Message from the Dean

As the world community continues its efforts to help Haiti, the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile reminded us of both our fragility and resilience as human beings. The aftermath of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12th has caused the loss of 150,000 lives, left over 600,000 homeless and there are perhaps thousands still missing. Tasked with the daunting mission of rebuilding broken communities and lives, responders and volunteers in Haiti are doing work that resonates with the core values of the social work profession. Chile is still in the process of assessing the damage that was done and the lives that were lost. It is also signaling that it may be able to contend independently with the aftermath of the disaster that struck on February 26th.

Whether confronted by the effects of natural disasters or faced with challenging societal issues, social workers are educated specifically to engage affected individuals and communities, undertake assessments, use proven interventions, and work toward culturally competent solutions. For 112 years, the Columbia University School of Social Work has been at the forefront of preparing professionals to be agents of change - leaders armed with the knowledge and skills to serve in diverse communities, settings, and organizations in New York City and throughout the world. Many are pioneering in clinical and non-traditional settings, carving new pathways to demonstrate how social work professionals can add value in innovative ways.

In this issue of Spectrum, we highlight the work of some of our faculty who are providing leadership in mental health, HIV/AIDS, and community collaborative research. The cover story offers a look at the research of Dr. Katherine Shear on grief and bereavement. As a result of her pioneering work, "complicated grief" is a phenomenon currently under consideration as a potential addition to the DSM-V, the American Psychiatric Association's handbook for diagnosing mental disorders. You will also read about the work of Associate Professor Susan Witte, whose multimedia intervention is reducing risk behaviors in heterosexual couples, as well as Assistant Professor Rogério Pinto's community-based participatory research in Harlem, New York City. Also included in this issue are accounts of CUSSW students who mobilized support for the relief efforts in Haiti and of doctoral alumnus David Ockert, who founded the first private outpatient detoxification and chemical dependency treatment center facility in New York State.

We are proud of our faculty, alumni and students, who chose the social work profession to make the world a better place. In these times of social and economic challenges and uncertainty, our global community needs more than ever to be assured that the next generation of social workers is among the best prepared ever. Since its inception, the School has maintained an unwavering standard of excellence. Our graduates and faculty are continuing 112 years later to build on this legacy.

The very best to you,

Jeanette C. Takamura
Dean