UCLA Fielding's Dr. Julie Elginer honored by undergraduate alma mater, Carthage College in Wisconsin

UCLA Fielding's Dr. Julie Elginer, associate professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management, honored as "Distinguished Alumni" by her alma mater, Carthage College in Wisconsin.

"Working with vulnerable populations and ensuring that they are served with dignity, respect, and professionalism is something that I learned at Carthage and have carried with me," said Elginer, who earned her undergraduate degree in 1995. "Since then, I have dedicated much of my professional life to the health inequities, ensuring that the rights of vulnerable populations are centered in our public health community, including in our state and federal legislation and regulation."

Elginer received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Carthage College at its May 22 Commencement ceremony.

“Through her work in public health, higher education, and civic leadership, she has improved lives, advocated for vulnerable communities, and inspired the next generation to lead with both intellect and heart,” Board Chair Gina Madrigrano Friebus said during the ceremony. “She represents the very best of Carthage.” 

A Calabasas resident, Elginer teaches master’s and doctoral-level classes in the Department of Health Policy and Management at UCLA Fielding. where she earned her doctoral degree. Her courses on healthcare financial management and related subjects consistently receive teaching evaluation scores in the top 3% among faculty.  

She has served as a civic leader serving on various local and state boards in California, including the California Dental Hygiene Board, the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and the City of Calabasas Environmental Commission and the City of Calabasas Commission on Parks, Recreation, and Education. Her advocacy has contributed to progress in perinatal mental health, HIV prevention, food stamp eligibility, and the fight against human trafficking.

After graduating from Carthage in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in accounting and business administration, Elginer earned an MBA at the University of Maryland and a doctorate in health policy and management at UCLA. Before entering higher education, she worked as a financial analyst and a marketing manager.

Since 1961, Carthage has presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to select graduates for their achievements and service to the college and their communities.

"Julie has built a remarkable career that brings education, advocacy, and public service together, drawing on her manifold gifts in the service of others," said Carthage College's President, Dr. John R. Swallow. "As we launch our School of Health, it is especially meaningful to honor an alumna whose leadership in public health and commitment to improving lives embody the values we hope to instill in every Carthage graduate."