Hudson College of Public Health Celebrates Graduates and Honors Excellence at Annual Awards Ceremony

On the afternoon of Friday, May 2, 2025, the University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health hosted its annual Awards and Honors Ceremony at the Embassy Suites in Oklahoma City, celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2025 and recognizing outstanding students and faculty across the college.

The event brought together students, faculty, staff, and supporters for a meaningful celebration of academic achievement and leadership. Graduating students were presented with the official Hudson College of Public Health Commencement Medal, symbolizing their dedication to advancing public health in Oklahoma and beyond.

Student Awards and Recognitions

The ceremony also included the presentation of several prestigious awards. Amaya Ngo, Master of Health Administration graduate, received the David J. Falcone Memorial Award, honoring her exemplary academic performance and service to the profession.

Toby Clampitt, who earned an MPH in Epidemiology, was recognized with the Joan K. Leavitt Award for his leadership and contributions to public health education.

Brianna Anduss, graduating with a Master of Health Administration, was honored with three of the college’s top awards:

• Outstanding Senior Leadership Award for the Hudson College of Public Health
• Outstanding Student in Health Administration and Policy
• Hudson College of Public Health Outstanding Student – the highest student distinction awarded by the college.

Additional students were honored for excellence within their respective programs:

• Brittany Hudson, PhD in Health Promotion Sciences, received the Robert M. Bird Society Award.
• Ozair Naqvi, PhD in Epidemiology, was awarded the Paul S. Anderson Award for Outstanding Student in Biostatistics and Epidemiology.
• Emma Lazenby, MPH in Health Promotion Sciences, received the Outstanding Student in Health Promotion Sciences award.
• Madison Hemenway, MPH in Community and Population Health, was named Outstanding Student in Community and Population Health.
• Emily Dufresne, Bachelor of Public Health graduate, was recognized as the Outstanding Student in the Bachelor of Public Health program.

Faculty Awards and Promotions

The college also honored outstanding faculty for their contributions to teaching and scholarship, and celebrated several promotions and tenure achievements:

Faculty Awards

• Dr. Mark Woodring, DrPH, FACHE – Dean’s Master Teaching Award
• Dr. Aizhan Karabukayeva – Hudson College of Public Health Faculty Board Award for Outstanding Teaching
• Dr. Aizhan Karabukayeva – Hudson College of Public Health Student Association Teaching Award

Promotions and Tenure

• Dr. Changjie Cai – Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure
• Dr. Summer Frank-Pearce – Promoted to Associate Professor of Research
• Dr. Nasir Mushtaq – Promoted to Professor
• Dr. Mary Williams – Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure
• Dr. Chao Xu – Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure
• Dr. Ying Zhang – Promoted to Professor
• Dr. Jamie Rhudy – Granted Tenure
• Dr. Dan Li – Granted Tenure

Delta Omega Honor Society Inductees

The ceremony also included the induction of this year’s members into Delta Omega, the national honorary society in public health. Delta Omega recognizes and promotes excellence in public health through the acknowledgment of outstanding academic performance, leadership, research, and service. Inductees from the Hudson College of Public Health Class of 2025 include:

• Ozair Naqvi, BSE – PhD in Epidemiology
• Paul Grunsted, BSE – PhD in Epidemiology
• Townsend Cooper, BSE – PhD in Epidemiology
• Rashmi Jaggad, BSE – MPH in Epidemiology
• Ella Rose Adams, HAP – Master of Health Administration
• Fajar Siddiqui, HAP – Master of Health Administration
• Jackie Lartey, HAP – Master of Health Administration
• Emma Lazenby, HPS – MPH in Health Promotion Sciences
• Christyn Perkins, HPS – MPH in Health Promotion Sciences
• Madison Hemenway, MPH in Community and Population Health
• Carson Cox, Bachelor of Public Health

During the ceremony, Dean Dale Bratzler, DO, MPH, shared his congratulations, saying, “These awards represent more than academic excellence—they reflect the passion, leadership, and commitment our students have demonstrated to improving health in communities across the state and the world.”

The afternoon concluded with a celebratory reception, giving attendees the opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the graduates and the impact they are poised to make in the field of public health.

Congratulations to all our graduates, award recipients, and Delta Omega inductees — your dedication and achievements continue to inspire the entire Hudson College of Public Health community.

Click here to view and download photos from this event. Use gallery password ouphoto2025.