Campus Event to Honor Life of Eugene Gangarosa

Above: Eugene and Rose Gangarosa with former CofC President Glenn McConnell in 2018 when they both received honorary degrees from the College.

The family and friends of Dr. Eugene “Gene” J. Gangarosa will hold a Celebration of Life event on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, at the College of Charleston, where his philanthropy has provided international experiences for students in the College’s public heath program. The event will take place at 3 p.m. in the President’s Board Room on the second floor of Randolph Hall. The event will also be available over Zoom for those who would like to attend virtually.

Gangarosa, who passed away on Aug. 11, 2022, at the age of 96, embodied compassion and commitment to improving the lives of others. His career spanned more than 70 years, and the results of his research and work on safe water initiatives has saved millions of lives and continues to have an impact.

After marrying his childhood sweetheart Rose Christine née Salamone, Gangarosa served at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, where he laid the foundation for the cholera treatment that drastically reduced infant mortality. He went on to teach and research at the Pakistan Medical Research Center and then joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention where he served as director of the Epidemic Intelligence Service, chief of the Enteric Diseases Branch and deputy director of the Bacterial Diseases Division.

Gangarosa served as dean of the American University of Beirut before teaching at Emory University, where he played a key role in the evolution of Emory’s graduate program, now known as the Rollins School of Public Health. Later, together with his wife, Rose, he founded the Gangarosa International Health Foundation, which funds global field experiences for Rollins students and students in the public health program at the College of Charleston.

“Our students, faculty, administration and I are very fortunate to have known and learned from Dr. Eugene Gangarosa,” says Dean of Education Fran Welch. “Dr. G. as he was affectionately known, published 136 scientific articles, 24 book chapters and one book, But Now They are Angels: Reflections on My Life in Service to Public Health. Prior to involvement at the College, he helped establish two schools of public health at Emory University and the American University in Beirut. Dr. G. enjoyed teaching our students and setting up meaningful internships for them. He and his family’s lasting gift to the College of Charleston is the endowed Director in Public Health BS. There is no doubt Dr. G’s legacy continues through our students and faculty whose lives he has touched.”

The Eugene and Rose Gangarosa each received honorary degrees from the College of Charleston in 2018. Dr. Gangarosa also received the Center for Disease Control’s Medal of Excellence, its highest recognition for distinguished scientific contributions, and Emory University’s Thomas Jefferson Award for his accomplishments in transforming public health. He worked tirelessly throughout his life to make the world a better place for all.