Outstanding Undergraduate in Public Health

Every semester (Fall, Spring) the Public Health department recognizes up to two graduating students by awarding them "Outstanding Undergraduate in Public Health." This award is intended to honor Public Health majors who demonstrated an outstanding commitment to public health during their time at CU Denver. In addition to performing well in public health coursework, this commitment could be demonstrated through public health-related contributions to campus or the community and/or leadership in the public health program. Candidates may self-nominate or be nominated by faculty. 

To be considered, candidates must submit a written application that will be due electronically to HBSAdminSupport@ucdenver.edu 15 days after census date for the semester in which they will graduate (except summer graduates who will be eligible for the award in the fall after they graduate).

To be eligible, students must:

  1. Be Public Health majors (BA or BS).
  2. Apply for graduation on or before census date of the term they are graduating.
  3. Have a 3.30 or higher cumulative PBHL GPA. Cumulative GPAs are not rounded up. PBHL GPAs include all courses required for the major, i.e., science and math courses and electives.
  4. Have a total of 60 credits or more from CU Denver at the end of the semester that they are scheduled to graduate.
  5. Have and be able to demonstrate and articulate a commitment to public health (see description of the statement below).

Application packets must include the following items in electronic form:

  • A cover page that lists the student’s name, whether they are a BS or BA student, PBHL GPA, and remaining PBHL coursework in progress.
  • An unofficial transcript that lists courses and grades at CU Denver.
  • A 1- to 2-page single-spaced statement written by the student that details their commitment to public health. The statement should discuss public health activities on campus and in the community in which the student has engaged and the student’s plans for the future and if/how they will be informed by their public health degree.
    • Public health activities might include volunteer work, internships, research, awards, receipt of grants, leadership in clubs, or exceptional classroom engagement.
    • Strong statements will not just list accomplishments but will connect these efforts to specific areas of public health and include some reflection.
  • (optional) any additional supporting information that may distinguish this student over other students within the department.