University of Wisconsin–Madison

Category: Alumni and Friends

Alum Cheryl DeMars , MSSW ’84, Leads Innovate Health Insurance Company

Alum Robert W. Barry, MSSW ’59, Passes Away at Age 101

Bob Barry, a long-time supporter of the School passed away on March 10, 2022 in Appleton, Wisconsin. Bob served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in the South Pacific during World War II. After a short stint as a movie theater manager, he began his life in Social Services. He started with the Green Bay …

In the news: Dr. James (Dimitri) Topitzes, PhD ’06: What One University Learned About Pandemic Trauma and Its Work Force

Last week, The Chronicle for Higher Education published a story about trauma caused by the pandemic on university faculty and staff. The story highlights the work of our alum, Dr. James (Dimitri) Topitzes, PhD ’06, a professor of social work at UW-Milwaukee. “’For many people, the pandemic is not just an irritant,’ Topitzes said. “’It …

Dr. Kathryn (Beth) Angell PhD ’99 Named Dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan

School alumna Dr. Beth Angell, currently the Dean of the School of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University, will assume the Deanship at the University of Michigan on July 1, 2022. She earned her MSW and her doctorate in social welfare, both from UW-Madison. While in Madison, Dr. Angell worked closely with Emeritus Professor Mary …

Norma Berkowitz, Long-Time Faculty Member Passes Away

Clinical Faculty Professor of Social Work Norma Berkowitz passed away on January 14, 2022, at the age of 92. She joined the faculty in 1968, retiring in 1993. Norma taught in the development disability and health areas, and was an active member of UW-Madison’s Waisman Center. A mentor to many students and colleagues, Norma’s service …

Alumna Jean Quam, PhD ’81, Named Social Work Pioneer

The National Association of Social Workers has named Professor Jean Quam a Social Work Pioneer. The honor is awarded “to social workers who have contributed to the evolution and enrichment of the profession, and whose…unique dedication, commitment, and determination have improved social and human conditions.”A faculty member at the School of Social Work at the …

Dr. Jeffrey Edleson,  MSSW ’75, PhD ’79, Selected as 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

The Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work Board of Visitors recently selected Dr. Jeffrey Edleson, MSSW ’75, PhD ’79 as the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award. Professor Edleson recently retired as the Dean of the University of California-Berkeley School of Social Welfare where he served for seven years and will remain on the …

Alum Returns to Campus to Staff New Survivor Services Advocacy Position

Anna Gorman, BSW ’18 (also MSW from Washington University in St. Louis), was recently hired as the first full-time Survivor Advocate for Survivor Services at the UW-Madison’s University Health Services. The Survivor Services Advocacy Program was recently developed to expand services for students who experienced sexual or relationship violence. As Anna explains: There are many …

Amy Donna Shapiro, BS ’75, Successfully Petitions to Change Oregon’s State Song Over Racist Lyrics

School alum Amy Shapiro BS ’75, has lived in Beaverton, Oregon, since 1982. In 1990, as a Jewish music teacher, Amy was asked to teach Oregon’s state song “Oregon, My Oregon” to her children’s choir. She was troubled by the racist lyrics of the 100+-year-old song. In 2016, Amy was asked to sing the song …

Alumna and Emeritus Board Member Roberta Gassman Honored by The Hmong Institute

On Saturday in Madison, Roberta Gassman, MSSW ’72 was honored by The Hmong Institute at their “Celebrating the 45th Year of the Hmong Diaspora to Wisconsin Banquet” with their Leadership Impact Award. The award recognizes Roberta’s efforts during her service as Wisconsin’s Secretary of Workforce Development to help the many Hmong who fled Laos as …