Celebrating 25 years of serving the Rio Grande Valley
UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Brownsville celebrated 25 years of serving the Rio Grande Valley with an anniversary gathering October 1st at the historic Alonso Building, a restored 19th-century city landmark and event venue.
The celebration brought together university and community leaders to recognize the school’s impact across the region and reflect on its continued commitment to improving health through prevention, education, research, and partnerships.
The evening centered on the anniversary theme, “25 years of serving the Rio Grande Valley. Celebrating our impact. Building a legacy.”
Belinda Reininger, DrPh, Professor and Regional Director for UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Brownsville, welcomed guests and opened the celebration.
Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr. followed with remarks highlighting the importance of economic development, quality of life and health in the community. Cowen has worked with the School of Public Health, the Brownsville City Commission and city leadership on efforts related to population health. His work to strengthen Brownsville’s parks, trails and recreation spaces also reflects a shared interest in creating opportunities that support healthier communities.
The celebration also featured David McPherson, MD, chair of Internal Medicine and vice president of Clinical and Translational Sciences at UTHealth Houston.
McPherson has been a great supporter of the School of Public Health in Brownsville and has worked closely with the campus and its leaders. His support reflects the connection between clinical and translational research and the broader public health mission of improving health across communities.
Following the remarks, guests viewed a commemorative video highlighting the 25-year journey of UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Brownsville.
Reininger closed the formal portion of the celebration before guests gathered to enjoy mariachi music, a cherished part of South Texas culture and deeply rooted tradition and continued the anniversary celebration.
For 25 years, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Brownsville has been part of the Rio Grande Valley’s public health landscape. The anniversary provided an opportunity to recognize the relationships, leadership, and commitment that have helped shape the school’s presence in the region.
The theme, “Celebrating our impact. Building a legacy,” reflects both the significance of the school’s first 25 years and its continued commitment to the health of South Texas.
As the school begins its next chapter, its anniversary serves as a reminder of the importance of working alongside communities and partners to address health needs throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
After 25 years of serving the region, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Brownsville continues to build its legacy while looking toward the future of public health in South Texas.