Social work students are often challenged during their coursework to bridge the divide between the professional and the personal as they develop the skill sets to connect with clients and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. Delving into the personal also aids in self-awareness about personal strengths and challenges that affect social work practice. With this in mind, Associate Teaching Professor Vicky Verano encouraged social work graduate students in her Loss and Bereavement class to share personal memories about loved ones who had passed away.

This year was marked by abundant opportunities for FSU College of Social Work to make new international connections and to develop collaborations on the world stage. Faculty teamed up with partnering universities and colleagues at leading universities from other continents to bring about innovative scholarship, training, and dialogue. Here are some of the highlights of the FSU social work faculty’s efforts in 2017 all over the globe.

On December 15, 2017, FSU College of Social Work celebrated with fall 2017 graduates and their guests at special ceremony and reception in the Oglesby Ballrooms on FSU’s Tallahassee main campus. Dean Jim Clark presided over the occasion with MSW Program Director Fran Gomory presenting MSW students with their FSU College of Social Work alumni pins.

During November, undergraduate (BSW) social work students in faculty member Carol Campbell Edward’s Diversity and Social Justice Class put on their own “What Were You Wearing?” Exhibit to increase awareness of sexual assault and clothing bias.

Florida State University’s Faculty Senate presented four honored members of the university community its annual Torch Award at dinner and reception on December 4th. Established in 1996, Torch Awards are bestowed on “those who have contributed to the university’s academic excellence.” Nominations are made by FSU faculty members to an award committee who then provide recommendations to the Faculty Senate Steering Committee.

The award is named for the torches displayed on FSU’s seal (Vires, Artes, Mores) and includes the categories of:

Florida State University College of Social Work in partnership with the U.S. Peace Corps will begin offering the Coverdell Fellowship in 2018 to Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV) pursuing a Master of Social Work degree. It marks the first time the fellowship will be offered at Florida State in the field of social work.

Since the Florida State University (FSU) College of Social Work began its partnership with the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) in 2014, the FSU Operation Family Caregiver (OFC) site has demonstrated an excellent track record for reaching out to and assisting caregivers of military veterans and service members.

Florida State University College of Social Work honored its distinguished alumni and student scholarship recipients on Thursday, November 2^nd at The Gathering in Tallahassee, Florida. Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Craig Stanley presided over the event, which included reflections by Dean Jim Clark, Development Director Colette Podgorski, and student speaker and scholarship recipient Julie Mishoe to an audience of current and former students, faculty and staff. There were 57 students awarded scholarships totaling $62,000 for the fall 2017 semester.

At the 2017 CSWE Annual Program Meeting, many social work scholars were recognized for their contributions to the field, including FSU College of Social Work doctoral program alumna and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work (VCU) Professor Dr. Kia J. Bentley. At the Journal of Social Work Education Reception, Dr.

Social work doctoral student Ruben Lane Forsman is no stranger to service. Forsman served as an intensive outpatient substance abuse counselor in New Orleans, Louisiana and as a member of the Florida Assertive Community Treatment Team in Leon County providing community-based mental and behavioral health services to individuals experiencing severe, persistent mental illness prior to entering the Doctoral Program at the FSU College of Social Work.