SPRING 2012 - Issue 2

Class of 2012 BSW and MSW Graduation 

In the first week of May, we graduated more than 130 social workers in both the BSW and MSW programs. Since the inception of the program, more than 90% of our BSWs and more than 82% of our MSWs have successfully graduated. Additionally, our alumni report that nearly 100% have found employment after graduation. (Pictured here is Congressman Ted Deutch, Keynote Speaker for the Class of 2012 MSW Induction Ceremony.)

Reception to Welcome Incoming MSW Students

On June 27, the School of Social Work will host its third annual reception for new MSW students. In addition to ensuring new student retention, this reception allows new MSWs to connect with new classmates and MSWs already in the program. The reception provides an opportunity for students to interact with faculty, current MSWs and alumni to learn about how to make the most of their FAU experience.

First Annual Heart of Social Work Event an Overwhelming Success 

On March 23, the School of Social Work hosted its inaugural Heart of Social Work event at the Harold and Marleen Forkas Alumni Center. More than 100 community members, faculty, and alumni were in attendance. President Saunders welcomed the guests, and Barbara Schmidt, founder of Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life, provided an inspiring keynote address followed by an awards ceremony. Harvey and Phyllis Sandler were recognized as Outstanding Community Members.  The Sandlers have generously donated to hundreds of organizations including the FAU School of Social Work. Their generosity has made a huge difference in the lives of so many. Elizabeth Lugo, a BSW alumna, was recognized for her accomplishments following receipt of her BSW in 1994 and her subsequent position as CEO of The Volen Center. Paola Wierzbicki, a field internship supervisor, was recognized for her guidance and support of more than 29 student interns. The event, generously sponsored by the GreenbergTraurig law firm, was truly a "feel good" event and a wonderful time was had by all who attended.

A Fruitful Year for the School of Social Work

The School of Social Work and the School’s Community Advisory Board have worked tirelessly to raise money for student scholarships. Thanks to very generous donations from more than 35 donors, the School of Social Work was able to raise $20,000 in scholarships as part of the Presidential Scholarship Match Program. The scholarships will be used by bachelor and master level students to help pay tuition for classes in the 2012-2013 school year. Additionally, the Harvey and Phyllis Sandler Foundation made a generous donation to the School of Social Work which will be used to assist students and faculty in future endeavors. 

New Lending Library Established

Through a very generous anonymous donation, the School of Social Work established an FAU School of Social Work Lending Library for BSW and MSW students with financial need.  This lending library will help to defray textbook expenses for which full time social work students currently spend approximately $500 per semester.

Child Welfare Scholar Program Loses State Funding

The School of Social Work received notification from the Department of Children and Families that the Title IV-E Child Welfare Education Program has been canceled effective July 2012. We were surprised because the program is in its second year of a five-year contract. The Department of Children and Families assured us that the program was excellent and has performed beyond all expectations and that the decision was solely based on state budget constraints. Dr. Michele Hawkins and colleagues from around the state will continue to advocate for the reestablishment of the program. The courses and the field placements associated with the program will continue but the stipends will be unavailable. In addition, we will continue to explore alternative sources of support for child welfare education in our region.