a conversation with Rita baker king '68

CUSSW is fortunate to have the support of so many of its alumni as volunteers, resources for graduates, and as donors. Over the years, Rita Baker King, MSW '68 has served in each of these roles. Recently, Stacy Kass, CUSSW's assistant dean for development and alumni relations, spoke with Rita about her commitment to the School.

Stacy Kass: Tell me about your CUSSW Experience.

Rita Baker King: Transformative. Personally, intellectually, emotionally--a gift beyond measure. In 1965, I took several classes at night. Then in 1966, upon receipt of a full-ride scholarship from the then Bureau of Child Welfare, I enrolled as a full-time student. Two transformative years later I earned a Masters of Social Work.


SK: What was CUSSW like in the 60's?

RBK: Those were heady and tumultuous times of the civil rights movement, the student takeover of the Columbia campus, the Vietnam War, the welfare rights movement, the sexual revolution. CUSSW students and faculty were active participants in "the times that were a-changin' which added to the richness of my educational experience.

SK: How did your experience at CUSSW influence your career?

RBK: My life and work have been profoundly influenced by my time at CUSSW. I practiced social work for decades. My later work as a human resources and management professional was more skillful because of my social work knowledge base and skill set.

SK: You have been a loyal supporter of CUSSW's annual fund and have also included the School in your will. Can you talk a little about that?

RBK: As is the case with people of my generation, I was taught to give a tangible response for a gift received--a written thank you note. So it seemed natural to me to give tangibly via a bequest to CUSSW for the gift of a remarkable and free education. The horror of Alzheimer's disease became real to me when my mother and two maternal uncles succumbed to its ravages. When I talked with CUSSW staff about a bequest (a good idea to ensure that the bequest wording is legally correct) I indicated that I hoped the funds could be used to support a Master's level student interested in geriatric social work.

SK: What can you tell alumni who are considering making a planned gift to the School?

RBK: I remain forever grateful for the gift of my CUSSW education and am privileged to pay forward via a modest bequest. A bequest of any size can make a difference. You don't need to involve an attorney to remember CUSSW. For example, a term life insurance policy or a retirement account could be used to make a bequest merely by naming CUSSW as the beneficiary.