Alumni day 2012 - highlights and photos

Alumni Day 2012 was held on Friday, May 5, 2012. Over 100 alumni attended the all-day event and reconnected with friends, networked with new colleagues, spoke to students, listened to faculty and participated in workshops. If you were unable to attend this annual event, you can still watch some of the faculty presentations and alumni workshops online via Livestream. Simply click the link below for the presentation of your choice.

State of the School Address with Dean Jeanette C. Takamura
Hit or Miss: Benefits and Barriers of the New York State Earned Income Tax Credit with Professor Ron Mincy
Research Driven Interventions for Prevention Programming with Youth with Professor Steven Schinke
Maintaining and Augmenting Your Career with Kim Barberich, Director of Career and Leadership Development, and Alysse Jordan, CUSSW Librarian

Thank you to Dean Takamura, Professor Akabas, Associate Professor Lens, Professor Mincy, Professor Schinke, Professor Shear, and Associate Professor Ssewamala as well as to Kim Barberich, Alysse Jordan, Kanako Okuda '01, Maia Bookoff '11, Lee Cortez '12, Anna Olson '12, Janet Lerner '88PhD, Dr. Rosa Perla Resnick '51, Ezra Teitlebaum '91PhD, Dr. Bryan Warde '93 and Barbara Silverstone '78PhD for presenting that day.

Also, thanks to the Conference Planning Committee, who planned this annual event: Emily Jabbour '06 (chair), Carole Bender '67, David Feinerman '08, Marshall Feldman '88, Jean Golden '66, Trelan Holder '06, Robert Langer '54, Gwenelle O'Neal '81DSW, Mary-Ellen Siegel '76, and Brenda Stiefel-Sherman '82. If you want to be part of the planning committee for next year, email [email protected].

Photos: Jane Hoffer

Meeting of the Classes of '77, '78, and '79 African American Alumni

This year, several African American alumni from the Classes of '77, '78, and '79 contacted the alumni office as it had been more than 30 years since they graduated from CUSSW. Though many stayed in touch over the years, they felt they were long overdue for a reunion. Alumni Day provided an excellent opportunity to reconnect with the School, meet faculty, and learn more about faculty research and initiatives. As part of Alumni Day they met in the early afternoon where they reminisced and reconnected with each other.

The meeting also served as a platform to open discussions with CUSSW on how they can be helpful in recruiting and retaining more African American students for CUSSW. The group spoke with admissions director Debbie Lesperance, career counselor Donna Holder and alumni association board member, Trelan Holder '06. Though discussions will continue on this initiative, this was a good first step.

Many thanks to Joan Arnold '78, Ronald Davis '78, Eleanor Reid-Cyrus '78, Stanley Whing '78, and Cassaundra Williams-Anderson '78 for organizing the meeting. If you would like to assist with this initiative, please contact the alumni office at [email protected].

"It was so great seeing everyone and attending the lectures. We re-connected like it was yesterday when we last met and we had so much fun reminiscing. We promised to keep in touch."- Cassaundra Williams-Anderson '78

"I was uplifted, inspired and so very grateful for the opportunity to re-connect and meet others on the frontline--and to learn how our work has shaped us and the world. An absolute joy! A real highlight for me--Class of '78, thank you for all your hard work and diligence in connecting the dots." -Terrie M. Williams '77

(L to R: Ronald Davis '78, Geneva Williams '78, Hall of Fame Recipient
Dr. Douglas Glasgow '61, Eleanor Reid-Cyrus '78, Stanley Whing '78, Cassaundra
Williams-Anderson '78)

Photo: Jane Hoffer

 

Commencement 2012

Bob Herbert, Distinguised Senior Fellow of Demos and former Op-Ed columnist of the New York Times, gave the Commencment Address to a theater filled with graduates, families and friends. Sydney Rose '12 received the NASW-NYC Georgia L. MacMurray Award, which is given to only one student out of all six graduate schools of social work in New York City. Luke Patterson '12 received the chapter's Student of the Year Award, which recognizes students who have demonstrated professional commitment, identity and values through student leadership, field practice or academic projects. This year 17 students were recipients of the Linda and Peter Hoffman Writing Award. Established by Linda Hoffman '68 and her spouse Peter for the purpose of preparing social work professionals to influence human service systems through effective writing, the Linda and Peter Hoffman Writing Award is given for the best proposal(s), preferably for government funding, by a first or second year student. Congratulations to the Class of 2012 - we're so proud to have you as alumni!

Photos: Jane Hoffer

 

Thank You

Over the past year alumni have volunteered their time to speak about their career paths, offer advice, and even meet for coffee with students and alumni. These informational interviews are so valuable to future and current colleagues as they explore life after CUSSW, relocate to new parts of the country or consider options. THANK YOU to everyone who assisted us this year. I know that you made a difference in each student or alum that you spoke to as they move forward in their careers.

If you are available to speak with students next year about your career path, your organization, or life after CUSSW send your business card to CUSSW c/o Jennifer March, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, Suite 629, New York, NY  10027 or email Jennifer at [email protected] with your name, grad year, title, organization name and address.

 

Event Highlights

Conversation with Professor Jane Waldfogel

Jane Waldofogel, Compton Foundation Centennial Professor of Children's and Youth Problems, was interviewed by Alumni Association President Emily Ball Jabbour '06. Professor Waldfogel discussed her latest book "Britain's War on Poverty". The presentation can be viewed online at Livestream.com.

 

Networking Night

On March 29th, over 150 alumni and students gathered at Havana Central for our annual Networking Night. Alumni from all methods and fields of practice spoke with students about their careers, students practiced their networking skills, and everyone enjoyed a taste of Cuban fare.

 

Lucille N. Austin Lecture

On April 2nd, Dr. Shiriki Kumanyika '69 presented the Lucille N. Austin Lecture at Columbia University's Faculty House on Obesity, Societies, and Population Health: What Shall We Do About Food? Dr. Kumanyika is Associate Dean for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. You can view the entire presentation on Livestream.com.

 

Arizona Alumni Receptions

This spring Stacy Kass, Assistant Dean of Development and Alumni Relations, traveled to Arizona to host receptions for CUSSW alumni in Tucson, Scottsdale and Sedona. Stacy met with alumni and talked about the new and exciting initiatives at CUSSW and brainstormed on how we can keep folks outside of the NYC area more connected to CUSSW. Many thanks to all the alumni who assisted Stacy with these programs and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

photos: Rita King '68

CAA Spring Faculty Lecture at the Morgan Library and Museum

This year, CUSSW faculty were the featured presenters for the 6th Annual Columbia Alumni Association Spring Faculty Lecture. Professors Jane Waldfogel and Irv Garfinkel, along with Assistant Professor Neeraj Kaushal spoke on "Redefining Poverty within the Context of Changing Global Economies". Associate Dean Allen Zweben moderated the discussion. Panelists shared results based on their innovative research into adult and child well-being in New York City, and explained the new measurements of poverty in the United States and developing countries to a University-wide audience of alumni. An audio recording of the presentation will be available shortly.


(Lto R: Jane Waldfogel, Irwin Garfinkel, Neeraj Kaushal, Allen Zweben)
Photo: Columbia University Photography

Career Development Information

All Columbia University Alumni have access to VAULT, a career research tool for jobs, careers, top employers and education programs, job search advice, salary info, job listings, employee message boards, and surveys; and WETFEET which helps job seekers make smart career decisions through expert career advice, company rankings, top MBA programs information, sample resumes, and other tools. 

Class notes

Mimi Abramovitz '67 '81DSW, Bertha Capen Reynolds Professor of Social Policy Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and The Graduate Center, CUNY, was interviewed by Anrie Arnesen for her show "Attitude with Arnie" WNHN 94.7 Concord  New Hampshire --about  the Impact of the attack on women as public sector program users, employees and union members.  The interview aired on April 26, 2012.

Ruth Anderson '56 received a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Iowa chapter of the National Association of Social Workers in May, 2012.  Ruth is a retired University of Northern Iowa professor who also served as Black Hawk County director of social services in the late 1960s.

Jenna Benn '07 is founder of Twist Out Cancer (twistoutcancer.org).

Elizabeth Bissell '02 is Patient Advocate at Reliable Community Care, a licensed home care agency.

Marie Cheung-Truslow '85 is Executive Vice President and Subrogation Practice Leader of Insurance Subrogation Group (ISG), a national subrogation company specializing in auto, workers’ compensation and property recoveries.

Miki Darby '07, LMSW is Utilization Review Coordinator with Cedar Hills Hospital, a for-profit psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment hospital in Portland, Oregon.

Ada Deer '61, former Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs with the U.S. Department of the Interior, was the keynote speaker at Northern Michigan University’s commencement ceremony on May 5, 2012. That day she also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the sociology and social work department.

Geoffrey Greif's '83PhD new book, Two Plus Two: Couples and Their Couple Friendships  (co-authored with Kathleen Holtz Deal) was just published by Routledge.  Dr. Grief is a professor University of Maryland School of Social Work.

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF) appointed Alexandra Gubin '10 as Adolescent and Young Adult Patient Navigator at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Alexandra will work in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals at the Kimmel Center to address the unique needs and improve the cancer experience of young adult cancer patients and their families. She will provide resources and supportive counseling designed to empower young adult patients and their families to take an active role in their cancer experience and supports them as they face the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

Now semi-retired from clinical practice, Kate Hoekstra '90PhD is a full time painter, and exhibits her work regularly in Westchester, Putnam, and Connecticut.  Her recent work can be seen at www.kathleen-hoekstra.artistwebsites.com.

Sister Rosemary Moynihan '72, SC, General Superior of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station New Jersey is Vice Chair of Trinitas Regional Medical Center and Trinitas Health, its parent organization.

Noriko Namiki '04 has been named Chief Information Officer for the YWCA of Oahu.  She will oversee the Honolulu-based YWCA’s strategic communications, including promotion, fund development and advocacy.

Boston College Professor Emeritus Elaine Pinderhughes '48 is the 2012 recipient of CSWE’s Significant Lifetime Achievement in Social Work Education Award. 

Kristen J. Renshaw '06, LCSW and Johanna Creswell Báez '06, LCSW are working together as Co-Directors to open the first branch of Wediko Children's Services in NYC.  Wediko Children's Services responds to the needs of children who face repeated obstacles to development due to social, emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. They partner with children, families, schools, and the community to offer a continuum of flexible and multidisciplinary programs.

Amanda Saake '06 is now Program Director of PROS Rebound at Goodwill Industries.

Sherry Saturno, LCSW, DCSW,  '00 received a Business Council of Westchester Rising Star “Forty Under Forty” Award on June 7, 2012 at Master Card Worldwide in Purchase, NY. Modeled after the national business recognition program “Forty Under Forty”, the Business Council honors the professional accomplishments of Westchester’s young business leaders who are making their mark in their chosen profession. The Business Council of Westchester is the county’s largest professional business membership organization.  She was the only social worker to receive the award.  

Elizabeth May Shull '93, LCSW works part time at Post Graduate Center for Mental Health as a therapist in their clinic.

Christiana Thanos '08 has produced a film called Lucky Girls to raise funds and awareness for a girl’s orphanage in India.  The film recently screened at the United Nations Association Film Festival in Los Angeles.  Christiana is Assistant Director of Development at the USC School of Social Work.

Dorian Traube '01 '06PhD, an assistant professor at the USC School of Social Work, received a USC Mellon Mentoring Award for her exemplary work with graduate students. The Mellon Mentoring Awards honor faculty for helping build a supportive academic environment through faculty-to-student and faculty-to-faculty mentoring.

Sandy Welsh '76 has started an independent consulting business in Pittsburgh, under SwelshConsultants, assisting other non-profits with grant development and writing as well as outcomes framework.

 

Books and Publications

Mary Morgan '91 (2012), Beginning with the End: A Memoir of Twin Loss and Healing, New York: Vantage Point.

Tony Tripodi '63DSW (2012), An American Professor in Italy, iUniverse.

 

in memoriam

We acknowledge with great sadness the passing of the following alumni and faculty. They will be missed for the pride that they brought to the school for their work.

Henry Leroy Acree ‘54 Barbara J. Andersen ‘67 Betty B. Baird ‘62 Mary Jane Fleming Baron ‘51 Neal S. Bellos ‘56 Anne A. Beveridge ‘49 Jean C. Blount ‘42 Magda K. Bondy ‘48 Emily Schwartz Borenstein ‘84 Marjorie Bronfman ‘40 Leatrice L. Coffield ‘45

R. Anita Cowan ‘64 Miriam K. Glass ‘48 Martha H. Gulledge ‘53 Doris L. Hallowitz ‘46 Erna Fox Kaplan ‘60 Betty G. Lockwood ‘49 Herman C. Margulies ‘51 Madeline S. Mark ‘68 Joan S. Meyers ‘67 Jessie R. O'Neill ‘52 Edgar W. Pye ‘47

Yolanda Sanchez ‘66 Phyllis L. Singerman ‘50 Jessie P. Smith ‘45 Richard Stander ‘58 Irwin M. Stein ‘48 Peter G. Strand ‘59 Sylvia G. Thomas ‘55 Judith S. Wallerstein ‘47 Evelyn H. Weinstein ‘45 Edward D. Welsh ‘55 Bella C. Wheeler ‘60 Eugenie G. Wheeler ‘42 Frances S. White ‘46