Jerry Brandell, MSSW ’77, (also PhD, University of Chicago), recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work. The award recognizes his “contributions to clinical social work and psychoanalysis” and was presented at its 2025 Biennial Conference held in …
alumni
A Career of Compassion: Sandy Budd, MSSW’83 Ends 33 Years Serving Holocaust Survivors
During her 33 years working with Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh, Sandy Budd served many individuals and families. Many of her most poignant memories are of the Holocaust survivors she has helped care …
Alum and Former Faculty Member Stephen Webster, PhD/ MSSW Receives Prestigious Award
After receiving his PhD/MSSW from Social Work and MA from the La Follette School of Public Affairs, Steve Webster taught at the School of Social Work in the 1970s and 1980s. He was recently awarded …
Lissa Merkel, MSW ’14, Draws on Her Experience to Help Others
Lissa Merkel, MSW ’14, a former student in our Mental Health Focus Area, and now a licensed clinical social worker in Los Angeles California, has faced major health challenges during her life. First, a lengthy …
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 …
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 …
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 …