Alumni & Friends

International Programs at the FSU College of Social Work began with efforts of one faculty member, Patricia (Pat) Lager (MSW, 1983, BA 1967). Pat transitioned from work in the areas of mental health and child welfare education, teaching at Florida A&M University before being hired by [then] Dean Ray Bardill. “I graduated from FSU, so I’ve always loved this university and the College of Social Work. It’s a passionate program,” Pat related about taking on her first academic role at FSU as a part-time field faculty placing students in their internships.

William (Bill) Anderson came out of the U.S. Army in 1972 looking for a social work MSW degree program. He had three to choose from, and it was the financial support FSU offered that first brought him to Tallahassee. It would be his experiences in the program and faculty support that made him stay.

FSU College of Social Work students proceeded into the FSU Ballrooms at the Oglesby Union wearing their regalia surrounded by proud family and friends and cameras clicking. The College’s annual Spring Graduation Reception started early Friday morning, May 4^th with more than 650 people in attendance to watch FSU social work students graduate among their peers.

In the hours leading up to the 100 years celebration, I was incredibly nervous but excited. A college that I’m a part of is celebrating 100 years of dedication and achievement to students, social work education and profession. From the excellence of my curriculum to the academic opportunities provided by the college, I understood how noteworthy and important this celebration was too many. I was the only student attending that was speaking in front of my professors and other distinguished social work alumni.

Social Work graduate, Savannah Hipes, credits her extracurricular activities and mentors during her time at the College of Social Work for steering her towards the unique experience she will be starting after graduating with her MSW degree this spring. Savannah was awarded a competitive Social Work Fellow position with the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System in Pensacola, Florida.

During National Prevention Week, the FSU College of Social Work’s Center for the Study and Promotion of Communities (CFC), Families and Children is hosting a community event about opioid abuse, Friday, May 18 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the FSU Alumni Center. Opioid abuse, an epidemic sweeping our nation and our state, impacts every age and social group.  The event is open to interested FSU and local community members.

Second-year social work doctoral student and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Sarah Rakes is a lifelong learner in her own right. She spent more than ten years in the field in roles focusing on older adults. These roles included activity consultant at a memory care facility, social services director in a long-term care facility, and an as an inpatient psychiatric social worker working with older adults.

“100 years!!”

That continuous refrain echoed through the Champions Club Ballroom as Florida State University social work faculty member Pam MacDill outlined highlights of the 100-year history of the College of Social Work’s celebratory gala on April 7.

“100 years,” the crowd shouted. “Of innovation,” MacDill continued. “We started the first online MSW program in 2002 and we’ve expanded internationally with internships, exchange agreements, courses and alternative spring breaks.”

Five award recipients were honored in Tallahassee on March 27, 2018 for their contributions to the social work profession, education, and the community. The awards were presented at the 2018 National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Florida Chapter, Big Bend Unit celebration breakfast at Tapestry Senior Living.

Panama City BSW Student Denise Baril and 15 other humanitarian heroes were recognized by President John Thrasher and Vice President of Student Affairs Amy Hecht during a luncheon on March 21st. The President’s Undergraduate Humanitarian of the Year Award is a prestigious honor bestowed to one FSU student from each college for their exemplary commitment to service. Each student is awarded a $200 donation to the nonprofit of their choice.

“Nothing is more inspiring to me than seeing students giving back and make the world a better place,” President Thrasher remarked.