The (COPH) celebrated more than just years of service at its 2024鈥�2025 Length of Service Awards ceremony, it honored a legacy of dedication, innovation and community impact that spans four decades. Held June 17 in the Samuel P. Bell, III Auditorium, the event marked a meaningful moment in the college鈥檚 year, highlighting the people whose contributions have shaped its past and continue to inspire its future.
In addition to recognizing 50 faculty and staff for a combined 655 years of service, the college recognize two long-standing community pillars, and Kay White, who are retiring after careers defined by excellence, mentorship and compassion.
Dean began the celebration welcoming students, staff, faculty and guests by spotlighting the college鈥檚 40th anniversary year.
He reflected on the college鈥檚 founding as the first accredited school of public health in Florida and its continued growth into a leader in education, research and practice. The anniversary presentation featured major achievements, milestones and recognitions throughout the decades.
Dean Sten Vermund highlighted the COPH 40th Anniversary during the Length of Service celebration. (Photo by Caitlin Keough)
The anniversary theme set a fitting tone for the ceremony, as the COPH celebrated the individuals who have shaped the college鈥檚 success. Honorees were recognized in five-year increments, starting with five years of service and extending up to an extraordinary 40 years.
Several individuals were commended for their decades-long commitment:
- , interim pharmacy dean and professor, was celebrated for 40 years of service.
- , professor, was honored for 35 years of service.
- , professor, and Sandra Miller, associate director of budgets and reports, each reached the 30-year milestone.
- and Mylene Kellerman, both program directors, were recognized for 25 years of service.
鈥淭his is really a wonderful opportunity to recognize the immense talent that is in our college and the immense service that you all have provided,鈥� Vermund said.
Following the formal recognition, faculty, staff and friends gathered in the COPH lobby to continue the celebration, reflecting on the commitment and contributions of their colleagues.
See all faculty and staff being honored .
Length of Service gifts for honorees. (Photo by Caitlin Keough)
The COPH is also celebrating the retirement of two beloved members of its community: Dr. Donna Haiduven, professor and infection prevention expert, and Kay White, administrative professional known for her compassion and devotion to students and faculty alike.
A career dedicated to prevention, teaching and public health innovation
Donna Haiduven, PhD, RN, CIC, CPH, FAPIC (Photo courtesy of USF COPH)
Dr. Donna Haiduven will officially retire on July 31, 2025, capping off a career that has spanned public health, nursing, research and education. A triple-certified infection preventionist and nationally recognized leader in her field, Haiduven returned to her alma mater, USF, in 2003 with the goal of giving back to the university that launched her career.
During her time at COPH, she conducted pioneering research on sharps safety, mentored student research teams and developed both a graduate certificate and an . She also served as a trainer for the CDC鈥檚 course on preparing health care workers to treat Ebola patients and helped shape national curriculum guidelines for infection control programs.
鈥淢y proudest accomplishments are not only in the research and programs I鈥檝e developed,鈥� Haiduven said, 鈥渂ut in seeing students I鈥檝e mentored go on to become leaders and changemakers in public health and medicine.鈥�
Haiduven鈥檚 legacy includes a host of accolades, including a Blue Ribbon Abstract Award from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, multiple teaching awards from USF and national recognition for her work in infection prevention.
Even in retirement, Haiduven plans to remain engaged professionally, continuing to serve on editorial boards and national committees, while also prioritizing travel, language study and time with her husband and their dog.
鈥淚鈥檒l miss seeing our students grow, the collaboration among talented faculty and the support from staff who make it all possible,鈥� she said.
The heart of the Activist Lab and beyond
Kay White (Photo courtesy of Wendy Morales)
Known as 鈥淢iss Kay鈥� by generations of students, Kay White will also be retiring after a career that touched nearly every corner of the college. Most recently, she served as the administrative assistant for the , and prior to that, supported COPH leadership including during her tenure as associate dean for Academic and Student Affairs.
鈥淜ay has adopted every student who has come through the Activist Lab,鈥� said Liller. 鈥淪he treated them with kindness, respect and warmth that made them feel seen and supported.鈥�
White鈥檚 presence extended beyond logistics and office management, she was often the first face students saw when entering the lab, and the last to leave when someone needed help. Liller recalled one particularly meaningful moment when White stayed late with her for weeks after a serious injury.
鈥淲hen I broke my arm, Kay didn鈥檛 hesitate,鈥� said Liller. 鈥淪he rushed to the medical center, called my family and then stayed with me every evening to help me get to my car. That level of compassion is rare鈥攁nd it鈥檚 what defines her.鈥�
As she embarks on a well-earned retirement, White leaves behind a legacy not only of excellence, but of humanity.
鈥淭he Activist Lab and I wish Kay the best retirement ever,鈥� said Liller. 鈥淪he is one of a kind.鈥�