Alumni & Friends

#FSUStrong: College of Social Work Come Together to Celebrate Class of Spring 2025 and Awards

In light of the recent tragedy at the FSU Student Union, the College of Social Work relocated its Spring 2025 Graduation Event to Opperman Music Hall in the College of Music’s Kuersteiner Building. The event welcomed spring 2025 graduates and their guests, celebrating 51 BSW, 141 MSW and two doctoral graduates.

From Personal Experience to Policy: Alumna Creates Legislative Change for Youths Experiencing Foster Care

Young alumni Tierra Lamore (BSW '24) testified before the House Career and Workforce Subcommittee earlier in the 2025 Florida Legislative Session in support of HB879, which would ensure that young adults who experience homelessness or who had experienced foster care be given priority for housing on college campuses.

Social Work Faculty Member Receives University Teaching Award for Innovation in Teaching

Jessica Greil-Burkhart, an assistant teaching professor with the FSU College of Social Work, was awarded a 2024-25 University Teaching Award for Innovation in Teaching from the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The award honors faculty who invest considerable time and effort into transforming the learning experiences they provide for their students.

FSU’s Great Give Project Boosts International Social Work Opportunities for Students

During the 14th annual FSU’s Great Give on March 5th, the College of Social Work raised more than $23,500, including over $16,800 dedicated to International Program scholarships for social work students.

The 92 generous donors and their contributions were further boosted by a $5,000 dollar-for-dollar donation match provided by College of Social Work alumni and supporters John and Meg Paschal.

From Social Work to Labor Law: An Alumna’s Journey in Justice and Empowerment

As a self-described “practical person,” Erica Askin (BSW 2004) always wanted a hands-on career working directly with people. While at Florida State University as an undergraduate student, social work offered the hands-on experience and skills she sought. “I chose the Social Work program at FSU because it aligned with these values while also giving me the opportunity to be educated and mentored by really great professors and to gain new perspectives in a different region of Florida where I grew up,” said Askin.

Alumna Creates Non-Profit to Mentor Teen Mothers

“I have heard people say, ‘you don’t need others to make it in life’ and about ‘self-made’ successful individuals. This was not my story. I needed people,” said Altrichia Cook Wilcox (BSW '09).

While just starting out at Florida State University and five hours away from her hometown of Lakeland, Florida, she knew what it was like to be overwhelmed by the prospect of being a young mother balancing the demands of school and daily life.