Rimer Creates Scholarship Endowment in Parents’ Memory

One of the University’s longest-serving and most accomplished deans, Barbara K. Rimer, DrPH, Alumni Distinguished Professor, strives to keep the Gillings School a world-class leader in public health. She mentors and encourages students, faculty and staff; creates an inclusive and collaborative environment within the School; and pushes to improve health equity and advance knowledge in the field of public health.

As the number of public health schools and programs continues to grow across the country, competition for the best and brightest students has become fiercer. That’s why Dean Rimer accelerated a previously planned estate gift (established in 2009) and made a $100,000 gift in support of The Irving and Joan Rimer Scholarship Endowment Fund. This fund — named in memory of her parents to recognize their lifelong commitment to health communication, social justice and equality of opportunity — supports Gillings graduate students seeking a degree in health behavior, with a focus on enhancing inclusive excellence at the School.

“The Gillings School is an incredible place, and our people are our greatest strength,” says Associate Dean for Advancement Karissa Grasty. “Our community demonstrates remarkable levels of commitment, inclusivity and excellence, and these values are a testament to our leadership. Dean Rimer’s professional contributions ensure that Gillings remains the top destination for deserving scholars seeking a public education in public health, and her personal contribution demonstrates her commitment to making Gillings more inclusive. She is amazingly generous and is often the first to support the greatest needs of the School.”