The University of Maryland School of Public Health awarded its highest honor, the Distinguished Terrapin Award, to outstanding members of the SPH community on April 12, 2019. Each honoree was selected for their outstanding professional achievements and their unique relationship to the School of Public Health.
Jeffrey Rivest is a recipient of the 2019 School of Public Health’s Distinguished Terrapin Award. Today, he is a nationally recognized leader in the field of health care administration. Additionally, Jeff is an alumnus of the Maryland Alpha Phi Delta Theta Chapter and served as the Co-Chairman of the MD Alpha Annual Fund Campaign.
Rivest, who is the Campaign Cabinet Chair of the SPH Dean’s Council and a member of the University of Maryland Alumni Association Board of Governors, is a great friend to the School of Public Health.
“I cannot think of a most deserving recipient of the SPH Distinguished Terrapin Award than Jeff Rivest,” said Dr. Franzini, who commented on Mr. Rivest’s genuine interest in the careers of students and his contributions to shaping new programs in the department.
Rivest has played a key role in the growth and success of several leading academic medical centers for more than 40 years—most recently serving as the president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center from 2004 to 2015. His mentorship and dedication has inspired the new generation of health care leaders, an effort that has not gone unnoticed.
Along with his wife Michelle, Jeff recently established the Jeffery and Michelle Rivest-Dean’s Council Maryland Promise Scholarship which provides both financial and programmatic support to SPH undergraduate students with financial need. Jeff’s legacy epitomizes the mission and core values of Phi Delta Theta, encompassing friendship, sound learning, and moral rectitude throughout his career/everyday life.
