IGHS Education Awards

The UCSF Master of Science in Global Health program established two awards in honor of John L. Ziegler, the founding director of the program, upon his retirement in 2013. Each year the Outstanding Mentor and Outstanding Capstone awards are announced at the master’s commencement ceremony.

The John L. Ziegler Outstanding Capstone Award celebrates the hard work that students engage in to complete their capstone projects, which form the backbone of the master’s program. The prize is awarded to a student who has demonstrated excellent research skills and produced a masterful written capstone and oral presentation. An external panel of global health experts reviews all student capstones to select the award recipient.

The John L. Ziegler Outstanding Mentor Award recognizes the impact that mentors have on the student experience with the capstone project and in the program overall. Each year, students write letters to nominate those mentors and advisors who significantly influenced their educational experience. The MS program reviews many inspiring nominations and stories to select a mentor who has provided exceptional service to students.

The Madhavi Dandu Leadership Award was established in 2022 to honor Dr. Dandu’s decade at the helm of the master’s program. Dr. Dandu was influential in the growth the program, as well as in shaping a generation’s worth of global health leaders. This award not only celebrates the amazing work that Dr. Dandu has put into the program but also the characteristics that she embodies and we strive to emulate: cultural humility, intellectual curiosity, compassion, and natural leadership qualities.

The Community Building and Compassion Award was established in 2024 to recognize a student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to fostering community spirit, compassion, and collaboration within the program. This award highlights the importance of empathy, relationships, and unity in working to address global health challenges. Members of the graduating class will vote for the honoree each year.