School of Social Work
RUTGE R S, THE STAT E UNIVERSIT Y OF N E W JE R SE Y
ORDER OF EXERCISES
THE PROCESSIONAL Majestic Brass Quintet GONFALONIER
N. Andrew Peterson, M.A., Ph.D. Director of the Center for Prevention Science and Distinguished Professor
NATIONAL ANTHEM
DEAN’S GREETING
CHANCELLOR’S GREETING
E. Goldblatt Hyatt, M.S.W., M.B.E., D.S.W. Director of the D.S.W. Program and Associate Professor of Professional Practice for Reproductive Justice
George S. Leibowitz, M.S.W., Ph.D. Dean and Distinguished Professor
Francine Conway, Ph.D. Chancellor and Distinguished Professor Rutgers University–New Brunswick
FACULTY AND STAFF
George S. Leibowitz, M.S.W., Ph.D. HONORS AND AWARDS
CONVOCATION SPEAKER
Sandra Edmonds Crewe, M.S.W., Ph.D. Sojourner Truth Social & Racial Justice Visiting Professor
PH.D. DISSERTATION AWARD
PRESENTATION OF PH.D.
Cassandra Simmel, M.S.W., Ph.D. Director of the Doctoral (Ph.D.) Program and Associate Professor
Cassandra Simmel, M.S.W., Ph.D. DEGREE CANDIDATES
PRESENTATION OF D.S.W. E. Goldblatt Hyatt, M.S.W., M.B.E., D.S.W. DEGREE CANDIDATES
M.S.W. AWARDS
STUDENT SPEAKER
Antoinette Farmer, M.S., Ph.D. Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Professor
Angel Maria Cruz M.S.W. Class of 2025
PRESENTATION OF M.S.W. Edward Alessi, M.S.W., Ph.D. DEGREE CANDIDATES Director of the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) Program and Professor
B.A.S.W. AWARDS
V. DuWayne Battle, M.S.W., M.Div., D.Min., Ph.D. Assistant Dean of Bachelor’s Programs, Director of the Baccalaureate Program (New Brunswick) and Professor of Teaching
PRESENTATION OF B.A.S.W. V. DuWayne Battle, M.S.W., M.Div., D.Min., Ph.D. DEGREE CANDIDATES
CONVOCATION READER
FINAL COMMENTS
Arlene M. Hunter, M.A. Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
George S. Leibowitz, M.S.W., Ph.D.
THE RECESSIONAL Majestic Brass Quintet
The Recessional will be led by the Dean and the faculty. Students and guests are asked to remain in place until the Recessional is completed.
Please turn off all cellular telephones during the ceremony.
A professional photographer will take pictures of the graduates during the program.
Courtney Hutchison
PH.D. GRADUATES
October 2024
Dissertation Chair: Edward Alessi, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: The Development and Validation of an Assessment of Romantic Relationship Boundaries in Young Adults
Presidential Fellowship, Louis Bevier Fellowship
Anais-Estee T. Mahone
Dissertation Chair: Ayse Akincigil, M.A., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Investigating HIV Care in the U.S.: Race, Gender, and Policy
Dean’s Fellowship, Predoctoral Leadership Academy Fellow, Conference Committee Co-chair - SSWR Doctoral Student Committee, Communications Coordinator DSA
Jackie F. Stanmyre
Dissertation Chair: Lia Nower, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Not Just For Sport: Gambling Risk Among Athletes, Former Athletes, and Coaches
January 2025
Rupa Majumdar Khetarpal
Dissertation Chair: Victoria Banyard, M.A., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Refugee Perspectives on Employment and Mental Health: A Phenomenological Qualitative Exploration
MSW Curriculum Committee, IIDEA Committee, Committee on Students
May 2025
Allison Brachmann
Dissertation Chair: Sarah McMahon, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Differences in College Sexual Violence Survivors’ Barriers to Accessing Campus Resources
Lorraine Yvette Howard
Dissertation Chair: Andrew Peterson, M.A., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: The Development And Validation Of An Instrument Measuring Clinician Cultural Humility
Huiying Jin
Dissertation Chair: Joy Kim, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Mothers’ Nonstandard Work Schedules And Children’s Internalizing And Externalizing Behavioral Outcomes
2020 Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Students Abroad, China Scholarship Council
Lena Moraa Obara
PH.D. GRADUATES
Dissertation Chair: Chiara Sabina, M.A., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Exploring Coping Strategies and Support Systems For Gender-Based Violence Among Urban Refugee Women In Nairobi, Kenya: Insights Across Three Migration Phases
Devon M. Ziminski
Dissertation Chair: N. Andrew Peterson, M.A., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Examining Firearm Violence Exposure And Safety In Nine U.S. States: A Mediational Analysis
Eagleton Institute Governor’s Executive Award (2024-2025), DSA Co-President (2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025)
Clara Scher
Dissertation Chair: Emily A. Greenfield, M.S., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: The Impact of Socio-Spatial Inequities on the Health and Well-being of Black Older Adults Aging in Community with Dementia
University and Louis Bevier Dissertation Completion Fellowship, Association for Gerontology Education in Social Work (AGESW) Student Committee (Secretary)
Amanda Stroiman
Dissertation Chair: Dr. Lenna Nepomnyaschy, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Dissertation Title: Economic Insecurity and Child Wellbeing: The Role of Family Processes
Dean’s fellowship and served on the Rutgers Senate as a representative for the SSW
2025 D.S.W. GRADUATES
Eileen Brito
Area of Focus: Advancing the Well-Being of Transgender and Gender-Expansive Youth Through Gender-Affirming Care and Family Education
Christine M. Chapais
Area of Focus: Online Social Work Education
Mayte Garcia
Area of Focus: LGBTQ+ Youth & Family Support, Military Behavioral Health, and Addiction Recovery – Opioid Harm Reduction
Khalid Godfrey
Area of Focus: Improving Quality of Care in Therapeutic Communities Through Milieu Therapy
Agyaaku Kyei
Area of Focus: Implementing CulturallyBased Interventions Among MultiGenerational Ghanaians in the United States
Rachael Miller
Area of Focus: Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Clinical Practice and Social Work Education
Dominique D. Paz
Area of Focus: Culturally Attuned Care for Latina Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Michael A. Pino
Area of Focus: Addressing Problematic Cannabis Use Among College Students in a New Era
Venessa S. Samuel-Steinmetz
Area of Focus: Decentering Trauma by Centering Joy for Individuals With Complex PTSD
Hema D. Shamnarine
Area of Focus: Adolescent Dating Violence, Focusing on the Role of School Social Workers in Prevention and Intervention
Rachael Shuster
Area of Focus: Oncology Social Work
Simone M. Snyder
Area of Focus: Advancing Reproductive
Justice, Addressing Gender-Based Violence, and Transforming Social Work Education
Through an Intersectional and Abolitionist Lenses
2025 M.S.W. GRADUATES
Jennifer Abrego Morales
Jazmine Acevedo
Mark Joseph Adamko Jr.
Efosa Agboola*
Sophia Grace Alexis
Anisa Ali
Jaida Mali Alston
Prince Barshim Alvarado Sr.
Carla Marlene Amendano
Eyitayo Abiodun Amigun
Miejah Mariah Anderson*
Richard Anthony Anderson
Alana Elizabeth Andreuzzi*
Brian Christopher Angell*
Karina Aparicio
Isabella Arenas
Nadiya Atmaca*
Julianna Marie August
Deanna Augustin
Skylar Zoe Aurichio
Samantha Ada Ayudant
Joseph Bae
Paul Kwadwo Baffoe
Kathleen Bailie
Stephanie Kusi Bamfo
Katherine Rose Barany
Ariel Omar Batista
Lily Elizabeth Beatty
Gaelle Beck
Ashley Becker*
Caroline Ames Becker
Ava Nicole Bejgrowicz
Ajah A. Bell*
Emily Anne Bell
Robert L. Bell*
Uzunma Lynda Bell-Gam
Glorymer Bello*
Gina Marie Rose Bellon
Paola Gissell Benitez-Marquez
Zachary Benjamin
Sanaa M. Bentley
Kathryn Colleen Malloy Berry
Theresa M. Besso
Nicole A. Bianca
Laila C. Birchett
Makena Sitawi Blake*
Roberta A. Boaten*
Marie Christine Bolona
Odalis Victoria Bonilla-Acosta
Gabriella Marie Bordenabe
Ian R. Borralho
Jaziyah Ann Brash
Elisheva Ofeoritse Breau
Cory Britt
Krystal M. Brodus*
Charmah Marie Brown
Diana Marie Brown
Kaitlyn Ashley Brown
Deriaņa Bryant
Jessica Autumn Bryk
Sheena Shellyann Bucknor-Balkaran*
Taylor Joan Buenaga
Fauziya Bukari
Nubia Marie Burgess-Henry
Catherine Xin Wu Burnett
Yamaris Carolina Cajamarca
Cristina Elizabeth Calderon
Victoria Lynn Callahan Giger
Shamoya Shelaine Patrice Campbell*
Veronica Nube Campoverde
Louise Victoria Saringan Cancino
Victoria Alexis Caprello
Yema Caramba-Coker*
Reanna Mae Carcano
Emily Marie Caruana
Loren Barbosa Carvalho
Ashley Jessenia Castro
Melina Castro
Ashley Mae Gorospe Catibog
Christine F. Cavezza
Isabel Cedeño
Michelle Chavez*
Amaya Chawla
Nicole Alexandra Cherbakova
Emilie Christine Chinchar
Megan Elizabeth Chivate
Aryan Mehul Chokshi
Astrid Carolina Chong Argoti
Christina Chororos*
Sarah Jane Christensen
Jessica Lee Cleaver
Samuel Albert Cohen
Elizabeth Colao
Ashley Noelle Coleman
Anna Maria Collazo
Megan Anastasia Colligan
Katelyn Marie Cook
Imani Hadiya Cooke
Kennelle Nicole Correa
Mariel Cortez
Samantha Anna Cosgrove
Alyssa Cossean*
James Brown Cowperthwait Jr.
Alexa Kaitlyn Coyle
Anthony M. Craft Jr.
Jamie Leigh Cramer
Micaela C. Crines
Kjersti Andersen Culkin*
Amy Jo Curran
Noemia M. Da Silva
Jessica Daniela Dakhno
Kayla Simone Daley
Letia Renee Dash*
Mauli Dave
Teressa T. Davidoski
Ashley Lauren Davidson
Andrea De La Cruz*
Ana Violeta De La Rosa
Shadae S. Dean
Karlie Lynn Deckert
Abigail Nicole DeGarmo
Elibeth Deleon Guzman
Kimberly Yajaira Delgado
Yolanda Maritza De Pareja
Kiera DeProspero
Priya J. Desai
Ertula Deshomme
Dorka Desroches
Avital Rebecca DeVoe
Ebony Patrese Dickerson*
Megan Dickerson*
Kayla JoAnn DiCrescio
Khalil Jaazaniah Dingle
Mikaela Dixon
Thais Christina Do Lago Rodrigues
Isabella Donnelly
Padraig Brennan Donohue
YuQuishia Davonne Dorvil
Kian Partick Downes
Emily Rose Dunlap*
Joseph D. Edwards*
Kymberly Inell Edwards*
Katherine Ehrich Dowd
Laurel Elfenbein
Jessica Gottlieb Empestan
Naomi L. Engelhard
Angel Antoinette English
Daniel J. Erb
Ashley Jazmin Farias
Kaiéta Yavonne Farley*
Layana Renee Farrar
Joseph Justin Fasano
Alexis Paige Faulhaber
Nina Marie Fedoryka
Ella Fendian
Kylie Linn Ferenz
Andrea M. Fernandes
Melissa Isabel Fernandez
Bianca Rose Ferrante
Alejandra N. Figueroa
Yamile Figueroa
Maria B. Figueroa-Adorno
Mia E. Fincher*
Amanda Taylor Fiore
Matthew Fischer*
Faith Elizabeth Fischetti
Sydney Fitanidis
Sophia I. Florida
Quanasia Foster*
Lisa Renee Fowler
Andrea Galeano*
Jennifer N. Gallegos*
Shawna Marie Gamble*
Jessie Garcia
Jessy Garcia*
Erin Taylor Garinger
Davina M. Garrett
Sandrine Gashema*
Cimone Amara Gass
Angelina Cameron Gassaway
Edegomae Gayle
Jeffrey S. Geltman
Alexandra Maria Gervasi*
Kathleen Louise Getaz
Nuha Ghanem
Alexandra Giampietro
Julia Jordan Gilleece
Tara Anne Glancy*
Jakeia A. Goff*
Helen Gomez
Mariana Gomez*
Olivia Gomez
Brenda Gonzalez*
Mitzy Fernanda Gonzalez-Tello
Kayla Mona’e Gordon*
Shakania Anne Goss
Tawayna Yevette Green
Brandon Griffiths*
Lisa Grisafi
Shannon Nicole Groff*
Mark R. Guido
Daniel Cube Gunn
Jatzary Gutierrez
Eric Guttridge
Lindsay Irene Hamel
Niquia Sharee Harris*
Riley James Harris*
Kareemah Abree Harris-Baker
Kimberly D. Hart*
Meghan Hartford
Salma Wagdyfaridmohamed Hassanin I*
Isabelle Marina Hawkes I*
Kavaughna Najla Henry
Kya Henry
Shara Maria Hernandez
Tonya Elizabeth Hernandez*
Fabiola Selene Herrera*
Parker Himley
Rachel Louise Hodge*
Cassidy Cecilia Hoff*
Kerri Grace Holden
Bethany Holder
Qianna N. Holloway*
Robyn Marie Holt*
Kimberly L. Hopkins
Naja S. Houston
Shane Michael Hughes
Calvin Chaksan Hui
Elizabeth Anne Hunter
Rani Y. Ihn
Luis Antonio Irizarry
Tiera S. Jackman
Thomasina Jackson
Leo James Joergensen
Latonya Johnson
Morgan Taylor Johnson
Ciara Janice Jones
Emily Elizabeth Jones
Latoyah Naisha Jones*
Nicole Jones
Yesenia Z. Juarez
Jordan Alexis Juengert*
Yosef Amichai Kagedan
Tanya Kansal*
Ria Vishal Karangutkar
Julia Ruth Katz
Isabel Shana Kaufman
Brynn Lauren Kelley
Rebecca Belle Kestenbaum
Zohar Kfir*
Samuel Barnard King Jr.*
Leanne Emily Knieriem*
Patrick K. Knowles
Laura F. Kondracki*
Dionne M. Konteh
Taylor Rose Koster
Kira Celeste Kozachek
Alanis Michaela Krikorian
Brianna Nicole Kulick*
Samantha Elizabeth Kulpa
Tzipora Chana Kushner*
Naomi Chaya Kutin
Simon Louis Lacombe
Emily Lam
Michelle M. Lama
Jada Marie Larrea
Lex Lawrence
Megan Sara Leap
Ryan Andrew Legendre
Ornela Lekaj*
Virginia Lewis*
Erin Christina Leyden
Carrie Lin
Kristina Lindberg
Mackenzie Marie Ling
Sherika Melanie London
Ivenny Damaris Lopez
Kaitlin Ann Lord
Dednika Louisthelmy
Melissa J. Loupos*
Shuxuan Lu*
Emily Jane Lugardo*
Allison Luton
Amanda Regan Lyons
Jensen Ida Macaulay
Manasa Magesh
Sam Mandara
Julianna Rose Mann
Fredrik Char Mansfield
Johanna Martinez
Camilla Marzella
Elizabeth Clare Mascone
Betty Abigail Mata
Robyn Paris Mate*
Chyanna Lanise Matthews
Miracle Renee Matthews
Emily Maya Matty
Valerie L. Maung
Sarah N. Mayer*
Lloyd E. Maynard II*
Monika Sheel McCarthy
Patrick Michael McCarthy
Courtney E. McCottry*
Mattison Lynn McCurry
Erica McDonald
Kayla Nicole Christina McDonald
Thomas Mangan McDonough*
Brendaliz McGinnis
Brianna Rose McLaughlin
Veerja M. Mehta
Tyler Thomas Meitzler
Katelynn Mejia
Emily Marie Melendez
Marissa Ann Mendez*
Irene Mensah*
Andrea S. Merino
Tylah Chante Milo
Joselyn Andrea Miranda
Renee Elizabeth Mizerek*
Madeleine Nichole Montero
Makenzie Grace Moore
Lissette Antonia Morales*
Wendy Morales
Matthew Moran
Jennifer Moranchel
Arianna Joyce Morea
Nina Morgenlander
Emily Rose Munn
Stephanie Munoz
Erika Grace Murray
Angelina Nicole Mustillo*
Thomas Napoli
Aparna Natarajan
Lindsey Renee Nebel
Alyssa Nesci*
Annette Christine Netta
Aresha Glendell Newcombe
Carita Seu Hei Ng
Eva Niemira
Anel Yaritza Nieto-Aguilar
Yanelle Illyana Nieves*
Chiemela Nwanosike*
Michelle Brianna O’ Leary
Oluwatoni Odefemi
Olukayode A. Ogunmefun*
Boluwatife Olufunmilayo Ojotu
Yewande Olowe*
Ifeoma Onwuka*
Nicole Marie Orellana
Nicole D. Orzechowski
Sara Nicole Oscilowski*
Lorraine Pace*
Allison Palmeri
Brianna Marie Panarello
Meilani J. Pang
Karman Kaur Pannu
Olivia Rose Paone
Benjamin Andrew Paretti*
Jina Romi Park
Matthew Daeyung Park*
Rachael Lien Parker
Prachi P. Patel
Andrea Jo Patrick*
Abbyann Allynn Pearce*
Onecia Pearce
Kellan Peck
Mariuxi Penafiel
Gabrielle J. Perez*
Reina Sadie Perez
Litzy Nicol Perez Osornio
Emily Elizabeth Perry
Anna Connelly Peterson
Rayanna Antonay Peterson*
Sheyla Melissa Piana
Danielle Pombo
Nana Powell
Ciara Moné Price
Douglas S. Pritchard
Melanie M. Progar
Katrina Pucciarelli
Cynthia Nicole Quiñones*
Katherine Erin Rabiecki
Kayla Ramos
Taharqa Osiris Ramses
Jasmin Tyanna Rankins
Reniv Ravi*
Vinita Rawat*
Zaria Iman-Mayre Rawls
Abigail Jane Rayner*
Alexander V. Razzetti III
Jacqueline F. Reccoppa
Avani Ali Reed
Celeste Elaine Reed
Alexander Reisser
Yanieliz Edith Reyes*
Alexa C. Rial
Ashley Isabel Rios
Amy Elizabeth Rivas
Stephanie Yairis Rivera*
Elizabeth Brianna Roberts
Shirleece R. Roberts-Jackson*
Alisson Nicole Rodrigues
Miralba Michelle Rodriguez
Yosmar Rodriguez*
Linda Rashel Rodriguez Alvarez
Clecy Madlangbayan Romen
Danielle Ross
Kenya Danielle Roulhac
Brittany Eleanor Russell
Mina Elizabeth Ryan
Raymond Paul Saada
Madelyn Rene Sabino
Alexa Sanchez
Karen L. Sanikidze
Sinthia Sarathy
Anandi Sarkar
Melissa Arin Sartorius
Michael Marvin Satterfield*
Erin Jean Sauer*
Erika Nidia Saverino*
Arielle Schechtman*
Danielle Rose Schwartz
Megan Ann Scogno*
Rosemary Sengul*
Yerania Senturk
Joseph Francis Severino
Kelly Nicole Sewall
Anna Shaffer
Jaclyn Faye Shapiro
Victoria Lynn Sharp
Marilyn E. Shaughnessy
Donyae Shelton
Ian Shen
Hannah N. Shepherd
Taylor Renee Sheppard*
Sasha Arianna Shields
Kendra Jane Shumway*
Nicole Renee Sichenze*
Melina D. Sickles
Tatiana Santos Silva*
Victoria Silva
Keimy Karina Silva Ponce
Fatima Zahra Sindhu
Katerina Lillian Sklodowsky*
Brianna Sleight
Matthew Ryan Smith
Shannon P. Smith*
Rina Soffer
Kens Solages
Kierra Christine Sorhaindo
Erik Sosa*
Laura St. Onge
Adara Beth Stein
Alicia Marie Stephenson
Olivia Stock
Jared Marcus Strang
April Stricker
Jeannette Suarez*
Yenny Suriel
Elizabeth Marie Sweet
Emma M. Taff
Alissa S. Talbert
Courtney Tarter
Sandra P. Tate
Grace A. Taylor
Emily Mae Tessier
Abigail Elizabeth Thalacker
Ava Renee Thigpen*
Nivedhitha Thiruvenkadam
Taylor Thomas
Nahtonya Masha Thompson
Darryn Joseph Tierney
Caroline Gwenyth Toto
Jasmin Trenfield
Caitlin Rebecca Trotter*
Valeria Ruth Trujillo Loo
Ta’Miyah Antoinette Tucker
Kimberly B. Tweedle*
Julianne Rose Ulmer
Cristian A. Urriola-Pinto
Saeid Vahidi
Tatwa Ketan Vaidya
Elvia Valdez Gonzalez
Olga Vanessa Valencia
Rosalynn Valette*
Catherine Ann Van Sprang
Jayda Nancy Vasquez
Scarlet Ramona Vásquez
Genesis Erin Vasquez-Peralta
Carolina Evelyn Vega
Amanda Rose Ventre
Jessica Verga
Evelyn Villa-Carrasco
Gabriela Villanueva
Charles Zurich Vizthum
Elyssa Volk
Joseph Wade
Anne Elizabeth Wadleigh
Jada S. Wagner
Jhosayra Waldo
Julianna Cristina Walsh*
Jean P. Walter
Peter Walter
Raymond Christopher Walz
Jessica Michaelena Waranis
Alexia Kathleen Wargacki
David Weber*
Michelle Cristine Weir
Skylar Cierra Werner*
Aniyah Emani White
Joy T. White*
Nicolle Annmarie White*
Shantel S. Williams
Toya M. Williams
Grace Elizabeth Willitts Dunlap
Mary Katherine Winkelspecht
Megan Suzzy Wolff*
Jocelyn Shirley Wong-Castellano*
Ashley Imani Wyatt*
Mengting Yang
Benjamin Musleah Yavelberg
Grace Yip
Matthew Qizhen Yu
Michael Herbach Zahler
Saturday Zammit
Naomi Michelle Zaretsky
* January 2025 graduate
Candidate list is correct as of April 28, 2025.
M.S.W. STUDENTS WITHIN 9 CREDITS OF DEGREE COMPLETION
Aminah Adams
Olga Afanaseva
Ihinosen Akhagba
Hailey Alles
Kristina Amerikaner
Terra Applegate
Stella Balbino Pizzol
Alexa Bartalotta
Eli Beck
Brittney Benjamin
Sarah Berger
Kywani Best
Mary Breny
Lydia Brown
Kenny Casado
Edna Castillo
Wendolyn Castrillon
Erin Catillo
Evena Cenesca
Natalia Chatman
Erika Cheh
Claudia Choi
Julie Colon
Kelsey Craven
Kara Criniti
Rachel Cronin
Kelli Crosta
Angel Cruz
Sierra Cruz
Essence Davis
Elizabeth De Jong
Michelle Deputy
Bryce Dever
Nakia Dixon
Norah Dolan
Arianna Douglas
Victoria Dydek
Caroline Eby
Linda Elliott
Dori Ellowitch
Stephanie Enoch
Merve Eraslan
Valerie Espinal
Jacqueline Fay
Melissa Fischer
Danielle Frank
Lorelly Frias
Aneesah Friday
Melanie Gamache
Jason Geter
Roxanne Geurin
Yoharis Gil-Sosa
Britain Godfrey
Jessica Grabania
Alexa Gudiel
Sherilyn Haddock
William Hancock
Kaitlin Hand
Mhana Harfouche
Jennie Hassfeld
Yvonne Hernandez
Bailey Herr
Chandra Hira
Rebecca Horner
Jennifer Hughes
Adia Humrich-Sexton
Kristen Hunter
Katie Ireland
Tennille Jordan
Kamila Karwowski
Jaalah Kenney
Narendra Khichi
Diana Khoury
Woobin Kim
Paige Kindel
Angela King-Brown
Tyler Kingfield
Marliese Knill
Daniel Konovalov
Rebecca Labadie
Shania Langford
Amanda Larson
Anastasia Latassa
Danielle Lawrence-Cohen
Suk Yun Lee
Nadia Lescott-Porter
Margot Lichtenthal
Kaela Lindsay
Ryan Long
Rebecca Luciano
Matthew Lynn
Elizabeth Magyarits
Jennifer Mandato
Ashley Martin
Shaila McEady
Dana McGee
Nariah McKnight
Kiana Melendez
Helen Menase
Danny Middleton
Anna Dominique Miranda
Meghan Moore
Morgan Morris
Stephanie Munoz Wells
Claire Murphy
Jennifer Murphy
Carly Nichols
Megan Nieto
Isabella Nieves
Amy Nunez
Steven Olshin
Megan Oswald
Johanna Otero
Priyanka Parker
Alexa Perez
Michael Perez
Catherine Phan
Tyler Picone
David Pileggi
Jennifer Polanco
Dwayne Porchea
Claressa Price
Alexandria Raffa
Julia Ramirez
Victoria Riccelli
Jessica Rivera
Katherine Rivera Sepulveda
Starr Rochelle
Tia Rodgers
Alexandria Rosania
Daniela Sadorf
Shannon Schierenbeck
Laura Schneider
Samantha Scott
Nicole Shah
Munazzah Shahbaaz
Anushka Sindhu
Megan Slattery
Mya Smith
Yolise Sosa
Emma Sparks
Brittany Sydnor
Brianne Tavarez
Seng Khien Tee
Dawn Thompson
Jasmine Torres
CAMDEN CAMPUS
Luke Baillie
Robert Brady
Danielle Brown
Avery Bryson
Vanity Crenshaw
Grey Cubano
Julia Decosta
Tamika Deshields
Birlly Disla
Zachary Turtola
Bryce Ulmer
Eugenia Vasquez Arango
Ashley Vitale
Morgan Vorndran
Jordan Warner
Hans Wendlandt
Alexia Williams
Jessica Williams
Tyra Williams
Jordan Wohl
Ashley Wong
Kathryne Woodyard-Grady
Asia Young
Maryana Zhyvachivska
2025 B.A.S.W. GRADUATES
Ayanah Martinez
Cara McGuire
Sade Miller
Yokari Peralta Torres
Lisa Perez
Rosa Perez
Danielle Proto
Marcia Roots*
Stephanie Rumpf
Ana Leticia Faria Menezes E. Silva
Ysabel Frempong
Yelitza Garcia
Kenneth Garrett
Kerry-Ann Graham
Amy Hibbard*
Damita Holmes*
Megan Hulsey
Abdulqaad Ingram
Alyssa Kueny
Kristy Manzo
NEW BRUNSWICK CAMPUS
Stephany B. Aimarino
Akeliah I. Alfred**
Lauren Almeida
Kyle Hendrix S. Banzon
Angelica A. Canales
Kelly Schaffer
Yasmeen Simmons
Amanda Smith
Kalie Thomas
Rosario Tlapa-Baez
Georgia Turner
Niesha Twyman
An’Tonio Vadell
Nicol Vargas Pena
Asia Yarbrough
Envy Young
Alison J. Convery-Johnson
Gianna M. Coppotelli
Junaiyaah S. Cosmay
Kayleigh M. Craver
Monika P. Cunningham
Clementina R. Deleonardis
Ashley N. Dinten
Amanda G. Eschert
Melissa Esposito
Winifer Felix-Rivas
Rebecca M. Finkel
Janiyah M. Flagg
Ariana I. Flores
Jasmine Franklin
Jack T. Friar
Angelica C. Fucito
Sofia Gallo-Aldana
Jakcel Garcia
Rhode-Taina G. Gardere
Iyanna I. Garrastegui
Princess-Zoe O. Godwin
Stephanie Gomez-Vanegas
Angela Gonzalez
Jailyn C. Gonzalez
Erika Gonzalez-Barragan
Maria Granizo
David M. Gravagna
Brianna J. Grubbs
Ashley N. Hall
Eddilanny Hernandez Delgado
Shekinah C. Hightower
Stephanie J. Huembes
Naomi D. Hunt
Alexia C. Imburgia
Alexandra R. Januzzi-Thomas
Kayla N. Kendrick
Jada M. Kennedy
Lyba Khurshid
Kyle A. Kozak
Sara K. La Mantia
Natalie D. Machavariani
Aldo A. Martinez
Allyson R. McCann
Katelyn A. McConnell
Connie L. Mitchell
Najilah M. Muhammad
Julia R. Najarian
Lindsey Nunez
Shaelynn E. Pelusio
Natalies G. Perez**
Ava Pirri
Louis J. Polise
Melanie C. Reynoso**
Kaden Riznyk*
Selena Rocha-Garcia
Bayley E. Roehrig
Vanesa C. Sanchez
Nina F. Santiago
Mackenzie C. Santoro
Kelssie L. Sarkar
Mustapha I. Sesay**
Jayda L. Sharp
Haley G. Shaw
Brigid E. Sieke
Suliyat T. Suara
Julia E. Sullivan
Samara Sutton
Matteo D. Szarka
Terrel Tan
Joseph T. Tortorici
Eesha Vijayakumar
Allan J. Viray
Casey M. Walter
Matthew T. Wickman
Kiwuani R. Williams
Martrecia D. Zoegar
* January 2025 graduate ** Potential August 2025 graduate
JOINT DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK AND PHILOSPHY
M.S.W. AND PH.D.
Nivedhitha Thiruvenkadam*
*M.S.W. Requirements Completed, Ph.D. Coursework in Progress
DUAL DEGREE IN LAW AND SOCIAL WORK
M.S.W./J.D.
Hannah Shepherd
Saturday Zammit
DUAL DEGREE IN DIVINITY AND SOCIAL WORK
M.S.W./M.DIV.
Uzunma Bell-Gam
Kathleen Getaz
Simon Lacombe
Fredrik Char Mansfield
DUAL DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL WORK
M.S.W./M.A. IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Gabriella Bordenabe
Alanis Krikorian
Camilla Marzella
Miracle Matthews Anushka Sindhu
Tatwa Vaidya
DUAL DEGREE IN PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL WORK
M.S.W./M.P.H.
Samuel King
Nariah McKnight
Zaria Rawls
DUAL DEGREE IN PUBLIC PLANNING AND SOCIAL WORK
M.S.W./M.P.P.
Katherine Barany
Genesis Vasquez-Peralta
Peter Walter
Eli Beck
Emily Bell
Veronica Campoverde
Loren Carvalho
Sarah Christensen
Tiera Jackman
Rebecca Kestenbaum
Samuel King
Aging and Health Certificate
Andrea Merino
Boluwatife Ojotu
Nicole Orzechowski
Kellan Peck
Ta’miyah Tucker
Olga Valencia
Naomi Zaretsky
Maryana Zhyvachivska
Silver honor cord
Latina/o/x Initiatives for Service, Training & Assessment Certificate
Carla Amendano
Glorymer Bello
Paola Benitez-Marquez
Victoria Caprello
Edna Castillo
Melina Castro
Astrid Chong
Mariel Cortez
Elizabeth De Jong
Elibeth Deleon Guzman
Maria Figueroa-Adorno
Jessie Garcia
Jessy Garcia
Mitzy Gonzalez
Alexa Gudiel
Jatzary Gutierrez
Joselyn Miranda
Wendy Morales
Stephanie Munoz
Stephanie Munoz Wells
Carly Nichols
Sheyla Piana
Jessica Rivera
Stephanie Rivera
Katherine Rivera Sepulveda
Miralba Rodriguez
Yosmar Rodriguez
Linda Rodriguez Alvarez
Karen Sanikidze
Melina Sickles
Keimy Silva Ponce
Valeria Trujillo Loo
Genesis Vasquez-Peralta
Evelyn Villa-Carrasco
Gabriela Villanueva
Black, white and gold honor cord
Certificate in Promoting Child & Adolescent Well-Being
Jaida Alston
Isabella Arenas
Julianna August
Sanaa Bentley
Fauziya Bukari
Catherine Burnett
Ashley Mae Catibog
Aryan Chokshi
Kennelle Correa
Micaela Crines
Naomi Engelhard
Layana Farrar
Bianca Ferrante
Alejandra Figueroa
Faith Fischetti
Angelina Gassaway
Shakania Goss
Lindsay Hamel
Lex Lawrence
Patrick McCarthy
Kayla McDonald
Brianna McLaughlin
Madeleine Montero
Morgan Morris
Thomas Napoli
Lindsey Nebel
Anel Nieto-Aguilar
Michelle O’Leary
Reina Perez
Avani Reed
Celeste Reed
Alexander Reisser
Alisson Rodrigues
Yerania Senturk
Jaclyn Shapiro
Marilyn Shaughnessy
Brianna Sleight
Kierra Sorhaindo
Emma Sparks
Grace Taylor
Emily Tessier
Jasmin Trenfield
Amanda Ventre
Jessica Verga
Jada Wagner
Julianna Walsh
Jessica Waranis
Mengting Yang
Green honor cord
Certificate in Interpersonal Violence and Trauma
Aminah Adams
Olga Afanaseva
Efosa Agboola
Sophia Alexis
Hailey Alles
Ariel Batista
Uzunma Bell-Gam
Roberta Boaten
Gabriella Bordenabe
Jaziyah Brash
Krystal Brodus
Sheena Bucknor-Balkaran
Taylor Buenaga
Nubia Burgess-Henry
Victoria Callahan Giger
Erin Catillo
Isabel Cedeno
Emilie Chinchar
Anna Collazo
Alyssa Cossean
Kelsey Craven
Rachel Cronin
Angel Cruz
Sierra Cruz
Kjersti Culkin
Ashley Davidson
Karlie Deckert
Kimberly Delgado
Michelle Deputy
Priya Desai
Ebony Dickerson
Thais Do Lago Rodrigues
Caroline Eby
Kymberly Edwards
Katherine Ehrich Dowd
Valerie Espinal
Alexis Faulhaber
Nina Fedoryka
Yamile Figueroa
Mia Fincher
Amanda Fiore
Andrea Galeano
Cimone Gass
Britain Godfrey
Kaitlin Hand
Kimberly Hart
Rebecca Horner
Calvin Hui
Elizabeth Hunter
Latonya Johnson
Julia Katz
Brynn Kelley
Zohar Kfir
Laura Kondracki
Amanda Larson
Suk Yun Lee
Virginia Lewis
Jensen Macaulay
Elizabeth Magyarits
Chyanna Matthews
Emily Matty
Erica McDonald
Veerja Mehta
Jennifer Murphy
Aparna Natarajan
Isabella Nieves
Karman Pannu
Olivia Paone
Rachael Parker
Alexa Perez
Gabrielle Perez
Litzy Perez Osornio
Rayanna Peterson
David Pileggi
Alexander Razzetti
Yanieliz Reyes
Amy Rivas
Mina Ryan
Madelyn Sabino
Melissa Sartorius
Danielle Schwartz
Victoria Silva
Rina Soffer
Laura St. Onge
Alicia Stephenson
Elizabeth Sweet
Brianne Tavarez
Dawn Thompson
Kimberly Tweedle
Cristian Urriola-Pinto
Scarlet Vasquez
Carolina Vega
Alexia Williams
Kathryne Woodyard-Grady
Purple honor cord
Addiction Counselor Training Certificate
Richard Anderson
Paul Baffoe
Lily Beatty
Caroline Becker
Amaya Chawla
Jessica Cleaver
Elizabeth Colao
James Cowperthwait
Jessica Dakhno
Andrea De La Cruz
Sydney Fitanidis
Daniel Gunn
Meghan Hartford
Ria Karangutkar
Michelle Lama
Sam Mandara
Elizabeth Mascone
Jacqueline Reccoppa
Anandi Sarkar
Matthew Smith
Erik Sosa
Jared Strang
Courtney Tarter
Caroline Toto
Michelle Weir
Matthew Yu
White honor cord
Human Services Management Certificate
Jazmine Acevedo
Sophia Alexis
Stephanie Bamfo
Katherine Barany
Uzunma Bell-Gam
Gina Marie Bellon
Paola Benitez-Marquez
Ian Borralho
Victoria Caprello
Isabel Cedeno
Anna Collazo
Imani Cooke
Abigail Degarmo
Isabella Donnelly
Naomi Engelhard
Layana Farrar
Maria Figueroa-Adorno
Jessie Garcia
Erin Garinger
Edegomae Gayle
Kathleen Getaz
Tawayna Green
Mhana Harfouche
Leo Joergensen
Ciara Jones
Brynn Kelley
Dionne Konteh
Lex Lawrence
Ryan Long
Kaitlin Lord
Matthew Lynn
Meghan Moore
Nina Morgenlander
Jina Park
Alexander Reisser
Miralba Rodriguez
Munazzah Shahbaaz
Donyae Shelton
Hannah Shepherd
Sasha Shields
Kens Solages
Olivia Stock
Nivedhitha Thiruvenkadam
Darryn Tierney
Jasmin Trenfield
Elvia Valdez Gonzalez
Genesis Vasquez-Peralta
Charles Vizthum
Peter Walter
Jessica Waranis
Michael Zahler
Saturday Zammit
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK B.A.S.W.
STUDENT ASSOCIATION
Graduating Executive Council Members
Camden Chapter
Avery Brown – President
Amanda Smith – Secretary
Georgia Turner – Treasurer
Envy Young – Public Relations
New Brunswick Chapter
Natalie Machavariani – Vice President
Junaiyaah Cosmay – Treasurer
V. DuWayne Battle, M.S.W., M.Div., D.Min., Ph.D., Professor of TeachingFaculty Advisor
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK M.S.W.
STUDENT ASSOCIATION
Graduating Executive Council Members
Mitzy Gonzalez-Tello – Chair
Megan Wolff – Communications Representative
Stephanie Bamfo – Management & Policy Representative
Toya Williams – Clinical Representative
Ashley Rios – Intensive Weekend Program Representative
Kaitlin Hand – Online Program Representative
Sanaa Bentley – Newark Campus Representative
Chantaya King, M.S.W., Academic Advisor and M.S.W. Student Association Advisor
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
Sandra Edmonds Crewe, M.S.W., Ph.D., A.C.S.W.
Sojourner Truth Social & Racial Justice Visiting Professor
Sandra Edmonds Crewe, MSW, Ph.D., ACSW, is dean emerita and professor at the Howard University School of Social Work. Dr. Crewe currently serves as the FY 24-25 Sojourner Truth Social and Racial Justice Visiting Professor at Rutgers University School of Social Work. She has dedicated her career and life to enhancing the well-being of African Americans through research, scholarship, and public advocacy.
Dr. Crewe holds her BSW and MSW degrees from the Catholic University National Catholic School of Social Service and her Ph.D. in social work from Howard University. She currently serves on the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust and has held leadership positions in public and assisted housing in Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, Maryland.
Dr. Crewe has expertise and publications in caregiving, aging, social isolation, and community engagement and is a National Association of Social Work (NASW) Pioneer.
FACULTY
Ayse Akincigil, M.A., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Edward J. Alessi, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Professor and Director of the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) Program
Mary Beth Ali, M.S.W.
Assistant Professor of Teaching
Vivien (Wen Li) Anthony, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Victoria Banyard, M.A., Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor and Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
V. DuWayne Battle, M.S.W., M.Div., D.Min., Ph.D.
Professor of Teaching, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education and Director of the Baccalaureate (BASW)Program, New Brunswick
Danielle Beatty Moody, M.A., Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chancellor’s Scholar for Inclusive Excellence in Multilevel Racism and Life Span Health
Douglas Behan, M.S.W., D.S.W.
Associate Professor of Professional Practice and Director of Continuing Education
Natalie Bembry, M.A., M.S.W., Ed.D.
Assistant Professor of Teaching and Director of the Baccalaureate (BASW)Program, Camden
Mariann Bischoff, M.S., M.S.W.
Assistant Professor of Teaching and Management and Policy Practicum Learning Specialist
Marla Blunt-Carter, M.S.W.
Associate Professor of Professional Practice for Political Social Work
Emily Adlin Bosk, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Qiana L. Brown, M.S.W., M.P.H., Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Elsa Candelario, M.S.S.W., Ph.D.
Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the Latina/o/x Initiatives for Service, Training, and Assessment (L.I.S.T.A.) Certificate Program
Christine Chapais, M.S.W.
Assistant Professor of Teaching and Director of Online MSW Programs
Ryon Cobb, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Chancellor-Provost’s Scholar for Inclusive Excellence in Research on Black Americans
Sandra Edmonds Crewe, M.S.W, Ph.D. Sojourner Truth Social & Racial Justice Visiting Professor
Stephen Crystal, M.A., Ph.D. Distinguished Research Professor
Laura Cuesta, M.A., Ph.D. Associate Professor
Julia Cusano, M.S.W., Ph.D. Assistant Research Professor
Maxine Davis, M.S.W., M.B.A., Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Chancellor-Provost’s Scholar for Inclusive Excellence in Intimate Partner Violence Prevention & Intervention
Rebecca T. Davis, M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the Office of Global Social Work Programs
Ryan DiMeglio, M.S.W. Teaching Instructor and Co-Director of the Addiction Counselor Training (A.C.T.) Certificate Program
Richard L. Edwards, A.M., Ph.D. Distinguished University Professor, Dean Emeritus and Chancellor Emeritus, Rutgers – New Brunswick
Antoinette Y. Farmer, M.S., Ph.D. Professor, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Adrian Gale, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
FACULTY
E. Goldblatt Hyatt, M.S.W., M.B.E., D.S.W. Associate Professor for Reproductive Rights and Director of the Doctorate of Social Work (D.S.W.) Program
Emily A. Greenfield, M.S., Ph.D. Professor and Director of the Hub for Aging Collaboration
Anna Haley, M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Professor
Caroline Harmon-Darrow, M.S.W, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Bernardo Hiraldo, M.S.W. Assistant Professor of Teaching, Associate Director of Practicum Learning and Camden Campus Coordinator
Chien-Chung Huang, M.S.W., Ph.D. Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty Development
Tawanda L. Hubbard, M.S.W., D.S.W. Associate Professor of Professional Practice
Ashley Jackson, M.S.W., Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Rachel John, M.S.W., M.P.H., Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Chancellor-Provost’s Scholar for Inclusive Excellence for Immigrant and Refugee Health
Michael Myungkook Joo, M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Professor
Woojin Jung, M.S.W., M.P.P, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Christine E. Kephart, Ph.D. Teaching Instructor of Writing, D.S.W. Program
Rupa Khetarpal, M.A., M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Professor of Teaching and Director of the Interpersonal Violence & Trauma (I.V.T.) Certificate Program
Joy Jeounghee Kim, M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Professor
Mark W. Lamar, M.S.W., M.B.A. Associate Professor of Professional Practice and and Executive Director of the Office of Practicum Learning
George S. Leibowitz, M.S.W, Ph.D. Dean and Distinguished Professor
Jack Lewis, M.S.W., D.S.W. Associate Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the Intensive Weekend M.S.W. Program
Jamey Lister, M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Professor
Angela Malorni, M.S.W., M.P.A., Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Katherine Marçal, M.S.W., Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Judith L. McCoyd, M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Professor and Associate Director of Doctoral Programs
Sarah McMahon, M.S.W., Ph.D. Professor, Director of the Center for Research on Ending Violence
Christine Morales, M.S.W., Ed.D. Assistant Professor of Teaching and Assistant Dean of Lecturer Support
Cory Morton, M.S.W., Ph.D. Assistant Research Professor
Felix Muchomba, M.P.H., Ph.D. Associate Professor
Lenna Nepomnyaschy, M.S.W., Ph.D. Professor
Lia Nower, J.D., Ph.D. Distinguished Professor, Associate Dean for Research, Director of the Center for Gambling Studies and Co-Director of the Addiction Counselor Training (A.C.T.) Certificate Program
FACULTY
Margaret O’Donoghue, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the Certificate on Child WellBeing (Ch.A.P.) Program
Michael Park, M.S., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Chancellor-Provost’s Scholar for Inclusive Excellence in Racial Minority Health
N. Andrew Peterson, M.A., Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor and Director of the Center for Prevention Science
Cathryn C. Potter, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor, Dean Emerita
Kristen Gilmore Powell, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Associate Research Professor and Associate Director, Center for Prevention Science
Chiara Sabina, M.A., Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Associate Director, Center for Research on Ending Violence and Chancellor’s Scholar for Inclusive Excellence in Interpersonal Violence Research
Tangela Sawyerr, M.S.W., M.A., D.S.W.
Assistant Professor of Teaching and Assistant Director of Student Affairs
Nancy Schley, M.S.W.
Assistant Professor of Teaching and Associate Director of Practicum Learning
Gina L. Sharpe, M.S.W.
Assistant Professor of Teaching and Assistant Director of Continuing Education
Cassandra Simmel, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of the Ph.D. Program
Karun Singh, M.S.W., Ph.D. Professor of Teaching
Lauren Snedeker, M.S.W., D.S.W
Assistant Professor of Teaching and Director of the Aging and Health (A&H) Certificate Program
Jackie F. Stanmyre, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Research Instructor and Assistant Director of the Center for Gambling Studies
Amy Strickler, M.S.W.
Assistant Professor of Teaching and Assistant Director of the Intensive Weekend Program
Trinay V. Thomas, M.S.W.
Assistant Professor of Teaching, Associate Director of Practicum Learning and Newark Campus Coordinator
Emmy Tiderington, M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Professor
Mark van der Maas, M.A., Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Grant Victor, M.S.W., Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Abigail Williams-Butler, M.S., M.S.W., Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Allison Zippay, M.S.W, Ph.D. Professor
Karen A. Zurlo, M.B.A., M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Professor
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
George S. Leibowitz, M.S.W., Ph.D. Dean
Antoinette Y. Farmer, M.S., Ph.D.
Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Chien-Chung Huang, M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Dean for Faculty Development
Lia Nower, Ph.D., J.D.
Associate Dean for Research and Director, Center for Gambling Studies
Sharon A. Fortin, M.H.R.M.
Associate Dean for Administration and Finance
V. DuWayne Battle, M.S.W., M.Div., D.Min., Ph.D.
Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education and Director, Baccalaureate (BASW) Program, New Brunswick
Arlene M. Hunter, M.A.
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Christine Morales, M.S.W., Ed.D. Assistant Dean for Lecturer Support
Laura A. DiMarcantonio, M.Ed., Ph.D. Assistant Dean for Admissions and Recruitment
Emily A. Greenfield, M.S., Ph.D. Director of the Hub for Aging Collaboration
Cassandra Simmel, M.S.W., Ph.D. Director, Ph.D. Program
E. Goldblatt Hyatt, M.S.W., M.B.E., D.S.W. Director, D.S.W. Program
Edward J. Alessi, M.S.W., Ph.D. Director, Master of Social Work Program
Christine Chapais, M.S.W. Director of Online M.S.W. Programs
Jack Lewis, M.S.W., D.S.W. Director of the Intensive Weekend M.S.W. Program
Natalie Bembry, M.S.W., M.A., Ed.D. Director, Baccalaureate Social Work Program (Camden)
Mark Lamar, M.S.W., M.B.A. Executive Director of Practicum Learning
Theresa McCutcheon, M.S.W., M.B.A. Director, Institute for Families
Rebecca Davis, M.S.W., Ph.D. Director, Office of Global Social Work Programs
N. Andrew Peterson, M.A., Ph.D. Director, Center for Prevention Science
Sarah McMahon, M.S.W., Ph.D. Director, Center for Research on Ending Violence
Samantha Michaele, B.A. Director of Business Services
Tibor Purger, M.A., M.S. Director of Information Technology
Laurie Zazenski, M.A. Director of Communications
FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS
Outstanding Professor in Clinical Specialization
Outstanding Professor in MAP Specialization
Outstanding Professor for Excellence in Inclusion, Intersectionality, Diversity, Equity and Advancement (IIDEA) Teaching
Outstanding Professor for Innovative and Creative Teaching
Most Supportive Professor
Outstanding Lecturer
Outstanding Doctoral Student Teaching in the BASW or MSW Programs
Most Supportive Staff Award
OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARDS
Dissertation Award
Outstanding MSW Student in the Clinical Specialization
Outstanding MSW Student in the MAP Specialization
Outstanding MSW Student in the Online Program
Outstanding MSW Student in the Intensive Weekend Program
Outstanding MSW Student in the Blended Program
Outstanding MSW Student Studying in Camden
Outstanding MSW Student Studying in Newark
Outstanding MSW Student Studying in New Brunswick
Outstanding Student in the Camden BASW Program
Outstanding Student in the New Brunswick BASW Program
Brian C. Wright Social Work Award
These students were nominated for an Outstanding B.A.S.W. Student Award
Angelica Canales
Tamisha Deshields
Kenneth Garrett
Jailyn Gonzalez
Megan Hulsey
Amanda Smith
Matteo Szarka
These students were nominated for an Outstanding M.S.W. Student Award
Jazmine Acevedo
Sophia Alexis
Anisa Ali
Prince Alvarado
Kathleen Bailie
Stella Balbino Pizzol
Katherine Barany
Lily Beatty
Ava Bejgrowicz
Robert Bell
Uzunma Bell-Gam
Gina Marie Bellon
Paola Benitez-Marquez
Sanaa Bentley
Odalis Bonilla-Acosta
Gabriella Bordenabe
Ian Borralho
Victoria Callahan Giger
Isabel Cedeno
Megan Chivate
Anna Collazo
Katelyn Cook
Imani Cooke
James Cowperthwait
Jamie Cramer
Micaela Crines
Rachel Cronin
Angel Cruz
Kayla Daley
Jessica Empestan
Naomi Engelhard
Alexis Faulhaber
Jacqueline Fay
Andrea Fernandes
Maria Figueroa-Adorno
Jessie Garcia
Kaitlin Hand
Latonya Johnson
Julia Katz
Brynn Kelley
Patrick Knowles
Michelle Lama
Ryan Long
Patrick McCarthy
Shaila McEady
Brianna McLaughlin
Joselyn Miranda
Madeleine Montero
Nicole Orzechowski
Matthew Park
Mariuxi Penafiel
Ashley Rios
Amy Rivas
Jessica Rivera
Linda Rodriguez Alvarez
Melissa Sartorius
Nicole Shah
Keimy Silva Ponce
Ta’Miyah Tucker
Cristian Urriola-Pinto
Jessica Waranis
Skylar Werner
Toya Williams
Michael Zahler
Saturday Zammit
HISTORY AND MISSION OF THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
Established in 1954, the School of Social Work at Rutgers has a distinguished record of instruction, research, and public service. Classes were first offered during the Depression to meet the state’s need for social workers.
Today, the School offers undergraduate and graduate professional degree programs, serving the Camden, Newark, and New Brunswick campuses, and is affiliated with more than 800 social service agencies throughout the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area. The School offers five dual degrees: MSW/MA in Criminal Justice, MSW/MPH with the School of Public Health, MSW/MPP with the School of Public Planning, MSW/JD with the Rutgers Law School, and MSW/M.Div. with the Princeton Theological Seminary, as well as a joint MSW/Ph.D. degree.
The School’s mission is to develop and disseminate knowledge through social work research, education, and training that promotes social and economic justice and strengthens individual, family, and community well-being in this diverse and increasingly global environment of New Jersey and beyond.
Special attention is given to the development of educational programs and community partnerships that respect and enhance the rich diversity of the population of New Jersey. This includes concern about the poor, the oppressed, those vulnerable to discrimination or injustice, and other at-risk groups.
In 2018, the accreditation of the School of Social Work was reaffirmed through the year 2026.
Alumni Quotient
What’s your score?
Congratulations, graduate! You are now an official member of the School of Social Work alumni community, a group of over 17,000 social work professionals living across the globe. To earn your highest alumni quotient (AQ), use this list to start your life-long connection with the School.
Have you reached your full AQ (alumni quotient)?
Calculate your AQ score by taking part in the following ways:
o Share your convocation day photos with the hashtag #RUSSW2025.
o Update your contact information at alumni.rutgers.edu/connect/update-your-info
o Make a gift in honor of what you loved at the SSW: a professor, a class, or program at socialwork.rutgers.edu/giving
o Follow us on social media (@RutgersSSW) and join the conversation at #RutgersSSW.
o Enroll in a continuing education class to earn your professional CEUs by visiting socialwork.rutgers.edu/ce.
o Send a class note to lzazenski@ssw.rutgers.edu to be included in the next alumni magazine.
Visit the NASW-NJ table in the lobby today.
THE ACADEMIC REGALIA
The wearing of academic garb dates back to the early days of the oldest universities in the world. In the American Council on Education’s book entitled American Universities and Colleges, it is suggested that “Gowns may have been counted necessary for warmth in the unheated buildings frequented by medieval scholars. Hoods seem to have served to cover the tonsured head...”
Throughout the years, European universities have continued to show great diversity in their academic dress. American universities, on the other hand, when they decided to adopt academic dress, immediately established a code of regulations that today is followed by almost all American institutions. The establishment of this code has made it possible to distinguish the bachelors, masters, and doctors and, at the same time, recognize the university that has given them the degree.
Gowns: The bachelor’s gown has pointed sleeves and is worn closed. The master’s gown, worn open or closed, has oblong sleeves, the front part of which frequently is cut away at the elbow. The doctor’s gown has bell-shaped sleeves. It is worn open or closed. Cotton poplin or similar materials is used for the bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and rayon or silk ribbed material is used for the doctor’s degree.
At Rutgers, members of the Board of Governors and Board of Trustees, as well as those who hold a doctoral degree from the university, wear the Rutgers gown, which is scarlet with black velvet front panels framed on the outer edge with gold cord braid. The velvet panels are embroidered with a crown and the year 1766 at the neck, signifying the university’s founding as one of the original colonial colleges under King George III of England.
Hoods: The hoods vary in size: 48 inches for the doctor’s degree, 42 inches for the master’s, and 36 inches for the bachelor’s. All hoods are lined in silk in the academic color or colors of the institution conferring the degree. If the institution has more than one color, the colors are shown in divisions using chevrons. The binding or edge of the hood is usually made of velvet in the color designating the subject in which the degree was granted.
Below is a list of some of the faculty colors as prescribed by the Intercollegiate Code for the binding of the hood:
Agriculture / Maize Law / Purple Arts, Letters, Humanities / White Library Service / Lemon Business Administration, Commerce / Drab Medicine / Green City and Regional Planning / Brown Music / Pink Communication and Information Nursing / Apricot Studies / Gray Oratory-Speech / Silver Gray Economics / Copper Pharmacy / Olive Green Education / Light Blue Philosophy / Blue Engineering / Orange Physical Education / Sage Green Fine Arts, Architecture / Brown Public Administration / Peacock Blue Human Resources Management / Dusk Science / Golden Yellow Journalism / Dark Crimson Social Work / Citron Labor and Employment Relations / Peacock Blue Theology and Divinity / Scarlet
The color or colors of the lining of the hood for the nine colonial colleges are: scarlet, Rutgers; crimson, Harvard; green-gold-silver, William and Mary; blue, Yale; red-blue, Pennsylvania; orange-black, Princeton; light blue-white, Columbia; brown, Brown; and green-white, Dartmouth.
Caps: Black mortarboards or soft hats are worn for all degrees. The gold tassel signifies a doctoral degree.
Class of 2025 You did it!
With your Rutgers degree, you are joining a global network of more than 600,000 alumni.
Update your contact info today. It only takes a minute!
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