As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Gamma Tau chapter of The Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health at George Mason University, it is important to reflect on the society’s mission to promote excellence in the field of public health and improve the health of individuals both domestically and internationally.
Over the past decade, Mason has inducted 108 Master’s students, 39 undergraduate students, and two faculty members (Dr. Laura Poms and Dr. Lila Fleming) into Delta Omega. This year, the chapter will be inducting its first cohort of PhD students, further expanding its reach in honoring academic achievements in public health.
As a professor and chair of Global and Community Health at Mason, Carolyn Drews-Botsch recognizes the significance of having a Delta Omega chapter at Mason. “Delta Omega’s recognition of academic excellence among students and faculty is a testament to our College’s dedication to providing top-notch education in public health,” she said.
The impact of Delta Omega can be seen through its alumni who have gone on to excel in their respective fields. Bianca Alba is now a Public Health Analyst at the Health Resources and Services Administration after being mentored by the Public Health Alumni Mentorship Program at Mason. Abby Lilak pursued her PhD at the University of Florida after conducting research on global health during her MS program at Mason. Taylor Thomas credits her experience at Mason with igniting her passion for population health as she pursues her Master of Public Health at George Washington University.
Mason’s Delta Omega chapter also observes National Public Health Week 2024 through volunteer service events with organizations like Patriot Pantry and Presidents Park Greenhouse. This commitment to public health reflects their dedication to advancing the health and well-being of communities throughout Northern Virginia.