On Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, the Social Work Program, along with the Organization of Student Social Workers recognized the spring, summer and fall graduates at a reception. Faculty recognized recipients of the awards:
Roxanne Bade and Alyssa Bonnet received the The Henry W. Pilgrim Social Work Honor Award. This award is named after former longtime social work faculty, Henry Pilgrim. This award, presented annually, is given to a graduating senior who is recommended by the faculty members of that discipline and chosen by the majority of the department members. The recipient is chosen based on their academic work at MWSU, leadership qualities, both at MWSU, and in the community, and for their enhancement to the field of social work.
Tori Bond and Melany Aldridge were the recipients of the Jane Addams Award. Jane Addams, a fierce advocate for the poor, started one of the first settlement houses in North America to provide practical services and educational opportunities for the poor. Addams subsequently championed social reforms such as juvenile-court law, justice for immigrant and African American’s Worker’ rights and compensation, and a woman’s right to vote. In 1910, she became the first female president of the National Conference of Social Work.
Allie Reinkemeyer received the Reva Allen Award. Reva Allen Award honors a BSW student who demonstrates excellence in practicum by exceeding customary expectations.
Rebecca Smith-Grantham received the Geri Dickey for Social Justice Award. Dr. Dickey (former social work faculty) has a passion for social change and spent her life advocating for equality among marginalized people groups. In 2014, the Social Work Program honored Dr. Dickey by creating the Geri Dickey for Social Justice Award. This annual award is given in honor of Dr. Dickey’s commitment to student’s hard work and dedication to the core value of social justice which is the pursuit of social change particularly with/and on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people.