The Department of Public Health Sciences extends heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all the honorees for their dedicated service and contributions. Their commitment and passion continue to shape the university's legacy of excellence.

Among the distinguished honorees are faculty and staff from the Department of Public Health Sciences:

Isildinha Reis, Ph.D., Research Professor in the Division of Biostatistics – 25 years.

Maria Jimenez-Rodriguez, M.A., BCCC Administrator, Sr. Manager of Research Support – 30 years.

Daniel Feaster, Ph.D., Professor in the Division of Biostatistics – 35 years.

José Szapocznik, Ph.D., Chair Emeritus and Professor – 50 years. 

Jimenez-Rodriguez, who celebrates 30 years of service, reflects on her journey with gratitude. "The University of Miami has given me many opportunities to improve myself. Thirty years is to say, I grew up at the university – I got remarried and had my third child.”

During her time at the university, Jimenez-Rodriguez earned her B.A. in Sociology, with minors in Business Administration and Management, and her M.A. in Liberal Studies. She expressed deep appreciation for the support she received from the university, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic and personal career transitions.

She also extended heartfelt appreciation to three individuals who played crucial roles in her career:  Shari Messinger, Ph.D., professor, director of Biostatistics Collaboration and Consulting Core; Margie Jimenez, M.A., CRA, assistant chair in the Department of Public Health Sciences; and the Ann Roberts, at the School of Education. "I will be forever grateful for their guidance, support, and mentorship. They were not just good leaders but also great mentors who allowed me to evolve in my positions and develop my skills further," Jimenez-Rodriguez noted.

Dr. Szapocznik, celebrating 50 years at the university, remarks on the unique professional freedom he has experienced. "What has been amazing for me is to be able to determine what I want to work on, get that work funded, and then be able to do it. It gives me a tremendous sense of freedom to work on what I find urgent and relevant."

These stories highlight the impact that the University of Miami has on its faculty and staff, fostering a supportive and enriching environment that allows them to thrive both professionally and personally. 

Forever grateful and proud to be part of the university family, the honorees exemplify the spirit of dedication and resilience that defines the University of Miami and the Department of Public Health Sciences community.