26 (Biostatistics)

“Exactly 625 days ago, we officially started our journeys here at Brown and it has been such a speedy and jam-packed time full of new learning and life experiences,” said Charis Haynes, representing this year’s MPH graduating class.  “From our first semester when we arrived bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and were quickly introduced to the rigors of graduate school, to the final stretch of submitting final thesis and capstone projects, one thing I can confidently say is that there is a strong sense of togetherness and that I was never alone in my pursuit of this degree.” 

Before the celebration’s end, 13 graduating students received the following awards:

Gerontology Center Research Prizes 

• Naomi Jack
• Olivia Taylor

Lipsitt-Duchin Fellowships 

• Skyler Gin (Cognitive and Psychological Sciences)
• Belinda O'Hagan (SPH/BSS) 

Public Health Impact Awards 

• Hamid Toradbzadeh ’26
• Kira Philips MPH’26
• Ambree Robinson MPH’26
• Shuo Feng Ph.D.’26 (Biostatistics)
• Amelia Bailey Ph.D.’26 (BSHS)
• Meghan Bellerose Ph.D.’26 (HSR)

Diversity & Inclusion Catalyst Awards 

• Jacqueline Larson MPH’26
• Marymar Vacio Lazalde MPH’26
• Gray Babbs Ph.D.’26 (HSR)

“To our graduates, I encourage you to stay engaged with our school,” Dean Beaudoin said.”We are thrilled to follow your achievements, and look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish in the years to come. And remember that success is not just measured by what you accomplish, but also by how you inspire and uplift others.”