SPH grads receive the University of Minnesota
Alumni Service Award

Janny Brust (MPH ’87), left, and Gayle Hallin (MPH ’77), 2011 Alumni Service Award winners.

Two School of Public Health graduates—Janny Brust and Gayle Hallin—have received the University of Minnesota Alumni Service Award that recognizes outstanding alumni for their volunteer service to the University.

Janny Brust began her career as a clinic manager at Children’s Hospital, then enrolled in graduate school at SPH, receiving her MPH in 1987. Currently, she’s director of medical policy and community affairs at the Minnesota Council of Health Plans.

As a part of the SPH Mentor Program for two decades, Brust has worked with more than a dozen aspiring public health leaders. “Mentors are able to learn about new areas of research and study from the student,” she says. “And some of these mentor/mentee relationships develop into long-term friendships.” Brust served as president of the SPH Alumni Society and the Minnesota Public Health Association, was active in the SPH Council of Past Presidents, and received two SPH Community Partner Star awards.

Gayle Hallin says that her positive experience during undergraduate and graduate school (she received BA and RN degrees, and an MPH in 1977) is a primary reason she stays connected with the University. She has served as the president of the School of Nursing’s Alumni Society and was honored as one of its 100 Distinguished Nursing Alumni. Hallin is the former health services director for UnitedHealth Group and serves on the U of M Alumni Association’s National Board, helping expand its influence in keeping alumni in touch with their school.