In the News: 2006-7 Academic Year

Peruse archived news and events...

Spring Quarter 2007 News and Events

SW Students Take Center Stage at Commencement

May 2007—The 17th annual UW Tacoma Commencement ceremony will feature 3 graduating social work program students - first with Forrest Stepnowski singing the National Anthem. Forrest successfully auditioned as the Commencement singer by showcasing his talents! Please also join me in congratulating Halley Hudson, BASW graduate, who will receive the Chancellor's Medal for superior academic achievement. This is the first time a social welfare major has received this prestigious award. Finally, MSW graduate, Jewelya Ianniciello has been chosen as the student speaker. This is another first for our program as a social work/welfare student has never before been chosen as the student speaker. We are so proud of all of you!

Acting Assistant Professor Garner Defends Dissertation

May 2007—Acting Assistant Professor Michelle D. Garner successfully defended her dissertation: “Federal Charitable Choice and Faith-Based Initiatives: Do faith-Based Organizations Pose a Barrier to Services?” Drs. Rona Levy (chair) and Karina Walters served on her doctoral supervisory committee along with Professors G. Alan Marlatt (Psychology) and Mary Larimer (Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences). Michelle joins a record number of doctoral peers in UW graduation ceremonies this June. Congratulations, Michelle!

Students Honored for Gift of Service

May 2007—Congratulations to Michelle Ford, Aurora Jewel, Rachel Martinell and Forrest Stepnowski all of whom were nominated for the annual Gift of Service award. Recipients Ford and Stepnowski were both selected as finalists and honored at the Spring Celebration held on May 23, 2007. We are so proud of all of you and of your dedication and commitment to service.

Now Accepting BASW Applications for Autumn 2007

May 2007—The Social Work Program welcomes your application for admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare program. This professional program offers a cohort model which effectively combines classroom and experiential learning preparing learners for generalist social work practice. If you have questions regarding the application process, you may meet with an admissions adviser by calling 253-692-4742 or attending one of our informative events. Please visit the Information Session site for a complete list of dates and times. If you need to access application materials, visit the How to Apply page for additional information.

Now Accepting Advanced Standing MSW Applications

May 2007—The deadline for sumbitting an application for winter quarter 2008 admission for the Advanced Standing MSW program option is June 29, 2007. No applications will be accepted after this date. Note: Advanced Standing MSW application materials are only available online. You must download an a copy of the MSW Application packet. Please contact us at 253-692-5820 if you have questions regarding admission.

Year End Celebration!

May 2007—The Social Work program held its 2nd annual End of the Year Celebration on May 10th. We acknowledged all the accomplishments of our social work community and sent our well-wishes to Dr. Robert Jackson, Associate Professor of Social Work who will retire at the end of this academic year. Approximately 70 faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members enjoyed catching up with one another after a busy year. Additionally, the graduating MSW student portfolios on display were outstanding and we thank all of you for sharing them with us. We are looking forward to next year's celebration!

HomeStreet Bank Social Work Scholarship

May 2007—HomeStreet Bank through its generosity has donated $1,000 toward the first designated scholarship given to our program specifically for MSW or BASW students. We are thrilled to offer this to our continuing students and are presently working on criteria for the scholarship award. In keeping with the mission of HomeStreet Bank the recipient will need to address how their work relates to providing stable housing for their clients. A formal invitation to apply for the scholarship will go out to students at the beginning of the 07-08 academic year. Thank you HomeStreet Bank!

Autumn 2007 MSW Application Deadline Announced

Apr 2007—Please note that no new autumn quarter 2007 UW Tacoma Master of Social Work applications will be accepted after April 13, 2007. All applicants who have submitted a UW Graduate School Application by April 13th will have until April 23, 2007 to submit required supplemental application materials for consideration. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact our office at 253-692-5820. Applications for autumn quarter 2008 will be available in October, 2007.

Dr. Robert (Bob) Jackson to Retire

Mar 2007—Associate Professor of Social Work, Dr. Robert (Bob) Jackson has announced that he will retire at the end of this academic year. Professor Jackson joined the UW Tacoma Social Work faculty in 2002 and is known for his contributions to the Club House model and interest in working with mentally ill populations. He has also been a guiding force and played a large role in preparing UW Tacoma for its transition to a four-year campus. He will be missed by all who have been touched by his work. We wish him well.

Pierce County Outstanding Adult Volunteer

Mar 2007—Congratulations to Jewelya Ianniciello, 3rd year MSW student, on her recent selection as a Pierce County Outstanding Adult Volunteer for 2007. Jewelya received this honor in recognition of her work in the Dependency program of the Pierce County Juvenile Court where she continues to volunteer after having done her Foundation placement. Congratulations, Jewelya, on your hard work and this recognition of it, and thanks for being such a terrific representative of the MSW program.

Celebrating UW Women

Mar 2007—Dr. Marian Harris has been nominated as an Outstanding University of Washington Woman. This recognition program is a UW activity heralding Women's History Month. Her nomination is on display in the HUB Art Gallery March 19-30. A reception to honor all the nominees is planned for the end of March.

Need Admissions Information?

Mar 2007—Please join us for an informative MSW or BASW Information Session/Application Workshop or attend a monthly Campus Open House to learn more about our programs. If you have any questions regarding 2007 admission requirements or application procedures this is a great opportunity for you to get your questions answered. Please visit the Information Session site for a complete list of dates and times. For further information or to rsvp, please email tsocial@u.washington.edu. Note: MSW Application materials are only available online. You must download an a copy of the 2007 MSW Application packet for either MSW Program option.

Winter Quarter 2007 News and Events

Scholarship Recipient

Mar 2007—Congratulations to MSW student Jennifer McCord who has been awarded a generous scholarship from the UW Retirement Association. Jennifer was among the three finalists chosen to receive a $4,250 scholarship to help offset the costs of tuition and other educational related expenses. All finalists will be honored at a luncheon later this spring for their demonstrated dedication to an aging-related career. Kudos Jennifer!

MLK Jr. Volunteer Recognition Award

Jan 2007—Dr. Marian Harris, received the University of Washington Health Sciences Martin Luther King Jr. Volunteer Recognition Award for her many contributions to the community. An event celebrating her achievements will take place on January 11, 2007 in Seattle. Congratulations!

Nationwide Certification

Jan 2007—MSW Student Terrie Remick, has become one of only 13 individuals nationwide to be certified as an Indian Child Welfare Worker by the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA). This certification is the result of Terrie's social work degree program, completion of additional training through NICWA, ongoing work in tribal child welfare settings, and successful completion of a Certification Examination.

American Journal of Nursing Award

Jan 2007-The book Vulnerable Older Adults: Healthcare needs and Interventions which Dr. Charles Emlet contributed to has received the American Journal of Nursing 2006 book of the year award in gerontology. Congratulations!

Autumn Quarter 2006 News and Events

Need Admissions Information?

Dec 2006—Please join us for an informative MSW or BASW Information Session/Application Workshop or attend a monthly Campus Open House to learn more about our programs. If you have any questions regarding 2007 admission requirements or application procedures this is a great opportunity for you to get your questions answered. Please visit the Information Session site for a complete list of dates and times. For further information or to rsvp, please email tsocial@u.washington.edu. Note: MSW Application materials are only available online. You must download an a copy of the 2007 MSW Application packet for either MSW Program option.

Phi Alpha Honor Society Begins

Dec 2006—The newest chapter of Phi Alpha Honor Society is Xi Pi, an honor society for all (MSW and BASW) social work students dedicated to excellence in scholarship and high professional standards. The charter certificate was approved on December 1, 2006 from the Executive Council and will be displayed in the Social Work Program Office. Dr. Marian Harris is the Faculty Advisor for Xi Pi. The initiation ceremony for charter members will occur during winter quarter 2007.

Welcome New MSW Students

Dec 2006—The Social Work Program is pleased to welcome its first cohort of Advanced Standing MSW students who will begin their graduate studies in winter quarter 2007. This cohort will enroll in a special seminar class during winter and then join the existing 2nd year MSW student classes for the remainder of the MSW program.

Director on Sabbatical

Dec 2006—Dr. Marcie Lazzari has been appointed as a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Senior Scholar to focus upon leadership content in social work education curricula. This work is part of CSWE's leadership initiative, and will occur during winter quarter 2007 when Dr. Lazzari is on sabbatical. Dr. Charles Emlet will serve as Acting Director of the Social Work Program in her absence.

Laakso's Sabbatical Plans

Dec 2006—Dr. Janice Laakso will be on sabbatical winter and spring quarters 2007. While away she plans to work on various research projects that are underway, including a program evaluation of the Children of Incarcerated Parents Program that matches big brothers/sisters with children who have a parent in prison and continue assessment of the Hope VI HUD project that has transformed the Salishan housing in east Tacoma. She will also spend time at the University of Tampere, Finland teaching a class on American social policy and social work while learning more about child and family policies in this Nordic country.

Summer Quarter 2006

LASCO Scholarship Winner

August 2006—Cynthia Taylor, BASW student, is a recipient of the Lea Armstrong Social and Community Organization (LASCO) scholarship. The scholarship is awarded through the 27th Legislative District office of Dennis Flannigan. Representative Flannigan has invited Cynthia to dinner, where she will have the chance to meet the donor and other recipients. Congratulations, Cynthia!

Governor's Recognition Award

August 2006—Dr. Marian Harris, received the "Governor's Recognition Award" for her statewide service to Mental Health Transformation. The award was signed by Governor Gregoire on June 14, 2006 and presented to Marian in August. Congratulations Marian!

The Graying of HIV/AIDS

August 2006—Dr. Charles Emlet, Associate Professor and a member of the Governor's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, has published a guest column on the "graying of AIDS" in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. It coincides with this year's 25th anniversary of the first HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed in the United States and the first baby boomers turning 60, expanding a largely ignored public health threat. You can read more in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Dr. Lazzari nominated for 2006 Diversity Award

August 2006—For the second year in a row, Dr. Marcie Lazzari, Director of the Social Work Program, has been nominated for the 2006 (UW) Diversity Award for Community Building which is sponsored by the UW Office of Minority Affairs . She was amongst an extraordinary group of nominees who do exceptional work on behalf of diversity at the University of Washington. Each will be honored for their significant contributions and commitment to diversity at the 12th Annual MAP Bridging the Gap Breakfast on October 28, 2006 at UW Seattle.

Welcome, new advisory board members

August 2006—The UW Tacoma Advisory Board announces new members and one of them is a graduate of the MSW program (2001), Stephen P. Moceri. Please welcome Stephen and the other new board members who will serve a three-year term which began July 1, 2006.

Big Promotion for one of our recent Grads

July 2006—Sharon Gilbert, a recent MSW graduate (2005) has been appointed to the position of deputy director of Field Operations in the Children's Administration. Sharon will continue to direct the work of the Practice Consultation and Risk Management Office, including Constituent Relations and Accreditation, but she will also now serve as deputy and will assume the responsibilities of director of Field Operations in the director's absence. Congratulations Sharon on your big promotion!

Wall Street Journal names Social work as one of best careers

July 2006—The Career Journal section of the Wall Street Journal names social work as one of the best careers. As a result, they interviewed Marilyn Reinish, a hospital social worker in Chicago, referred to them by NASW. Marilyn gives a terrific interview and snaphot of hospital social work administration.

Prestigious Fellowship awarded to Erin Casey

July 2006—We are delighted to announce that doctoral student Erin Casey, who will be joining our faculty in the fall, has been awarded a prestigious Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation Dissertation Fellowship. This is a VERY competitive Fellowship. The Foundation makes about 10 awards nationally each year, across the natural and social sciences and the humanities. Erin just may be the first doctoral student from the UW School of Social Work to be awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship. We do know for sure that this is the only one awarded in the last 10 years of the program.

Erin's dissertation is a secondary analysis of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. She is examining longitudinal predictors of sexual assault perpetration among boys, with a particular focus on how the structure and characteristics of young men's social networks are related to their risk for sexual aggression. Please join us in congratulating Erin on this wonderful achievement.

Congratulations Dr. Marian Harris

June 2006—Dr. Harris has been elected to work in a leadership position as a member of the Delegate Assembly from the NASW Washington State Chapter.

UWT Part-Time Advanced Standing MSW Option

June 2006—The UWT Social Work Program will admit its first cohort of 10 - 12 part-time Advanced Standing MSW students in winter quarter 2007. We are excited to offer this educational option to BSW/BASW graduates. The Advanced Standing MSW option will allow such graduates to complete the advanced MSW curriculum in 17 months.

Influencing State Policy Award Winners

June 2006—For the third year in a row a group of students from the social work departments Contemporary Social Policy class has won the national Influencing State Policy contest. The winning group included three BASW students: group leader Forrest Stepnowski, Katie Stevens, and Alice Henagin, and IAS students Kallie Gatzemeier and Karie Rice. The contest requires that students work on a state policy issue to change policy in a way that is consistent with social work ethics and values and offers more social justice to vulnerable and oppressed populations. This group of students developed an action plan of legislative advocacy for the Anderson-Murray Act, also known as the Anti-Discrimination Act, House Bill 2661. This bill, that would give gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered individuals the same civil rights as other groups, had been unsuccessfully introduced into the state legislature 29 times prior to January 2006.

This bill received final approval on January 27, 2006, going into effect on June 7th. Consequently, the Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered community can no longer be denied access to health insurance, terminated from employment, or denied access to financial credit services in the state of Washington. The social work program is very proud of these students, not only for their success in winning this national award, but also for their commitment to bring about social justice.

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