News

Brooke Barcena, MSW ‘19, Continues Work from Field Education to Assist Victims 

Social workers step in when individuals need help or communities face gaps – offering support, advocacy, care, and thoughtful planning. That includes Brooke Barcena, who, as a second-year MSW student in 2019, helped create a …

Advanced Standing Student Kat Froehlic Quoted in Cap Times Article

Advanced Standing student Kat Froehlich, who is doing a Field Placement with the Area Agency on Aging of Dane County, moderated a panel on the experiences of unhoused older adults at The Human Side of …

Marcy Bradley, MSW ’93 Brings “Joy in Diversity” to the School of Social Work

Alum Marcy Bradley, who served on our Board of Visitors, has been a generous supporter of the school for many years. Much of her support is targeted at diversity and social justice. Marcy worked as …

Jenny Braunginn Contributes to Book on School Social Work Practice

Jenny Braunginn, MSSW, CISW, Senior Teaching Faculty,  has co-authored a second book for the Oxford Workshop Series with the School Social Work Association of America titled, Emerging Trends in School Social Work Practice: Responding to …

Army National Guard Captain Focuses Service on People as Future Social Worker

Matt Hanson served in the Army National Guard for nearly a decade – on a mostly fulltime/active duty basis and rising to the rank of captain. At one point, he and the soldiers under his …

Sara Knueve, MSW ’03, Appointed Deputy Assistant State Superintendent of Academics at Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

State Superintendent of Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction (DPI), Dr. Jill Underly, appointed School alum Sara Knueve to the role of Assistant Deputy State Superintendent of Academics in March 2025. Prior to this new role, …

Jamie S. Kuhn, MSW ’03, Brings Impressive Public Service Experience to the Private Sector

In January 2025, alum Jamie Kuhn was named Director of Public Affairs on the Government Solutions Team at Foley & Lardner, a Wisconsin based law firm. Commenting on Jamie’s hiring, Paul Wrycha, managing partner of …

Stephanie Johnson, MSSW ’91 Advocates for Parkinson’s Disease Registry

Social Work Alum Stephanie Johnson has had a long career working in healthcare. After many years working as a medical social worker, she started her own consulting and coaching practice after her own transformational experience …

Associate Professor Jooyoung Kong Recognized by Her Alma Mater

Associate Professor Jooyoung Kong received a 2025 Recent Alumni Award from her alma mater, the Boston College School of Social Work for her contributions to the social work profession. Dr. Kong will receive the award …

Assistant Professor Jessica Pac Receives National Recognition for Her Work in Child Welfare

The Council on Social Work Education selected Assistant Professor Jessica Pac as the recipient of the Early Career Award in Child Welfare for her contributions to the field of child welfare and to social work.  …

Field Seminar Students Hear from Alums

Students doing a Field Placement with a community agency also take a Field Seminar to complement and investigate their work. The emphasis in this unit is on problem-solving and multi-method, evidence-informed, interventions with active consultation, …

Annual State of Working Wisconsin Report is Out

High Road Strategy Center released its State of Working Wisconsin report for Labor Day this week. Clinical Associate Professor Laura Dresser, who is also the Associate Director of High Roads Strategy Center, is the lead …

Commentary: Jobs, data and democracy

Clinical Associate Professor Laura Dresser recently penned a commentary in the Wisconsin Examiner, “Jobs, data and democracy.” Dr. Dresser is the Associate Director of High Road Strategy Center. A labor economist and expert on low-wage …

Alum John Schlueter, MSSW ’03 Named Director of Dane County Human Services

The Dane County Department of Human Services in Madison oversees a wide range of services aimed at enhancing the well-being of county residents, including child welfare, mental health services, support for individuals with disabilities, and …

PhD Student Anna Ko Recognized with Grand Challenge Fellowship

Congratulations to PhD student Anna Ko on her selection as a 2025 Grand Challenges for Social Work (GCSW) Doctoral Fellow! Awards are presented in connection with each of the 13 Grand Challenges for Social Work. …

Unique Course Offerings This Fall: Soc Work 623: Interpersonal Violence

  Students have a unique elective to chose this fall that will, among other things, explore how forms of oppression affect common perceptions of interpersonal violence, investigate theories as to why interpersonal violence occurs, and …

Unique Course Offerings This Fall: Soc Work 675: Reproductive Justice

An exciting new course this fall will give students the opportunity to explore reproductive health, rights, and justice in the United States and across the globe. This is the first time that the Sandra Rosenbaum …

The Social Work Entrepreneur: A Series Highlighting Alums Who Have Created Their Own Businesses and Organizations

Mel Morgenbesser Kristin Scheeler’s, MSW ’05 Patient Advocacy and Case Management Practice After more than 20 years working in the field of gerontology working in hospice, nursing homes, and hospitals, Kristin Scheeler craved independence and …

Q&A with Dr. Michael Hoffmeister: Three-Time Alum, Researcher, and Field Instructor

When Michael Hoffmeister arrived on campus as an undergraduate, he anticipated pursuing a degree in psychology. Instead, a social work class focusing on the formation of social welfare policies and the role of the social …

Reducing Barriers to Care for Sexual Assault Survivors with Marginalized Identities

Research funded by an IDS Seed Grant is seeking to better understand and reduce gaps in access to post-assault care for people with marginalized identities. The project was led by IDS Affiliates Kate Walsh and LB Klein and IDS Graduate Fellows Padideh …

PhD Student Anna Walther Receives Dissertation Research Grant

PhD student Anna Walther received a Russell Sage Foundation research grant this year for her dissertation on the differences in financial security by race, ethnicity, and partnership status in the year preceding and following childbirth …

New Certificate in Aging Studies Begins this Fall

Rick Ezell, 70, is an avid cyclist and dedicated weightlifter, yet when he experienced some episodes of tachycardia (increased heart rate) it was initially dismissed by a cardiologist. It wasn’t until he was referred to …

PhD Student Mai Xiong Recognized with the Dr. Pa Kou Her Legacy Scholarship

Congratulations to PhD student Mai Xiong who received the Dr. Pa Kou Her Legacy Scholarship. Mai will be recognized and celebrated on June 21st at Our Scholarship’s Annual Reception, “a vibrant celebration of dreams, dedication, …

Joan Levy Zlotnik, MSSW’ 74, Receives Prestigious  National Social Work Award

Joan Levy Zlotnik, MSSW ’74, received the 2025 NASW Foundation’s Knee-Wittman Lifetime Achievement Award, “for her efforts in improving child welfare services and bringing awareness to the health and mental health needs of children and society’s …

PhD Student Taylan Stulting Preparing to Row Across the Pacific Ocean

PhD student Taylan Stulting is preparing to row, yes row, across the Pacific Ocean. Starting June 7, Taylan and two teammates will begin the 2,800-mile journey in the World’s Toughest Row — Pacific from Monterey, …

“Social Workers Deserve To Live a Life Where They Are Financially And Professionally Fulfilled,” Taylor (Gilbert) Wilson, MSW ‘18

Financing their education, social work alum Taylor Wilson and her husband, a medical student, had incurred substantial student loan debt. A novice to the financial management and planning world, Taylor’s initial goal was to begin …

Dr. LB Klein Named Finalist for Prestigious New Investigator Award

Assistant Professor LB Klein was recently named a finalist for The Linda Saltzman New Investigator Award, which honors an “outstanding new investigator working in the field of the prevention of intimate partner violence, domestic violence, …

Dr. Tova Walsh Elected President of Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work

Congratulations to Dr. Tova Walsh who was elected as the President of Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education (GADE) in Social Work. “GADE also proudly congratulates Dr. Tova Walsh on her election as President-Elect. …

In the News: Carissa Hodgson’s Work with Parents with Cancer Featured

Long Term Lecturer Carissa Hodgson was recently featured on two national media outlets talking about navigating cancer as a parent: ABC’s Good Morning America: Parenting through cancer NPR’s Morning Edition: What it’s like to navigate …

Associate Professor Lara Gerassi Receives Large Grant to Better Understand Sex-Trading Rates and Circumstances

Associate Professor Lara Gerassi received a large five-year RO1 research grant from the National Institutes of Health to understand the extent to which young people trade sex for financial compensation, why they do so, and the associated risks, …

In the News: Black Oxygen: Trust Black Women with Yolanda Shelton-Morris

Yolanda is an alum (MSW ’16) and wonderful lecturer for the school. Check out this podcast where she “discusses the challenges of being a Black woman in predominantly white spaces, the importance of legacy and …

Incoming Student Named Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student

This year’s Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student Award winners, Chikara Crooks and Ivanna Ceballos, share a powerful common thread: each is working to become the kind of support and inspiration they once needed themselves. Crooks and Ceballos …

Alum Kelly Aschbrenner, PhD ’07, Receives Major Mental Health Grant

Adults with serious mental illness (SMI) including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder experience a 15-30 year reduced life expectancy primarily due to modifiable cardiovascular risk factors that can be effectively addressed with behavioral …

Part-Time MSW Program Student Spotlight: Brittany Sherman

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

BSW Student Cece Babat Receives Grant to Sustain and Extend Reading Program

Current senior and graduating BSW student Cece Babat’s work helped sustain a parent-child reading program at the Brown County Jail. Now, with the help of a grant from the Public Humanities Exchange Program, her Change …

Head Start and Outcomes for Children and Families: How Head Start Serves the Big Ten States

Did you know that roughly one-third of children and families receiving Head Start services live in the Big Ten states? Associate Professor Alejandra Ros Pilarz contributes to a new brief on the benefits of Head …

Robert (Bob) Mohelnitzky, MSSW ’70 Receives Wisconsin Alumni Association’a Tucson, AZ Alumni of the Year Award

Tucson, AZ has a robust UW-Madison Alumni Chapter. Many area alums attended this year’s Founder’s Day Event at which Bob Mohelnitzky was honored for his contributions in Madison, WI and Tucson, AZ. Bob was the …

New Course for Current Students and Practicing Clinical Social Workers: Principles of Psychedelic Healing

The promise of psychedelic medicines to improve treatment options for people suffering from various mental health-related issues has flourished in recent years. A surge of research trials, clinical testing, and publications indicate that there is …

Part-Time MSW Program Student Spotlight: Brooklyn Reif

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

Over 40 Years Later, Jeff Hamm, MSW ’20 Completed His Degree

Although Jeff Hamm was admitted to the School of Social Work’s MSW program in the early1980’s, “life had other plans.” He never started the program and eventually had a distinguished career as Assistant and then …

Professor Emerita Mary Ann Test Passes Away

Professor Emerita Dr. Mary Ann Test, whose work helped create what became known as Program of Assertive Community (PACT), passed away on January 31, 2025. This biography was written by Professor Emeritus, Jan Greenberg. Dr. …

In the News: Alejandra Ros Pilarz Quoted in Cap Times

Wisconsin child care costs soar, but thousands miss out on state aid “If you’re eligible for a subsidy and there’s just no child care in your community, or no providers that accept subsidies, that’s going …

Chi-Fang Wu, PhD ’04, Received the Donna Harrington Faculty Award

Chi-Fang Wu, PhD ’04, a professor and PhD program director at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, was presented with an award at the GADE (Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work) reception on …

Anne Medeiros, MSW ‘00 Organizes Safaris and Cultural Experiences in Africa

When Anne Medeiros took her first trip to Uganda in 2007, her experience of the country and its culture was profound. The wildlife and beauty coupled with the warmth and friendliness of the people she …

Yolanda Shelton-Morris, MSW ‘16 and Daniel Kigeya, MSW ‘07 Named to Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black Leaders

Congratulations to Yolanda Shelton-Morris, MSW ‘16 and Daniel Kigeya, MSW ‘07 who were named to the Madison365 list of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black Leaders.  Yolanda is a Long-Term Lecturer for the school, a community resources …

Alex Garcia, MSW ’10, is Wisconsin School Social Worker of the Year

Congratulations to Alexandra “Alex” Garcia, MSW ’10, recipient of the 2025 School Social Worker of the Year Award from the Wisconsin School Social Workers Association (WSSWA). Alex, who works at DeForest Area High School, was …

Part-Time MSW Program Student Spotlight: Amanda Ortiz

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

Alumni Profile: Caroline Gómez-Tom, BSW ’10, MSW ’11

Today, we are profiling one of our alumni, Caroline Gómez-Tom, BSW ‘10, MSW ‘11. Caroline Gómez-Tom (she/her) graduated with a MSW with an emphasis in social policy, and now is the Enrollment Network and Accessibility …

The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Goes to Tanya Atkinson, MSW ‘97

The Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work Board of Visitors selected Tanya Atkinson, MSW ‘97 as the 2025 recipient of our Distinguished Alumni Award at their meeting in October. Tanya Atkinson is the President and …

Associate Professor Pilarz: Work-Family Balance Begins Before Childbirth

Associate Professor Alejandra Ros Pilarz gave a talk recently as part of the “Big Ideas” series for the Work and Family Research Network. In the talk, “Work-Family Balance Begins Before Childbirth — Work-Family Policies Should, …

Alumni Profile: Luke Muetner, MSW ’20 PhD ’21

Today we are profiling one of our alumni, Luke Muetner, MSW ‘20, PhD ‘21. Luke Muetner is a Justice Researcher in RTI’s Corrections and Reentry Research Program. His research focuses on correctional programming, reentry support, …

Alumni Profile: Marissa Abbott, PhD ’21

Today we are profiling one of our alumni, Marissa Abbott, PhD ‘21. Marissa Abbott is a Social Science Analyst at the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) for the US Department …

Alumni Profile: Elizabeth Wahl, MSW ’05

Today we are profiling one of our alumni, Elizabeth Wahl, MSW ‘05.   Elizabeth Wahl, MSSW LSW IMH-E® is the Pregnancy Promise Program Manager at Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Since Elizabeth founded the …

Alumni Profile: Ben Schumaker

Today we are profiling one of our distinguished alumni award recipients, Ben Schumaker, MSW ‘06. Ben received the distinguished alumni award in 2018 after he founded The Memory Project, an incredibly successful non-profit dedicated to …

Behind the Desk with Laila Edwards

Laila Edwards is a junior BSW major in the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work. She is from Cleveland Heights, Ohio and is a forward on the Badger Women’s Hockey Team. She has won various …

Newly Appointed Professorship: “Sheila B. Kamerman and Alfred J. Kahn Professor of Social Policy” for Lonnie Berger

Professor Lonnie Berger, a prolific scholar, educator, campus leader, and one of the nation’s most recognized researchers in social work and social policy, has become the Sheila B. Kamerman and Alfred J. Kahn Professor of …

Four Fantastic Social Work Faculty Receive Tenure

Congratulations to four of our outstanding social work faculty members who received tenure this past year and have officially become Associate Professors as of this month. Their research, teaching, and service help make the Sandra …

Dr. Lauren Bishop Recognized with H.I. Romnes Fellowship

Congratulations to Associate Professor, Lauren Bishop, who was one of 13 faculty honored with the H.I. Romnes Fellowship which recognizes “exceptional research contributions within [the faculty member’s] first six years from promotion to a tenured …

PhD Student Evelyn Coker Selected as GEDI Scholar of the American Evaluation Association

Congratulations to PhD Student Evelyn Coker who was selected as a Graduate Education Diversity Internship (GEDI) Scholar of the American Evaluation Association (AEA). The GEDI program “provides paid internship and training opportunities during the academic …

PhD Student Laura Zimmerman Accepted into Mentorship Program

Congratulations to PhD students Laura Zimmerman who was recently accepted into the Advancing Diversity and Equity in Pre-Doctoral Trainees (ADEPT) Program. This program is a “mentored professional development program that supports PhD students enrolled part-time …

Fostering Many Adolescent Boys, Kristi Wood, MSW ’13 Provided Much Needed Care and Support 

Kristi Wood’s journey working with adolescent boys evolved over her 30 years of experience in human services. After working at Tellurian’s adolescent emergency respite center in Madison, she and her partner Shannon felt they could …

“Doing Together What We Can’t Do Alone” 

For Stefanie Primm, MSW ’08, a commitment to the field of developmental disabilities began early in life. Her brother’s autism required special attention in her early years, and she remains a central caregiver for him …

Laura Dresser Named an Academic Fellow by Labor and Employment Relations Association

The Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) recognized Clinical Associate Professor Laura Dresser as an Academic Fellow for “contributions of unusual distinction to the field” over her career. The award was announced at the General …

Former School Advisor Celebrates 100th Birthday

Alumni who were at the School of Social Work in the mid 1970s to the late 1980s may remember Toby Cohen. Toby was the advisor to most MSW and undergraduate students. In those pre-computer days, …

Part-Time MSW Program Student Spotlight: Brianna Sanderfoot

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

Alumni Profile: Sheng Lee Yang, MSW ’14

A Journey from Hmong Refugee to Behavioral Health Clinic Founder  Sheng Lee Yang’s journey is impressive. A first-generation Hmong refugee who was resettled in Wisconsin as a young person, she became a Licensed Clinical Social …

Alumni Profile: Charity Douglas, MSW ’98

Charity Douglas, MSW ’98, once a social welfare recipient, now leads a department of social services with 4,700 employees that serves one million community members As a young mother with a special needs child, Charity …

New Podcast Episode Features Work of Dr. Tova Walsh

“Health Affairs’ Editor-in-Chief Alan Weil interviews Tova Walsh of the University of Wisconsin-Madison on her recent paper that explores perinatal mental health and the inclusion of fathers at the local, state, and national levels.”   https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hp20240401.768850/full/

Audrey Conn, Director of Field Education, Celebrated with Mid-Career Award

Audrey Conn, Clinical Professor and Director of Field Education, was celebrated on April 17th as a recipient of an Academic Staff Mid-Career Award from the UW-Madison College of Letters and Science. Audrey‘s nomination was supported …

Caro Cruys Receives Dissertation Research Award

PhD student Caro Cruys has received the Hyde Dissertation Research Award from the Center for Research on Gender and Women. This competitive award supports social science dissertation research on gender and women’s studies-related work. As …

Research Calls for a System-level Approach to Improving Health Outcomes for Autistic Adults

Clinical Assistant Professor Jaime Goldberg’s Research on Caregivers Featured

Clinical Assistant Professor Jaime Goldberg‘s research on caregivers was highlighted recently in a couple of venues. The PBS publication, Next Avenue, which focuses on the needs of older adults, ran a story about caregiving in …

Stephanie Lozano, MSW ’14 selected as One of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Native American Leaders

The Chair of our Board of Visitors and alumna, Stephanie Lozano, MSW ’14 was selected as one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Native American Leaders of 2024 by “Madison365.” Stephanie is the Tribal Liaison for the …

Tucson, AZ Alums Receive “Badger of the Year” Awards

Each year the Tucson, AZ Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association holds an alumni event honoring the university’s “Founders Day.”  This year, more than 100 people attended the event at which Sandra Rosenbaum School of …

Wisconsin’s First Black Mayor Continues to Serve the Madison Area

“Chocolate Mindfulness,™” An Entrepreneurial Alum’s Rewarding Business 

Can a small piece of ethically sourced, small batch dark chocolate motivate people to engage in self-care and stress reduction? Alum and entrepreneur, Melissa Mueller-Douglas, MSW ’11 finds it does. After graduating with her Masters …

PhD Student Seungmi Cho Recognized for Teaching with Award

PhD Student Seungmi Cho,  MSW ‘07, BSW ’06 received a 2023-2024 Capstone Teaching Award for her outstanding teaching record at UW-Madison. This campus-wide TA Award speaks to Seungmi’s contribution to students and the learning environment …

Field Instructor Holly Pagel Shows Off the Matz Center — a New Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility in Watertown.

Bridging the Divide for Sexual Violence Survivors

PhD Student Evelyn Coker Recognized by GADE

Congratulations to PhD student Evelyn Coker who was recognized with the Initiative for Cross-Institutional Student Collaboration award by the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education (GADE) in Social Work. The project, Count on Me: An Exploration …

New Study to Help Illuminate Issues for Aging Autistic Adults

Part-Time MSW Program Student Spotlight: Mahalia Sobhani

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

Article Proposing Solutions to Reduce Child Protective Services Involvement and Disparities Deemed “Best” of Previous Year by “Social Service Review”

Assistant Professor Jessica Pac and colleagues, including Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor Lonnie Berger, received the Frank R. Breul Memorial Prize for their paper “The Effects of Child Poverty Reductions on Child Protective Services Involvement.” Along with Sophie Collyer, Kirk O’Brien, Elizabeth Parker, Peter …

Study Explores Impact of Cash Transfers on Contraception Use and Satisfaction for Mothers with Low Incomes

Leslie Ann Howard, MSSW ’79, Our 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

We are pleased to announce that the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work’s Board of Visitors has named Leslie Ann Howard as our 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. Leslie was President and CEO of the …

Michael Moody, MSW ‘19, a “Catalyst for Change”

After working in the restaurant industry for more than 20 years, Michael Moody returned to UW-Madison to complete his undergraduate degree. By chance, he took Social Work Professor Marah Curtis’s class on social policy, and, …

Announcing the Anne Wackman Oros Professorship in Social Work

The Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work is proud to announce the creation of our first-ever named professorship. Starting in fall 2024, Dr. Tova Walsh will become the Anne Wackman Oros Associate Professor of Social …

Sandra McCormick, MSSW ’72, A Career Focused on International Work 

For most of her career, Sandra McCormick developed programs to improve the health, human services, and quality of life for many citizens of Russia, the Ukraine, and numerous other countries.  While serving in a leadership …

Part-Time MSW Program Student Spotlight: Teddy Bah Montiel

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

New Study Sheds Light on the Impact of the 2021 Child Tax Credit

New research by two social work faculty demonstrates that 2021 Child Tax Credit (CTC) expansion did not have a major negative impact on the employment rate of caregivers who were eligible to receive the benefit. …

PhD student Mai Xiong Selected for National Leadership Program

PhD student Mai Xiong has been selected to participate in one of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s leadership programs. These programs connect change-makers across the country to work on creating more just and thriving communities. …

Alumna, Dr. Lanikque Howard MSW’14, PhD’18, Recipient of Forward Award

The Forward Award acknowledges rising stars in various fields who exemplify the Wisconsin Idea through an emphasis on service, discovery, and progress. Lanikque Howard wanted to help families like hers, so she became the first in her …

Mayor’s Proclamation Honors Tresa Matinez’s (MSW ‘86) Retirement as the City of Madison’s Employee Assistance and Crisis Incident Stress Manager

After almost 30 years working in the Employee Assistance Field (the last 18 with the City of Madison), Tresa Martinez recently retired. Acknowledging Tresa’s Contributions, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway writes in a city proclamation honoring …

Alan D. Wade, BA ’50, MSW ’52 (PhD University of Chicago), Reflects on His Education and Career, 73 Years After Graduation

I have warm feelings for my six years at the university. At 96, Professor Alan Wade remembers taking classes with Helen I. Clarke, the first faculty member hired to teach social work at UW-Madison, Arthur …

Alum Naomi Takahashi, MSW ‘12, Named “One of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Asian American Leaders”

Madison 365, a non-profit organization that “fosters dialog between diverse communities,” recognized Naomi Takahashi, MSW ’12, for her contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Naomi is the director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) at the …

Margie Zutter’s, BA ‘76, Field Placement Turns Into a 46 Year Career

Upon her retirement in August, Margie Zutter, currently the Executive Director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Dane County, WI will end the career she began as a UW-Madison Social Work intern …

Caroline Beidler’s, MSSW ’16, New Book Shares Her Road to Recovery and Offers Support for Others’ Journey

In her recent book, Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery, Caroline (Miller) Beidler, MSW ’16, shares her road to recovery from substance abuse and explores the problem of addiction …

Assistant Professor LB Klein Part of Team Awarded “Increasing Social and Economic Inclusion Grant”

The UW-Madison Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education (OVCRGE) has awarded almost $250,000 for a new research project to Assistant Professor LB Klein (co-investigator) and colleagues. The project aims to address …

Nancy Saíz, MSW ’02, Named a “Women of Distinction”

Since 1974 the YWCA of Madison, WI has celebrated the achievements of outstanding women whose community service, professional achievement, integrity, and leadership have made significant contributions to their community. School alum Nancy Saíz was born …

Staff and Faculty Recognized for Outstanding Contributions

The Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work is fortunate to have talented and dedicated staff and faculty who not only make the school run, but provide an environment and education in which students are challenged …

Graduating Student Meg Mercy Wins Theodore Herfurth and Teddy Kubly Award for Comprehensive Undergraduate Excellence

University of Wisconsin–Madison graduating seniors Meg Mercy and Cole Roecker have been named 2023 winners of Theodore Herfurth and Teddy Kubly Awards for Comprehensive Undergraduate Excellence, among the oldest and most prestigious honors on campus. The …

Graduating Social Welfare Student Juliet Chang Receives Impressive Wolff Fellowship

Juliet Chang, recipient of the 2023 Wolff Fellowship, begins a year-long adventure to explore the Hmong diaspora in six countries and learn how those with Hmong heritage preserve their cultural practices, particularly those related to …

Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work 2023 Social Justice in Action Award Recipient: Patrice Hutchins, MSSW ’10

This award honors a member of the community who demonstrates commitment to and advocacy for advancing diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Patrice Hutchins grew up in Madison and received her BSW and MSSW at the …

Celebrating our Spring 2023 PhD Graduates: Dr. Jaime Goldberg

Welcome Dr. Jaime Goldberg, Advocate for Older Adults For Dr. Jaime Goldberg, the field of palliative care was a natural extension of her time spent working with older adults at Little Brothers–Friends of the Elderly …

Celebrating our Spring 2023 PhD Graduates: Dr. Kiley McLean

Welcome Dr. Kiley McLean, An Advocate for Inclusion After a successful defense of her dissertation, Adulthood with a Developmental Disability: Defining Health Disparities, Analyzing Current Systems, and Reimagining Inclusive Healthcare, Dr. Kiley McLean, her (newly …

Students for Social Welfare Have Been Busy

The Students for Social Welfare (SFSW) are a student organization associated with the UW-Madison Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work.  They are a service-learning organization with a desire to spread social awareness on campus.  Over …

Dr. Gassman-Pines on “Helping Low Wage Workers and Families Recover from the Pandemic”

Lecture honored the 50th anniversary of Roberta Gassman Earning her MSSW at UW-Madison New policies established during the pandemic to aid low wage workers and families helped reduce material hardship and mental health problems, according …

For Recent Grad Haley Ingersoll (MSW ’20), “Social Workers Can Do It All.” 

While most of the school’s alums move into traditional social work careers following graduation, Haley Ingersoll found that her education and experience is useful in different venues. Haley valued her education at the school explaining, …

Social Workers Running for Office 

A number of national social work organizations, such as the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy have long advocated for increased participation in policy and political work among social workers. This spring, three social workers with …

City of Fitchburg Dedicates Chambers to Alumna and Board of Visitors Member Frances Huntley-Cooper

“Frances, your efforts and involvement over the years have been instrumental in making our state a more just, inclusive, and equitable place for all of us to call home,” — Governor Tony Evers. The City …

Part-Time MSW Program Student Spotlight: Marina Zamudio

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

Don Anderson, MSSW ’71, Long-Time Faculty Member and Advocate for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, Passes Away

Don Anderson passed away March 3, 2023. Don taught for the school of social work for many years, teaching and mentoring students in the intellectual and developmental disabilities area. Among his many initiatives, at the …

Silvia Jackson, MSSW ’77, PhD ’86 Retires After Impressive Career in State Service  

Dr. Silvia Jackson retired in December 2022 after an impressive professional career in Wisconsin state government that spanned 45 years. During her career Dr. Jackson held numerous leadership positions across several state agencies. Most recently …

Jessica (Thompson) Smith’s, MSW ’10, Program Supports Clinical Licensure Opportunities

Jessica (Thompson) Smith is a co-founder and Director of the Center for Inclusive Transition, Education, & Employment (CITEE) at UW-Whitewater. A major CITEE initiative is the Qualified Treatment Trainee (QTT) Grants Program, which includes financial …

Michael Daley, PhD ’83, Recognized for Contributions to Social Work Education

Michael Daley, Regents Professor and Chair in the Department of Social Work at Texas A&M University, Central Texas, was recognized by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) for his many contributions to social work …

Part-Time MSW Program Student Spotlight: York Chow

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

Register Today: Social Workers Confronting Racial Injustice Conference

Register here The 2023 theme for the Social Workers Confronting Racial Injustice Conference is Centering Disability Justice. Our January 27 opening keynote will be a discussion between Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, author of The Future is …

Assistant Professor Lara Gerassi Recognized with Prestigious Campus Teaching Award

Assistant Professor Lara Gerassi received a Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence Award from the UW-Madison Distinguished Teaching Awards Committee in recognition of her outstanding teaching, mentorship, and strong attention to inclusive practices. The Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence Award …

Professor Aaron Brower Co-Edits New Book that offers Insights Into the Future of Higher Education

Note: The book, New Models of Higher Education: Unbundled, Rebundled, Customized, and DIY is open access and can be read or downloaded thanks to support from the Lumina Foundation and Walmart. In a new book, …

Part-Time MSW Program Student Spotlight: Katelynn Simpson

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

Dr. Lonnie Berger Listed as Leading Social Work Scholar

Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor and Vice Chancellor for Research in the Social Sciences Lawrence (Lonnie) Berger was listed as one of the top 100 global contributors to social work journal scholarship — 15th in fact. …

Alumna Turns Her Life Around and Receives Recognition for Her Accomplishments

An accomplished social worker for many years, alumna Janie Ocejo’s, BA ’97 depression and loss of her father led to a downward spiral which resulted in a felony conviction in 2007. Following two years in …

PhD Student Kiley McLean Receives Anne Rudigier Award from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities

Congratulations to PhD Student Kiley McLean who was received the Anne Rudigier Award from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.

Ada Deer Recognized with Distinguished Alumni Award

The Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work Board of Visitors unanimously selected Ada Deer, BSW ’57, as this year’s recipient of the school’s Distinguished Alumni Award at their meeting over homecoming last week in Madison. …

PhD Student Liz Premo Receives National Recognition for Her Teaching

Many PhD students teach during their time in the doctoral program, but for some, teaching takes on a special meaning. At the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, we have many excellent PhD students who …

PhD Student Caro Cruys Selected for Inaugural Policy Fellowship

Social workers bring an important though all too-often overlooked perspective to policy conversations. A new fellowship, organized by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR), and the Group …

Professor Emeriti and WW II Veteran Vivian Wood, Celebrates Her 100th Birthday

Many school alums, former faculty and  colleagues have found memories of working with, and learning from, Professor Vivian Wood.  Focusing her scholarship, teaching and service in the areas of aging and advocacy for women, Vivian’s …

PhD Alumna Receives National Honor for Contributions to Feminist Scholarship, Teaching, and Service

Edith Lewis, PhD ’85, received the 2022 Alexis J. Walker Lifetime Achievement Award from the Feminism and Family Science Section of the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Dr. Lewis is a Professor Emerita of Social …

Alumnus’ New Novel Features Retired Social Work Professor

Stanley Witkin, MSW ’74, PhD 76, is a retired professor emeritus of social work at the University of Vermont. After a career of academic publishing, his first novel, Finding Lenny, (Barrington Pub.) was just published …

Dr. Lara Gerassi Receives “Influential Scholar Award”

During an online ceremony last week, Assistant Professor Lara Gerassi was recognized with the Influential Scholar Award at the International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference. The conference convenes “researchers, practitioners, and individuals with lived …

Investigator and Associate Professor Lauren Bishop and Colleagues Received $10 million Grant to Study Aging and Austism

Investigator and Associate Professor Lauren Bishop and colleagues to begin new Autism Center of Excellence Network project and critical new research focused on aging for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders funded by the National Institute …

Pam Banker, MSSW ’90, Found Her Passion Helping Others Find Theirs

In her 17th year as the owner/artisan of Earth Art Studio, a craft boutique in Door County, Wisconsin, Pam Banker reflected on how her journey evolved following her social work education and practice experience. After …

PhD Student Jacque Buck Selected to National Leadership Program

We are proud to announce that PhD student Jacque Buck has been selected to participate in one of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s leadership programs. These programs connect changemakers across the country—from diverse professions and …

Assistant Professor Tawandra Rowell-Cunsolo Awarded NIH Grant to Study Substance Use Among Formerly Incarcerated

Approximately sixty-five percent of individuals released from incarceration in the United States confront challenges of substance use disorders (SUDs) and the risk of drug overdose is much higher for formerly incarcerated individuals than the general …

They Met at the School 45 Years Ago and Have Made Plans to Support Future Social Work Students

Alan Goldberg, MSSW ’77 and Kay Udey, BSW 77, MSSW ‘82 Alan and Kay were in the same field unit in the mid 1970’s. They were focusing on aging and have found memories of their …

Zach Lillo, BSW ’18, Has Personal and Professional Commitment to Working with People with Intellectual and Other Disabilities

Growing up with a brother with autism, Zach Lillo explains, “it has been a passion of mine to work in disability services for as along as I can remember.” During his BSW program he chose …

Lisa Imhoff, MSW ’05, Named One of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Asian American Leaders

Lisa Imhoff, MSW ’05, was named one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Asian American Leaders by Madison 365. Lisa is the Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Pharmacy. She …

PhD Student Seungmi Cho Receives Fulbright Award for Research Project in Korea

“​​What does it mean to be human if you are denied access to home, family, and knowledge of your birth?”  That’s the opening question from PhD student Seungmi Cho’s (조 승미), MSW ‘07, BSW ’06 …

Dr. Lara Gerassi to Serve on Executive Board of International Association on Human Trafficking

Assistant Professor Lara Gerassi was appointed to the executive board of the Global Association of Human Trafficking Scholars (GAHTS), an international organization focused on responding to human trafficking through research-based approaches to informing policy, advocacy, and …

“Healing in Rhythm:” Alum’s Equine Therapy Practice

“Since I was young, I can remember always loving horses,” explains Laura Mengars, MSW ’13. A psychotherapist, this year Laura has taken that passion to found “Healing in Rhythm,” an equine-assisted therapy practice specializing in …

Peter Doksus Recognized with IT Transformational Achievement Award

Congratulations to Peter Doksus, database programmer, on winning an IT Transformational Achievement Award, presented as part of the IT Professionals Conference at UW-Madison last week. Peter is a Software Engineer/Developer with 15+ years of web …

Dr. Lara Gerassi Selected as BIRCWH Scholar

Assistant Professor Lara Gerassi has been selected as a scholar with the UW-Madison Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) Program, an initiative of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to connect junior faculty …

Dr. Tova Walsh Elected to GADE Board

Assistant Professor Dr. Tova Walsh was recently elected to the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education (GADE) Board of Directors as an at-large member. GADE, an organization of 90 doctoral social work program directors, works …

Social Welfare Student Receives Internship Support from SuccessWorks

Congratulations to Social Welfare major Nina White who received a SuccessWorks Internship Fund award to support her work in the Lab for Family Wellbeing & Justice where she is a new intern. The internship fund …

Congratulations Social Work Graduates!

Check out photos from the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work reception here.     

Aubrey D. Johnson, MSW ’15, Passes Away

Aubrey D. Johnson, MSW ’15, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 7, 2022. According to her obituary, “Memorials, including in lieu of flowers may be made to’Madison Journey Mental Health,’ ‘The Madison Rape Crisis Center,’ …

Several Social Work Students Honored by Division of Continuing Studies

The Division of Continuing Studies recognized several social work students at their Outstanding Adult Student Award celebration in April. The event recognizes UW-Madison Returning Adult students “whose exceptional determination and perseverance have enabled them to …

Part-Time MSW Program Student Spotlight: Caitlin McGahan 

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

2nd Edition of Grand Challenges for Social Work and Society Published with Chapter by Assistant Professor Pajarita Charles and Colleagues

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

Part-Time MSW Program Student Spotlight: Bethany L Matson

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

Partnership Between UW System, Microsoft, and LinkedIn to Focus on Workforce Skill Development

A new grant received by Dr. Aaron Brower on behalf of the University of Wisconsin Extended (UWEX) Campus seeks to create better ways to generate customized education for statewide and regional businesses and business sectors, …

Assistant Professor Pajarita Charles Receives Mentoring Award

Congratulations to Assistant Professor Pajarita Charles who received the UW-Madison Award for Mentoring Undergraduates in Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activities by the Office of the Provost. This award recognizes Dr. Charles’ outstanding work with undergraduates on her research team …

Part-Time MSW Program Student Spotlight: Jerome Flowers

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

Celebrating and Honoring the Profession: Jenny Braunginn

Social Work Month Highlight Meet Jenny Braunginn, MSSW, CISW (she/her/hers) “Activism doesn’t Build character, it Reveals it” — quote from Janaya Kahn, when they spoke at our 2019 Social Workers Confronting Racial Injustice conference. When I approach my …

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 …

In the news: Social Worker Interview #4: Jaime Goldberg

In honor of March being Social Work Month, ACE Senior Care Navigators is proud to showcase the incredible work that social workers do for older adults. This month we are highlighting a few social workers to share the variety of roles these professionals have. If you missed our previous interviews, check out Colleen Collins Josellis, a former medical social worker, Tricia Mullin, a home services social worker, and Karen Faith Gordon, an Aging Life Care Professional social worker. We are rounding out our month of interviews with Jaime Goldberg. Jaime has a rich background in palliative care social work, and is currently working on her dissertation at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. We are very grateful to Jaime for sharing with us her experiences as a social worker in palliative care as well as a researcher in the field.

Celebrating and Honoring the Profession: Monique Karlen

Social Work Month Highlight Meet Monique Karlen (she/her/hers 4th year Part-Time MSW program, class of 2022   What led you to pursuing your MSW degree? For the past 32 years I have been working as …

Dr. LB Klein Elected to Executive Board of the Caucus of LGBTQ Faculty & Students in Social Work

Dr. LB Klein was recently elected to a two-year term as treasurer on the executive board of the Caucus of LGBTQ Faculty & Students in Social Work. The caucus is a “is a support, networking, …

Staff Members Aaron Raasch and Connie Koebke Recognized with Awards

Debby Hannon O’Connell Award for Exemplary Service: Aaron Raasch Please join the school in congratulating Aaron Raasch on winning the Debby Hannon O’Connell Award for Exemplary Service for 2021. Aaron is an Administrative Assistant III …

PhD Student Sakara Wages’ Work Featured on Madison365

Did you catch PhD student Sakara Wages and her amazing work to help establish BLKPlattCom featured in Madison365? “Our Spot, located on Bonson Street in downtown Platteville, will be a place where Black, brown, LGBTQ+ …

Celebrating and Honoring the Profession: Javin Hintz, MSW, LCSW, LICSW

Social Work Month Highlight Meet Javin Hintz (he/they), MSW, LCSW, LICSW Hi There! I’m Javin Hintz (he/they), MSW, LCSW, LICSW. I graduated from the UW-Madison School of Social Work Part-Time Program in 2016. It seems …

Celebrating and Honoring the Profession: Heidi Frank MSW, LCSW

Social Work Month Highlight Meet Heidi Frank (she/her) MSW, LCSW Thank you for this opportunity to highlight social workers for SW month. My name is Heidi Frank, MSW, LCSW and my pronouns are she/her. I …

Celebrating and Honoring the Profession: Amanda Ngola, MSW, LCSW

Social Work Month Highlight Meet Amanda Ngola, MSW, LCSW (she/her) What inspired you to become a social worker? My family was a big influence on me becoming a social worker. Growing up in an interracial …

Instructors Katie Larsen-Klodd and Jenny Braunginn Author Chapter in New Book on School Social Workers

School workers play a vital role in the lives of American school children. A new book, The Art of Becoming Indispensable: What School Social Workers Need to Know in Their First Three Years of Practice, …

Part-Time MSW Student Spotlight: Jennah Ludwig 

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

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, …

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 …

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 …

Part-Time MSW Student Spotlight: Stephanie Ricketts

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

In the News: As Covid surges, health officials must remember that in-person postpartum care is essential

With the omicron variant forcing hospitals to make difficult decisions once again about what care to provide, Covid-19 must not again defer postpartum care. Postpartum follow-up care is essential health care, and we should be …

In the News: Dr. Kristen Slack Shares Her Research on Programs Designed to Prevent Child Maltreatment on WPR

What role do poverty and economic hardship play in child maltreatment and neglect? And how can child welfare systems prevent them? UW Professor of Social Work Kristen Slack will hare her research into programs designed …

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 …

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 …

Dr. Lonnie Berger Receives Social Policy Researcher Award from Society for Social Work and Research

Dr. Dr. Lawrence (Lonnie) Berger, Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor of Social Work, was recognized as the 2022 recipient of the Social Policy Researcher Award by the Society for Social Work and Research for his notable …

Dr. Lauren Bishop Receives Deborah K. Padgett Early Career Achievement Award from the Society for Social Work and Research

Dr. Lauren Bishop is the 2022 recipient of the Deborah K. Padgett Early Career Achievement Award from the Society for Social Work and Research. The award recognizes innovative scholarship and a rigorous approach to social …

Jacquelyn Boggess, JD and David Pate, PhD Named One of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black Leaders

Congratulations to the wonderful Jacquelyn Boggess, JD and David Pate, PhD who were each named one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black Leaders. Jacquelyn is a lecturer in the school and David received his PhD in …

What Is Engaged Scholarship and How Can It Improve Your Research?

Community-engaged scholarship is increasingly viewed as a valuable strategy for strengthening the quality and impact of academic research. This approach involves partnering with relevant groups or communities—those who are the focus of a research study or who may be directly affected by its findings—over the course of a research project. It represents a departure from the traditional top-down, ivory tower approach to research, in which the community is held at arms-length and the scholar is considered the “expert.”

Alums Coordinate “Secret Santa Program”

Kyle Bollman, MSW ’17 and Michelle Olson, MSW ’95 are school social workers at La Follette High School in Madison, a school where 60% of the students are considered “economically disadvantaged,” according to the state …

New York Times Remembers Alumna and Former Faculty Member Dr. Constance Ahrons

Alumna, former faculty member, and author of the influential book, “The Good Divorce,” Dr. Constance Ahrons, MSW ’67 (also PhD in counseling psychology ’73) passed away last month. “Through her ‘groundbreaking research and clinical training …

Part-Time MSW Student Spotlight: Klaudia Buehl

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

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 …

Undergraduate Student Combines Environmental Studies with Social Work

Having grown up in southern California, undergraduate student Cleo Le said she was in for a shock when she moved to Wisconsin during her freshman year of high school. “I moved to Wisconsin in February …

Post-MSW Option Fills Need for School Social Workers

Schools in Wisconsin work hard to make sure students have emotional, behavioral, health, safety, and community support so they can learn, but those districts often struggle to find school social workers who are trained to …

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. …

Part-Time Program Student Spotlight: Luccas Contreras

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

Part-Time Program Student Spotlight: Jackie Kaminski

The Part-Time MSW Program allows students who are not able to pursue full-time study to work towards a master’s degree on a structured, time-extended basis with classes delivered in a hybrid manner. Some courses are …

Field Education Office Hosts Anti-Racist Workshops

The Field Education Office hosted two interactive workshops to deepen analysis and learn tools for anti-racist practice on September 17 and October 2. Becoming an Anti-Racist Social Worker presented by Marion Malcome, PhD, MSW, LCSW and …

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 …

New Student JEDI Training a Success

This fall, the school hosted our first Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) training for all in-coming students as part of a two-day new student orientation. It featured numerous alumni (9 panelists of practicing social …

Poverty Institute Receives $10.6 Million Dollar Grant

Will support and diversity the corps of poverty researchers working on questions related to equity, inclusion, diversity, and access in economic mobility and human services policy Vilas Distinguished Professor of Social Work and UW-Madison’s Institute …

They Helped Him,  Now He’s Helping Them

Alum Helps 14 Afghan’s Escape From Their Country In 2018, the school awarded our annual Distinguished Alumni Award to Ben Schumacker, MSW ’06. The award recognized his founding of The Memory Project,  a  youth arts …

IAPHS Names Mentoring Award for Stephanie Robert

Congratulations to Professor and Director Stephanie Robert whose dedication to mentoring was recognized by the Interdisciplinary Association for Population Health Science. Starting in 2022, the Stephanie Robert Mentoring Award will be “given annually to recognize …

Alumnus Opens School for Creative Music

Wilder Deitz, BA ’17, is a lifelong musician who first learned music on tour with his father, roots musician Ritt Deitz, and later under the mentorship of jazz great and UW-Madison faculty member Richard Davis. …

Assistant Professor Alejandra Ros Pilarz Receives Large NIH Training and Research Grant

Multi-year funding will aid research on mothers’ work schedules and children’s health and development The number of hours moms work outside the home increased dramatically over the past 50 years and in recent decades, the …

Kristi Wood, MSW ’13 Named to Board of Directors of the National Association of Social Workers

Congratulations to Kristi Wood, MSW ’13 who was selected to serve on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Social Workers representing Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana for three years. Wood is a lecturer and …

Alumnus Publishes New Book on Self Direction

Dr. Kevin J. Mahoney, PhD ’78 has a new book out covering twenty-five years of work, Self Direction: A Revolution in Human Services with co-author Valerie J. Bradley. In it, the authors discuss the growth of …

Social Work Students to Serve Clients at New Center for DREAMers

A new center at UW-Madison will help DREAMers in Wisconsin access and coordinate legal representation, mental health and social services, educational and career counseling, and provide a place of community. The Sandra Rosenbaum School of …

In the news: “Patrice Hutchins joins leadership team at Madison East as new assistant principal”

Patrice Hutchins (BSW ’09, MSW ’10) named as assistant principal at Madison East High School.

Social Welfare Student Megan Mercier Named Finalist for Prestigious Award

Vast Experiences Inform Her Domestic Violence Advocacy Social welfare junior Megan Mercier was recently named as a finalist for one of the most prestigious undergraduates awards in the nation – the Truman Scholarship. The Truman …