Work in a community health clinic during his junior year at UW convinced Rogelio Riojas that he could create more impact as a public health professional than as a lawyer. Instead of entering law school, he completed the Master in Health Administration program in 1977 and a year later founded Sea Mar Community Health Centers to serve diverse communities, especially Latinos.
Those centers have now expanded to 11 Washington counties and provide quality, comprehensive health, human, and housing services, including not only affordable health care but also employment training, scholarships, senior assistance, youth internship programs, and more. He currently serves as their president and CEO.
In recognition of his demonstrated record of distinguished service and achievement in public health, Mr. Riojas has been named the SPH 2016 Distinguished Alumnus, the highest award given by the School. He is a leader in the field of public health, a dedicated community advocate, and an inspiring example of the impact of SPH alumni.
“The award is a big honor, especially since it is given for my work in communities that need help. I am very proud to receive it,” said Mr. Riojas.
The son of migrant farmworkers, Mr. Riojas was one of the first in his family to finish high school and attend college. As an undergrad at UW, he was a leader among Latino student activists. He was involved in campaigns both on campus and in the community, including fundraising for the United Farm Workers, El Centro de la Raza, and a successful effort to bring public health services to Othello, WA.
Of the MHA program, he said, “It is one of the best in the country. It really prepares individuals to develop and administer community organizations. Its classes and hospital internships enabled me to start Sea Mar from scratch.”
In 2012, Mr. Riojas was honored with UW’s Charles E. Odegaard Award for his diversity work. In 2013, Governor Jay Inslee appointed Mr. Riojas to the UW Board of Regents. Mr. Riojas will talk about his life and work in a lecture, “From Migrant Work to Community Activist—The Impact of a Public Health Education,” on Wed, April 27, at 7:30 pm in Kane Hall, Room 210.