Gary S. Cohen graduated in 1976 with a BA in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After working in the City of Madison’s public welfare department, he went on to earn his MSSW in 1980 from the School of Social Work. Gary has had a long and distinguished career in the social work field, now as founder, president and CEO of Employee Resource Systems, a national Employee Assistance and Work-Life firm. Gary is also a co-owner of ScreenSafe, a national administrator of drug testing programs. Gary served as the first chairperson of the UW-Madison School of Social Work Advisory Board (Now Board of Visitors). Lawrence H. Gard, Gary’s husband, is a Clinical Psychologist leading his own clinical and executive coaching practice. Having great affinity for UW-Madison, Gary and Larry have a strong commitment to the School of Social Work and wish to impact the success of the students and faculty.
This fund has generously been provided to support UW-Madison School of Social Work faculty and students who demonstrate a strong interest in Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) or occupational social work, including interest in corporate social responsibility. The award is renewable and recipients will be selected by the School of Social Work Awards Committee according to established procedures within the School.