ABC News’ chief health and medical editor and acting director of the CDC in 2009, Dr. Richard Besser, addressed 401 graduating students at the University of Michigan School of Public Health graduation held May 1.

“Think about communication as a critical arm of public health,” said Dr. Besser, “…an important tool in helping set the stage for behavior change.”

Besser offered examples of how communication can be used effectively to improve the public’s health, and concluded with, “As you head out from the University of Michigan, I want you to remember my message:  Tell stories about the lives that you are changing, about the people you are having impact on. Let people see what public health is all about.  Talk about what you do.  And by doing so, you’re going to maximize the impact that you can have.  Make communication a critical part of all you do.”

The U-M SPH Class of 2014 represented 20 countries and 268 undergraduate colleges and universities.

Dean Martin Philbert presided at the ceremony.