Among the 90 students to earn degrees from Union Adventist University this May were two history makers: Ingrid Papalii and Joshua Reyes-Meiring both completed master’s degrees in public health. Both Papalii and Reyes-Meiring have previously graduated from Union’s International Rescue and Relief Program. As graduate students, both have also continued to deploy with Union’s Disaster Response Team, and have also worked proactively in Lincoln to establish community gardens to address food insecurity. 

“We have awesome instructors and a director who are willing to connect us with organizations we want to work with,” Papalii said. “I’m still learning, and I’m not sure where God will take me, but what I do know is that I’d like to assist in the empowerment of vulnerable communities, developing countries, and the advancement of public health.” 

“This degree is for people who enjoy the idea of impacting the communities they serve,” said Reyes-Meiring. “It has a broader focus than just one patient and allows the full impact of providers to be seen throughout their work. It’s perfect for the problem solvers who wish to prevent incidents from occurring instead of picking up the pieces afterward. I can’t wait to see how this program grows.”