’s local chapter of Delta Omega Honorary Society
The Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health was founded in 1924 at Johns Hopkins University within the School of Hygiene and Public Health (now known as the Bloomberg School of Public Health) by two graduate students. To promote the graduate study of the field, Dr. Hume and Dr. Mitchell organized this honorary society in order to recognize outstanding achievements in the new field.
The society still honors the ideals that initially formed its foundation. Membership in Delta Omega reflects the dedication of an individual to increase the quality of the field, as well as to the protection and advancement of the health of all people. Currently, Delta Omega has expanded to more than 100 chapters at CEPH-accredited schools and programs and has more than 20,000 members, according to DeltaOmega.org
Epsilon Gamma, the College of Public Health’s newly formed local chapter, accepted nominations in March 2021.
For admission, graduate students must be pursuing a degree from the College of Public Health, previously completed one year of coursework, be academically ranked in the top 20 percent of their class, and intend to pursue a career in the public health field.
The application process requires students to provide a current resumé or C.V. and write a personal statement of up to 500 words describing their contributions to public health, using the framework of the 10 essential services. Student’s personal statements will be anonymized and judged by a panel that will consist of external faculty and other public health professionals. Graduate students may self-nominate or may be nominated by faculty members.
Undergraduate students are also welcome in the program. Undergraduates are required to be in the top 10 percent of their class and be nominated by a faculty member. From there, students can begin the application process.
Professor Bethany Lanese, Ph.D., Special Assistant, Ms. Karen Baker, and Doctoral Student, Mr. Anthony Coetzer-Liversage are currently co-leading the chapter.
“In upcoming semesters Epsilon Gamma chapter members will have opportunities to participate in Delta Omega national organization activities including the annual ‘Day of Service’ during National Public Health Week, and a special Delta Omega student poster session held during the American Public Health Association Public Health Exposition,” said Dr. Chatfield.
Delta Omega has inducted 16 members to date and expects growth during the coming academic years.
Students who have questions about the application process are encouraged to email epsilongamma@kent.edu.