Monica Wallace '06 Health Administration / Law

Hometown: Burlington, Illinois

When Monica Wallace completed a joint Master of Health Administration and law degree in 2006, she found there were many ways in which her academic training could help her make a difference in the world.

Private contributions provided scholarship support that made it possible for Monica to pursue this challenging dual degree. In addition to two departmental scholarships, she received the Frank N. Whitson Award for Academic Achievement, presented each spring to the M.H.A. graduate with the highest academic performance.

Says Monica, "I speak from personal experience when I say that private gifts make a substantial difference in one's academic experience here."

Support from alumni and friends helps ensure that an excellent education is available across the UI College of Public Health's five departments and multiple programs -- and that the nation's top students are attracted to study here.

In addition to providing student scholarships, ongoing support from alumni and friends enables Public Health students to participate in state and national conferences where they deepen their understanding of the field and make key professional connections. It also supports the college's outstanding faculty by providing seed money for continued professional development and significant research.

"The college is made up of diverse departments and programs, but we all share the same goal: to make the world a healthier and safer place," Monica says. "Those who give to the college assist students like me in finding and following our own paths in this important field."

Monica has already accepted a position in the Chicago law firm of McDermott Will & Emery in Chicago, which looked very favorably on her UI degree. In her position, she will have an opportunity to work with clients in every sector of the health-care industry, including academic medical centers, hospitals and health systems, long-term care facilities, physician group practices, and life science corporations.

Says Monica, "Thanks to the vision and reputation of this excellent college -- and to the alumni and friends who support it -- I'm excited to embark on my own journey in public health."

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