Rutgers School of Social Work 2024 Convocation Program

RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY

School of Social Work

CONVOCATION

MAY 2024

ORDER OF EXERCISES THE PROCESSIONAL

Majestic Brass Quintet

GONFALONIER

Michael C. LaSala, M.S.W., Ph.D. Professor

NATIONAL ANTHEM

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

DEAN’S GREETING

Richard L. Edwards, A.M., Ph.D. Interim Dean, Chancellor Emeritus and Distinguished University Professor

CHANCELLOR’S GREETING

Francine Conway, Ph.D. Chancellor and Distinguished Professor Rutgers University–New Brunswick

FACULTY AND STAFF HONORS AND AWARDS

Richard L. Edwards, A.M., Ph.D.

CONVOCATION SPEAKER

Susan Parish, M.S.W., Ph.D. President, Mercy University

PH.D. DISSERTATION AWARD

Cassandra Simmel, M.S.W., Ph.D. Director of the Doctoral (Ph.D.) Program and Associate Professor

PRESENTATION OF PH.D. DEGREE CANDIDATES

Cassandra Simmel, M.S.W., Ph.D.

PRESENTATION OF D.S.W. DEGREE CANDIDATES

E. Goldblatt Hyatt, M.S.W., M.B.E., D.S.W.

M.S.W. AWARDS

Patricia A. Findley, M.S.W., Dr.P.H. Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

STUDENT SPEAKER

Tymeera A. Freeman M.S.W. Class of 2024

PRESENTATION OF M.S.W. DEGREE CANDIDATES

Edward Alessi, M.S.W., Ph.D. Director of the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) Program and Associate 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. DEGREE CANDIDATES

V. DuWayne Battle, M.S.W., M.Div., D.Min., Ph.D.

CONVOCATION READER

Arlene M. Hunter, M.A. Assistant Dean for Student Affairs

FINAL COMMENTS

Richard L. Edwards, A.M., 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.

PH.D. GRADUATES October 2023 Catherine Buttner Dissertation Chair: Antoinette Farmer, M.S., Ph.D. Dissertation Title: Exploring Experiences of Intersectional Reproductive Justice Across The Lifespan for Assigned Female At Birth Black Women Michael Enich Dissertation Chair: N. Andrew Peterson, M.A., Ph.D. Dissertation Title: Identifying Homelessness in Medicaid Claims: A Mixed-Methods Approach Rutgers University and Louis Bevier Dissertation Completion Fellowship Recipient Rutgers Institute for Health Howard Leventhal Trainee Scholarship Recipient Addam Reynolds Dissertation Chair: Emily A. Greenfield, M.A., Ph.D. Dissertation Title: The Role of Social Positions In Associations Between Early-Life Circumstances And Cognitive Aging: A Work Towards Aging Equity January 2024 Alexandra Haralampoudis Dissertation Chair: Lenna Nepomnyaschy, M.S.W., Ph.D. Dissertation Title: Variation in State Tax Burden & Family Well-being Rutgers University Presidential Fellowship Recipient Alicia Mendez Dissertation Chair: Cassandra Simmel, M.S.W., Ph.D. Dissertation Title: The Intergenerational Transmission of Intrafamilial Sexual-Abuse Related Trauma: An Exploration of Family Stories Between Mothers And Children Raised As Daughters Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) Dissertation Award Recipient Member of the Rutgers University School of Social Work Doctoral Student Association Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Doctoral Student Committee Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Board Member and Doctoral Student at Large May 2024 Yafan Chen Dissertation Chair: Chien-Chung Huang, M.S.W., Ph.D. Dissertation Title: The Effects of Child Maltreatment and Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence on Child Behavioral Outcomes: An Examination of the Severity, Frequency, and Co-Occurrence Member of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Student Mentoring Sub-Committee Advisory Council Member for the Child Well-Being Research Network (CWRN)

2024 D.S.W. GRADUATES Sharon Lyn Bale-Peña Area of Focus: Mental Health in Schools

Crystal Dawn Mathews Area of Focus: Offering Hope for Veterans Experiencing Moral Injury

Erin M. Capone Area of Focus: Philanthropy and Social Justice

Scarlett Mera Area of Focus: The Role of Support Systems in Doctoral Education

Michelle Dodge Area of Focus: Post Separation Abuse and Violence

Jenna Lee Paparozzi Area of Focus: The Significance of Clinical Supervision in Social Work Practice and Client Care

Amy Geller Area of Focus: Clinical Social Work with Adolescent & Adult Adoptees Zan Haggerty Area of Focus: Gender Affirming Care and Suicidality Among Trans Adults Tanora Latreice Ligons Area of Focus: Exploring the Lived Experiences of African American Men in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment

Queenie Reda Area of Focus: Asian Mental Health and Access and Support to Underserved and Under Resourced Populations Tempestt Alexandra Williams Area of Focus: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture in Substance Use Treatment Lizet Zuñiga Area of Focus: Addressing the Needs of Educators Facing Challenges with Self-Care

2024 M.S.W. GRADUATES Georgiana Abdelmoety Amanda Nicole Acchione Sabrina D. Adabunu Julia T. Adamkiewicz Ashley Victoria Adams Ameah V. Adjobi* Diana Elizabeth Aguirre Dzifa Abla Ahadzi-Addawoo Elizabeth Barbara Ahr Sophia Rose Aiello Justine Alameda Lea Morgan Albarran Patricia Albino Alyssa Ali* Syeda Sakina Ali-Jaffry Angela Myéisha Allen Tangela Allen*

Deven Miguel Alvarez Odalys Arias* Jeffrey Arnold Idalizes Asgarali Karen Jean Avitabile-Casas Rahat Azim* Tia Sharese Babb Le'tisha Badger Elizabeth Kristen Baginski* Rachel Balser Reana Janet Barakakos Laura Siyi Barber Marissa Sierra Barbosa Khadijah Barchue Sasha Barias* Elizabeth M Barone Erica Marie Barron*

Emily Marilyn Barth Whitney Jeanne Bashor* Eva Maria Becerra Ace Begu Viktoriya Bell Sarah Joyce Betros* Marissa Rose Beyer Marina Emad Bishara Michelle R. Blair Patricia Bober Jenna Lynn Bonstein Jan Molony Bookwalter Caitlin Michele Bopp Briana D. Borges Joshua Antonio Bouson Diane Bower* Rachel Elisabeth Boyce Gabrielle M. Boykins Aimée Françoise Brill Maxwell R. Broggi-Sumner Akeem D. Brown* Amanda Bruno* Madison N. Bunn Unique Tamilah Bunn Candice Marie Burgess Ny'Asia Adaya Bussie Brielle Rae Bustamante Isatis Cabrera* Nadine M. Cadavez* Maritza Caguana Isabella Evadney Callender* Crystal Camacho Kellie Nicole Camarda Kadaisha Cameron Amanda Ray Cao Juliana Elizabeth Cardarelli Nyajia Carlos* Laura Carr* Genevieve Carranza Olivia Mumford Carrara Andreina Castillo Nellybe Castillo Michelle Estefania Castruita Kevin John Caufield Carla Gabriela Cedeno Caraballo Julia Marie Celeste Tania Choudhury Ciara Civitello Kayana Akielia Clue

Izabella Ivy Coles Brian Jose Collado Rebecca Ann Collette* Kurstin Elizabeth Collins Christine Colombrita* Yahaira M. Colon Lauren Ann Conlon Robert Walter Cook Jr. Dorothy Naber Allen Cooke* Jodie Caroline Cornwell Jordan Crater Julia Marie Critchfield Debra Crossman Tara Maria Cruz Shalaa Fatimah Cureton Adrianna Josephine Daddario Mckayla M. Dalton Nailani Sophia Daniel* Brooke D'Antonio Allyson Jordan Danyo Renee Vanet Darden Jessica Lauren Daubenberger Cara Gabrielle Daunno* Najah Tevya Davila-Griffin* Mary W. Davis Sandra Marie Davis Emma Nicole De Gennaro Dana Marie De Mola* Lilliana Pearl De Paul Isabella P. De Sousa Sally Anne De Vera Chiara A. DeCandia Claire Butler DeLong* Ashley Nichole DeMain Amanda Nicole Devaney* Jack Donnie DiMarco Gabriela Gisela Diaz* Stephanie E. Diaz Vincent Anthony Digioia-Laird Kadian Natasha Dillon* Sabrina Diwane Alan Dodd Brynn Kathleen Doherty Nicholas Ray Domanico Jr. Gianna Dominguez Odalis Dominguez Flores Cleonilde Nina Dominici* Kathleen Drake Bassirou Sheykhoul Drame

Nadine Brielle Driver* Sierra Drumbore Georgina P. Duker Johanna Rose Durazzi Donnajean Katharine Ebert Zacķ Elmaati Gina B. Elwassemmi Casidy Myiah Emile Dorotea Shanelle Enriquez Shelly Escobal Gianela E. Espinoza Sofia Rose Eugenio Gerdene Andrea Facey Angela Marie Fackina Jennifer E. Famulary Yael Feder Rebecca Claire Feld* Emma Feldhake Laura Maria Feliz Macario Altagracia Fernandez Susan M. Ferrante Hailey Marie Finocchio Alexandra Jean Flanders* Carly Elizabeth Flood Marielena Theresa-Mae Flores Julia Flum Challes L'ozile Foley Graceann Fontana* Jennifer Lucy Fowles* Margaret Joanna Beane Fox Paul Joseph Frabizzio Kedra K. Francis-Hampden Cleide Frank Abigale Renee Furey* Alyssa Rose Gagliardi* Joshua James Gallagher Jennifer N. Gallegos Selenne Arely Galvez Hernandez Belanna Gans Catherine Oyola Garcia Jacqueline Garcia Larissa Marie Garcia Sara Frances Garcia Cody Garrison* Larissa Denise Gatto Ruben* Marsha Gauntlett-Kirby Alyssa Marie Geczi Justine Gendy Amanda Marie Gerko*

Nicole A. Giancaspro* Delaney Brooke Gibbs Charles Giraldo Isabella Josephine Godish Sarah Anna Algazi Goldfield Maria Isabel Gómez Yilians Gonzalez Samson Josephine Gordon* Aaliyah Desireé Gordy-Evans Sydnie Goshin Maria Helena Grasso Shannon Noelle Gray Trinity Autmn Gray Kylie Elizabeth Greco Allison Victoria Gregory* Samantha Lynn Griffith Basya Gruber Kathleen Elizabeth Hale Deborah Halpern Kiera Arlene Hampton Shaconda Lizette Hargrove Katherine Lynn Harris* Kurt William Hartig Jr. Gina Denise Harvell Andryana Henao Ivanna Alexandra Heredia Nayely Rashell Hermida Ortiz Marco A. Hernandez Samiya Jani Heyward* Mulenğa Hibbert Tricia I. Hibbert Brandon J. Hickey Stacey Lynn Hill* Gina Nicole Hoffman* Deyanna N. Holmes Holly Leigh Honeywell Victoria Jenelle Horner Maria Paula Hoseit* Andrew D. Huff Elizabeth S. Hughes Quasan Jamil Hunter-Redmond* Tatyana Ikhelson Branden Javier Irving Makayla Elizabeth Jack Frank D. Jacob Brittani Simone James Donna L. Jenkins Hilary S. Jimenez* Kassandra Jimenez

Sherrvell Anjeliqué Johnson Sydney Joice-Casey Angela Michelle Jones Dai'shona Jones Tishawna Alisha Jones-Miller Branden Alexander Jorge Gabrielle Jiyeon Kang Jessica Michel Karger* Emily M. Karlowski* Zehra Kazi Gillian Maureen Kee Ellen T. Kelleher Summer Elizabeth Kellers Jenna Michelle Kelly Khaleya Javon Kelly Grace Anne Kenny* Chloe Hannah Kent Liam Kerwin Grace Haemin Kim Aprill King* Chanel King* Thomas Kinloch Giorgina M. Kirner Rachel J. Kitchen Nina Stephanie Klimko Emily Morgan Knight* Jacob Christopher Kopach Emily Casey Kotarski Jacqueline Keegan Krantz Coco W. Kuebler Danielle M. Kuhn Olamide Comfort Kunle-Lawanson Lorraine Marie Labus Victor Andres Ladino April Elizabeth Lange* Taylor Dakota Lange Carly Larosa* Francesca Ann Lawrence* Sthefany Laynes Gerardo Leal Claire Elizabeth Leberman Phillip Ledig Julia Evelyn Lee Alison M. Lemke Jenieris Leonardo-Diaz Jude Lerissant Hen Lerrer* Maria D. Lewis Tiwanna Evette Lewis

Emily J. Lioudis* Kaitlyn Anne LiPuma Courtney M. Livingston Jasmine D. Logan Edna Lopez Maria Del Cisne Lopez Grace Frances Lorenzo Morgan Luciani Danielle N. Luczak Kelly Ruth Mac Donald Stefanie Mach* Daniella Pilar Maffei* Michael Joseph Maffei Jr. Monica M. Magner Kyra Jordan Makowsky Erin Marie Malin* Alexandria Marie Mancini Cathryn Theresa Mancini* Lauren Nicole Manley Sofia Rae Mannarino Sarah Lydia Manship Dana Lynn Manson Samantha Marer* Catherine Ann Margel Evelyn M. Martinez* Rachel Lee Martinez Girgis Angelica Montserrat Martinez-Analco Leah R. Martucci Ramona Mateo* Jane Elizabeth Matto Anthony Matthew Mazakas Chelsea Caroline McCluskey Brittany K. McConville Molly Catherine McCormack Nora Felicia McCormick Aleah Sari McCoy Natayia D. McCray* Allison S. McDonald* Madelyn Kate McGee Kathleen Doyle McGraw* Aizhaneiya La-Kasha McKenzie Gabrielle Elizabeth McLean Kimberly R. Meersma Emma Grace Melhorn Mavet Sarai Mendez Ma Socorro Diego Mendoza Sophia Menos Jillian Nicole Merolle* Daniel Delate Mervil

Samantha Messeck* Ingrid A. Meza Kristin Marie Vindler Michaelson Sarah J. Michaliszyn Sherley Michel-Williams* Raven Mackenzie Mickens Ruth A. Midianga Emily Mae Miller* Rita Marie Mirabelli Jenny Karina Miranda* Aliyah Nicole Mitchell Tahanie Mitchell Akeem Anil Mohammed* Amy Belle Edrada Molina Carly Shannon Monaco Lucila Montes-Valdez Cheyenne Moore Isabel Monserrat Mora Elizabeth Morales* Vanessa Vieira Morales Conor Martin Moran Shannon E. Morris* Britney Morrison* Caitlin Rose Morrone Gregory Mowle* Sabriya M. Muhammad Shanteia L. Murphy Jada Sierra Nicole Murray Lorenzo Pernell Nash Sr. Christopher Alan Nettles* Onyinye Ngozika Nnajiofor Courtney Novak Christine Marie Nucera Hope Tifany Nunez Natalie M. Nuñez Benjamin Nusbaum-Kieserman* Ebunoluwa Felicia Ogunnowo Mary Temitayo Olagadeyo* Lauren Elizabeth Oldock Natalie Oller Zachary Matthew Olsen* Analee Elizabeth Olsson Amogè Eva Omeronyè Mary Chris Alvero Ong Synique Chantel Orange Heidi R. Orellana Breanna Christine Ortiz Marisol Ortiz-Gely Kimberly Rachel Ortiz-Samayoa

Karin Otto Julia Ann Ozoroski Andrew Padilla Rosalia Alexis Pagan Kimberly I. Paguay Rudy Palma* Melany Juliana Pamplona Crystal Paniagua Tiffany Samantha Parchment Mark Joseph Parker-Magyar Dhruva D. Patel Jennifer Patricio Sean Pavlow* Jocelyn Pelaez Patrycja Pelinko Andy Emilio Perales Nelson Perez Cindy Perez Vasquez Kaitlynn Andrea Peters Jennifer Faythe Peterson Nicole Peterson Daniel Patrick Petrille* Haley Loretta Piccinich Taylor K. Pickett-Stokes Shirley Pierre* Gabriella R. Porcelli Shelley D. Porter Ruth E. Portocarrero Fiona Marie Potter Milagros L. Puelles Morgan Quinn* Heather Lynn Radak Rachel C. Raghunandan Philip Francis Raleigh Jr. Jessica Emily Reich* Kristen Amber Reid-Ortiz* Jessica Ann Reinhold Jillian Nicole Rentenberg Arielis Enid Reyes Ashley Idilia Reynoso* Michelle Johanna Ribsam Brittany Sharrice Riley Dennis Fernando Rivera Ricky J. Rivera Catherine Elizabeth Rizzotti Kiafa Lavette Robinson Aidan Roche Zoraida Bianca Rodgers-Rivera Meląņie Peres Rodrigues

Danielle Rodriguez Isabel Rodriguez Marissa A. Rogers* Alexandra Lou Roman Mauricio Roman* Boris M. Rorer* Britney Marie Rosato Jesse L. Rosenberg* Lydia Arden Ross* Steven Thomas Rowe Tia Renee Ruffin-Clary Ruth Rocio Ruiz* Ilona Ruvinova Calvin Greyson Ryan Hanne Nur Safak Dalia Saleh Jill A. Salerno Sophia W. Salmon* Kayla Rose Saltzman Carol A. Salvagione* Yanira Erlyn Sanchez Nancy Sanjines* Madison Monet Santa Lucia Siarra Michele Santiago Jamie Lee Santopietro Jana A. Sasser Faith Wang Saychaleune Tiyana Nikia Scarlett Sierra Lyn Schiff Taylor Michelle Schnorbus Joey Steven Schollenberger Katherine Schwartz Kendra Ruth Seitz* Gabrielle Allona-Marie Self Haili Shah Marisa Ann Shapley* Steven Ray Sharpe* Brandi D. Shaw Nayelly Yamileh Siguencia Emma Marie Skelly Sophie Isabella Sklar Brian Keith Smalls Jr.* Annalee Smith Hannah Peri Smith Lauren Sandra Sorrentino* Suzanne Corinne Sorrento Jamika Spellman Victoria A. Spencer* April Jennifer Stallone

Jetta Starkweather Osh'Nique Lashay Stephenson* Jack Edward Stovall Jr. Elizabeth Claire Stumpf* Rachel Stutzman Luke Anthony Stymest Christina Marie Sullivan Nora Colleen Sullivan Kylie Pearl Sutton Ganaia Iman Swinton Isabel Long-Yin Szeto Paola Talley Elizabeth A. Tamargo Samantha Josephine Tanzola* Julia Taormina Jazmine Tatis Lily Teichmann Fatima Isabel Tejada Gabriela Alexandra Tejada Yornelis Tejada Alexandra Tennill Jakea Khanam Thania Heather Leigh Thomas Tyra Thomas* Catherine Claire Thompson Bernard Todd III* Ana M. Toro Christina Clara Torres Mariah Angelica Torres Stephanie Alexandra Torres* Daniela Tropeano Alexis Nicole Trusiani Caitlyn Tumulty Kelly S. Turcios Michael B. Turner Sarah Gabriella Turner* Nicholas S. Twomey* Shama Deepak Vaidya Rosalynn Valette Agny Gabriela Valle Lurde Vasquez Nicole Elizabeth Vega Silvia Judith Velasquez Romina Ventura Valerie M. Walburn Clayton Lindsay Walton* Deborah Wang Gianna Nicole Wedwaldt Amy Weeks

Tevin D. Weems Kayleigh A. Wharton Rhonda L. Wiggins* Allyson Marie Williams Chloe Elizabeth Williams Mia Williams Wendell Williams* Kristen Alice Wimmer Sierra Marie Winder* Jonelle Windham Andrea Winzer Veronica D. Wise Jamyra Ja'nel Witherspoon Taylor Isabelle Wojtowicz Sarah Victoria Wolfson*

Rebekah Worth Kierstyn Wynkoop Chen Xia Hollyann Cooper Yannacone Zanyah Carina Yarborough Katerina Yelizarov Veronique X. Yeo Seonah Yoon Nathan T. Young* Riley Miller Young Rachel Marie Zadlock Adrienne A. Zappia Alejandra Sofia Zelasco Katelyn Angela Zornes Elizabeth B. Zubritsky* * January 2024 graduate Candidate list is correct as of April 22, 2024.

M.S.W. STUDENTS WITHIN 9 CREDITS OF DEGREE COMPLETION Karlie Abbatiello Carly Adams Frank Adao Anyily Agudelo Elizabeth Ajello Patrick Allred Olga Aramini Deanna Augustin Amanda Axelrod Sajayah Baker Karyn Barrera Hailey Beck Alyssa Bowling Tiiera Broxton Ashley Bryant Aime Camana Louise Victoria Cancino Danielle Cannon Shayna Chamish Eliana Cohen Octavia Collins Natalie Cortez Rachel Craig Kayla Cristofoletti Courtney Crocker Stephanie Cruz Andrea De La Cruz

Amanda Dembowski Mary Rei Derecho Kristin Di Vico Darrian Dodson Bianca Dominguez Brandi Elliott Charlotte Escaravage Desavia Evans Lindsay Falkenberg Kaieta Farley Yasilet Fernandez Emily Fiedler Megan Fiorenzo Diana Fiumara Gabrielle Forbes Fredeline Frazilus Tymeera Freeman Valerie Fuller William Garner Davina Garrett Jessica Gavin Maya Golebiewski Autumn Gourley Mary Ellen Granozio Doris Guittens-Carr Grace Hannel Liesl Hanson

Alicia Harabin Sarah Hatch Whitney Hendrickson Sharon Herrera Daniel Hobbs Lindsey Hultman Merrill Hunter Angela Hutchins Alexandra Iaccino Abigail Jimenez Chelsey Johnson Lyric Johnson Tanya Kansal Douglas Keller Amy Keyishian Savanna Khoury Samuel King Marisa Klemowitz Ashanay Knight Jessica Kolment Kailyn Korsak Emily Kostick Darien Kvyatkovsky April Lancona Nina Langhorn Colleen Lavin Victoria Legrande McMillian Nathalie Leonardo Gina Lombardo Esther Maeng Amanda Manjorin Brittany Maronna Jennifer McClave Amanda McEntee Monique McNair Michael Meade Rachel Meyers Faith Michaels Tzipporah Mincis Ashley Minore Leah Minuche Kamiya Modh Erin Moffitt Kayla Monroe Joyce Monserrate Michelle Montesdeoca Denise Mozitis Jacqueline Murray Claire Nguyen

Gracie Oliveira Russell Owen Brianna Paden-Williams Susie Park Melissa Phelan Joseph Polizzi Shadaisha Pringle Karissa Przyhocki Basma Qazi Alexandria Raffa Ashley Reves Karina Richardson Kimberle Ritchie Nina Rizzo Sheavon Roach Kimberly Rodriguez Tahnia Rogers Leah Santonastaso Alexi Schecter Kayla Sepulveda Kimberly Servello John Serzan Caitlin Shadek Adrienne Sherwin Hailee Shober Kendra Shumway Myiah Singleton Carmel Slater Angela Smith Zulieta Smoljan Tracy Squirini Raina Stewart Chantel Sykes Collika Thomas Kasane Tonegawa Emily Tully Emaediong Umoh Allana Vaden Olga Valencia Rachel Van Der Wel Lauren Vaughan Joy White Annette Wolff Brittney Yearsley Soo Yi Alexis Young Stephanie Zakrzewski Jenna Zweigle

2024 B.A.S.W. GRADUATES Camden Campus Victoria Alexander Prince Alvarado Tishera A'Mour Kayla Ayala Kenneth Barnes* Shakira Bell Gina Marie Bellon* Charmah Brown Kiara Castillo Patricia Cerreto Jennifer Clark Khalil Dingle Zen Ehly Christine Fiore* Jaime Grochowski* Jazmine Hammond Ebony Hicks Renata Hill Ryan Johnson Ashley Lemise

Fatimak Lewis Valiya Lewis Wendy Morales Rachael Parker Sabrina Perez-James Kristin Pilla Melanie Rivera Marrisa Rodriguez Mina Ryan* Alejandra Sanchez-Medina Corrine Shoemaker Jesse Tucker Lydia Valencia Jayda Vasquez Jameera Vazquez Maria Alejandra Vazquez Quraishah Voughs-Bailey Breyanni Wade Theodore Ward Mary Winkelspecht William Wittman

New Brunswick Campus Jennifer Abrego Morales Anisa Ali Jaida M. Alston Alexandra K. Anthony Carol J. Arroyo Paul K. Baffoe Amber M. Batista Emily A. Bell Keron Best Nicole A. Bianca Laila C. Birchett Evan Birnbaum** Alexa T. Bravo-Lazo** Ah Lim Byun Cailin E. Carr Ashley Mae G. Catibog Aryan M. Chokshi Sarah J. Christensen Shayla A. Constant Kennelle N. Correa Justine T. Cox Dominique Daniels

Ertula Deshomme Alice Eni Layana R. Farrar Kylie L. Ferenz Jessie H. Gage Angelina C. Gassaway Julia Gilleece Yerania Gonzalez Ramirez Mitzy F. Gonzalez-Tello Jessica Greene* Mark Guido Samantha D. Helwig Julia R. Henninger Kimberly L. Hopkins Sydnee D. Hopson Shane M. Hughes Linda Hussein Jade Jaramillo Colleen A. Jewell Leo J. Joergensen Kylie K. Johnson Latonya Johnson

Tamara T. Johnson** Julia R. Katz Naomi C. Kutin Calla N. Lee Natalie A. Marquez Ashley A. McDowell Gemma M. McLaughlin Katelynn Mejia Sofia Lorainne Mico Hajra Mohammad Carita S. Ng Oluwatoni Odefemi* Michelle B. O'Leary Shakira M. Olivares Nicole A. Orellana Essie Otoo Janeya A. Pecco Litzy N. Perez Osornio Emily E. Perry Genesis O. Quezada Jennifer C. Raymondi Angelique A. Richardson Maritza A. Rosario

Laura Salguero Karen L. Sanikidze Hannah M. Sargent Sasha A. Shields Isabel C. Shin Keimy K. Silva Ponce Kierra C. Sorhaindo Adara B. Stein Natalie L. Swisher** Grace A. Taylor Yanely Tepepa Rosales Sussex Trinidad Ta'miyah A. Tucker Taylor L. Ussia Elvia Valdez Gonzalez Charles Z. Vizthum Jada S. Wagner Jordan Warner** Destiny A. Williams Danielle A. Zara * January 2024 graduate ** Potential August 2024 graduate

JOINT DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK AND PHILOSPHY M.S.W. AND PH.D. Lauren Nicole Manley* Nora Colleen Sullivan* Clayton Lindsay Walton* *M.S.W. Requirements Completed, Ph.D. Coursework in Progress

DUAL DEGREE IN LAW AND SOCIAL WORK M.S.W./J.D. Basma Qazi DUAL DEGREE IN DIVINITY AND SOCIAL WORK M.S.W./M.DIV. Branden Javier Irving Mavet Sarai Mendez

DUAL DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL WORK M.S.W./M.A. IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE Maritza Caguana Tania Choudhury Brooke D'Antonio Chiara A. De Candia

Kayla Sepulveda Kristen Alice Wimmer Kierstyn Wynkoop Alejandra Sofia Zelasco

DUAL DEGREE IN PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL WORK M.S.W./M.P.H. Coco W. Kuebler Onyinye Ngozika Nnajiofor DUAL DEGREE IN PUBLIC PLANNING AND SOCIAL WORK M.S.W./M.P.P. Larissa Marie Garcia Rita Marie Mirabelli Taylor K. Pickett-Stokes Veronique X. Yeo

Aging & Health Certificate Idalizes Asgarali Reana Barakakos Khadijah Barchue Kellie Camarda Darrian Dodson Gerdene Facey Angela Fackina Delaney Gibbs

Douglas Keller Chloe Kent Amy Keyishian Samuel King Sarah Manship Brianna Paden-Williams Jakea Thania Valerie Walburn Silver honor cord

Latina/o Initiatives for Service, Training & Assessment Certificate Deven Alvarez Michelle Castruita Eliana Cohen

Maria Del Cisne Lopez Gabriela Diaz Stephanie Diaz

Odalis Dominguez Flores Lindsay Falkenberg Margaret Fox Larissa Garcia Doris Guittens-Carr Ivanna Heredia Nayely Hermida Ortiz Stacey Hill Maria Hoseit Hilary Jimenez Abigail Jimenez Ellen Kelleher Gerardo Leal Victoria LeGrande McMillian Nathalie Leonardo

Jenieris Leonardo-Diaz Edna Lopez Nora McCormick Ingrid Meza Leah Minuche Elizabeth Morales Natalie Nunez Kimberly Ortiz-Samayoa Crystal Paniagua Cindy Perez Vasquez Dennis Rivera Ruth Rocio Ruiz Carol Salvagione Nancy Sanjines Paola Talley Black, white and gold honor cord

Certificate in Promoting Child & Adolescent Well-Being Julia Adamkiewicz Lea Albarran Patrick Allred Sajayah Baker Rachel Balser Karyn Barrera Marissa Beyer Patricia Bober Madison Bunn Danielle Cannon Olivia Carrara Robert Cook Rachel Craig Julia Critchfield Sally De Vera Emma Degennaro Sierra Drumbore Dorotea Enriquez Sofia Rose Eugenio Jennifer Famulary Hailey Finocchio Justine Gendy Sydnie Goshin

Basya Gruber Alicia Harabin Marco Hernandez Zehra Kazi Olamide Kunle-Lawanson Alison Lemke Jude Lerissant Maria Lewis Sofia Mannarino Angelica Martinez-Analco Emma Melhorn Daniel Mervil Amy Belle Molina Vanessa Morales Lauren Oldock Natalie Oller Amoge Omeronye Jocelyn Pelaez Haley Piccinich Rachel Raghunandan Melanie Rodrigues Isabel Rodriguez Britney Rosato

Calvin Ryan Kayla Saltzman Nayelly Siguencia Emma Skelly Sophie Sklar Annalee Smith Hannah Smith

Christina Sullivan Isabel Szeto Lily Teichmann Daniela Tropeano Chloe Williams Veronique Yeo Seonah Yoon Green honor cord

Certificate in Interpersonal Violence and Trauma Ashley Adams Syeda Ali-Jaffry Angela Allen Olga Aramini Elizabeth Baginski Hailey Beck Marina Bishara Alyssa Bowling Gabrielle Boykins Tiiera Broxton Amanda Bruno Maritza Caguana Tania Choudhury Yahaira Colon Brooke D'Antonio Jessica Daubenberger Ashley Demain Kristin Di Vico Kathleen Drake Joshua Gallagher Belanna Gans Larissa Gatto Ruben Maya Golebiewski Autumn Gourley Kiera Hampton Samiya Heyward Angela Hutchins Tatyana Ikhelson Marisa Klemowitz Jessica Kolment Emily Kostick

Lorraine Labus Nina Langhorn Julia Lee Esther Maeng Ramona Mateo Molly McCormack Aleah McCoy Sophia Menos Faith Michaels Erin Moffitt Courtney Novak Mary Chris Ong Karina Richardson Kimberle Ritchie Danielle Rodriguez Dalia Saleh Sophia Salmon Haili Shah Hailee Shober Carmel Slater April Stallone Bernard Todd Alexis Trusiani Lauren Vaughan Kristen Wimmer Veronica Wise Annette Wolff Rebekah Worth Alexis Young Adrienne Zappia Katelyn Zornes Purple honor cord

Addiction Counselor Training Certificate Brian Collado Carly Flood William Garner Donna Jenkins Victor Ladino Claire Leberman Sabriya Muhammad Patrycja Pelinko

Jana Sasser Katherine Schwartz Julia Taormina Christina Torres Kelly Turcios Shama Vaidya Amy Weeks Rachel Zadlock White honor cord

Human Services Management Certificate Deven Alvarez Marissa Barbosa Karyn Barrera Ace Begu Ny'Asia Bussie Nyajia Carlos Olivia Carrara Kevin Caufield Tania Choudhury Allyson Danyo Chiara De Candia Vincent Digioia-Laird Alan Dodd Darrian Dodson Odalis Dominguez Flores Bassirou Drame Selenne Galvez Hernandez Larissa Garcia Charles Giraldo Shannon Gray Amy Keyishian Grace Kim Danielle Luczak

Lauren Manley Sarah Manship Anthony Mazakas Mavet Mendez Rita Mirabelli Amy Belle Molina Caitlin Morrone Gregory Mowle Jada Murray Analee Olsson Brianna Paden-Williams Taylor Pickett Dennis Rivera Nina Rizzo Gabrielle Self Nora Sullivan Gabriela Tejada Michael Turner Lurde Vasquez Clayton Walton Rebekah Worth Zanyah Yarborough Veronique Yeo

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK B.A.S.W. STUDENT ASSOCIATION Graduating Executive Council Members

Camden Chapter

New Brunswick Chapter

President – Maria Alejandra Vasquez Vice President - Diana Sotomayor Treasurer - Rachael Parker

President – Anisa Ali Vice President – Michelle O’Leary Treasurer – Mitzy F. Gonzalez-Tello

V. DuWayne Battle, M.S.W., M.Div., D.Min., Ph.D., Professor of Teaching Faculty Advisor

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK M.S.W. STUDENT ASSOCIATION Graduating Executive Council Members Ny'Asia Adaya Bussie Rachel Craig Anthony Matthew Mazakas Kamiya K. Modh

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

Susan Parish, M.S.W., Ph.D. President, Mercy University

Rutgers alumna Dr. Susan Parish, President of Mercy University, earned her baccalaureate degree from Rutgers University in 1988 and her MSW from Rutgers School of Social Work in 1994.

After a number of years as a social work practitioner, Dr. Parish earned her Ph.D. from the School of Public Health at the University of Illinois in Chicago. She has had an outstanding career in higher education and in August of 2023 she began serving as President of Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Prior to that, Dr. Parish served in several higher education leadership positions.

She began her career in social work education as a faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work. Subsequently, she was Director of the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy and doctoral program chair at Brandeis University.

She then served as Dean of the College of Health Professions at Northeastern University in Boston, followed by serving as Dean of the College of Health Professions at Virginia Commonwealth University. Under Dr. Parish’s leadership, the College of Health Professions at VCU experienced significant increases in graduate and undergraduate enrollment, and research funding. Under her leadership, the College also launched an innovative liberal arts undergraduate degree in Health Services in 2020 and developed new certificate programs and graduate concentrations.

Dr. Parish also has a proven track-record in fundraising. At Northeastern and VCU, she partnered with a range of individual donors and foundations to create new scholarship funds, a student emergency fund, and support for faculty, health innovation, and teaching and research labs.

Over the course of her career, Dr. Parish has been a prolific researcher primarily in the area of health disparities for people with disabilities and has garnered more than $13 million in external research funding. She has received distinctions for her teaching, mentoring and research, including: “Research Matters!” Distinguished Research Award, Arc of the United States (2009), Advocate Hero, Exceptional Parent Magazine (2021), Lifetime Achievement Award, American Public Health Association Disability Section (2021) and Research Award, American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (2019).

FACULTY Ayse Akincigil, M.A., Ph.D. Associate Professor Edward J. Alessi, M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) Program Mary Beth Ali, M.S.W. Teaching Instructor and Coordinator of Practicum Learning 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 Sheretta Butler Barnes, M.A., Ph.D. Sojourner Truth Social and Racial Justice Visiting Professor 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 Racism and Aging 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. Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the Latina/o/x Initiatives for Service, Training, and Assessment (L.I.S.T.A.) Certificate Program Ryon Cobb, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Chancellor's Scholar for Inclusive Excellence in Research on Black Americans Stephen Crystal, M.A., Ph.D. Distinguished Research Professor Laura Cuesta, M.A., Ph.D. Assistant Professor Maxine Davis, M.S.W., M.B.A., Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Chancellor’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 Jacquelynn Duron, M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Professor

Richard L. Edwards, A.M., Ph.D. Interim Dean, Distinguished University Professor and Chancellor Emeritus, Rutgers – New Brunswick

Rachel John, M.S.W., M.P.H., Ph.D. Assistant Professor and ChancellorProvost's Scholar for Inclusive Excellence for Immigrant and Refugee Health

Antoinette Y. Farmer, M.S., Ph.D. Professor and Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Michael Myungkook Joo, M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Professor

Patricia A. Findley, M.S.W., Dr.P.H. Professor, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Special Assistant to the Dean for Interprofessional Health Initiatives Adrian Gale, M.S.W., Ph.D. Assistant Professor

Woojin Jung, M.S.W., M.P.P, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Christine E. Kephart, Ph.D. Writing Instructor, D.S.W. Program Rupa Khetarpal, M.A., M.S.W. Associate Professor of Teaching and Director of the Interpersonal Violence & Trauma (I.V.T.) Certificate Program

E. Goldblatt Hyatt, M.S.W., M.B.E., D.S.W. Associate Professor of Professional Practice Joy Jeounghee Kim, M.S.W., Ph.D. and Director of the Doctorate of Social Associate Professor 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

Mark W. Lamar, M.S.W., M.B.A. Associate Professor of Professional Practice and and Executive Director of the Office of Practicum Learning Michael C. LaSala, M.S.W., Ph.D. 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, Center for Research on Ending Violence and Chancellor's Scholar for Violence Prevention Christine Morales, M.S.W. 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 Shari L. Munch, M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Professor Lenna Nepomnyaschy, M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate 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 Margaret O’Donoghue, M.S.W., Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the Certificate on Child Well-Being (Ch.A.P.) Program Michael Park, M.S., Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Chancellor'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 Kathleen J. Pottick, M.S.W., M.A., Ph.D. Professor

Kristen Gilmore Powell, M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Research Professor, Associate Director, Center for Prevention Science and Director of the Northeast & Caribbean Prevention Technology Transfer Center Gabriel Robles, M.S.W., Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Chancellor’s Scholar for Inclusive Excellence in Sexual and Gender Minority Health 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 Rachel Schwartz, M.S.W. Associate Professor of Teaching, Assistant Dean of Innovative Learning Technologies and Director of Online MSW Programs 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. Research Intsructor 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 and Director of the Center for Leadership and Management Karen A. Zurlo, M.B.A., M.S.W., Ph.D. Associate Professor

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS Richard L. Edwards, A.M., Ph.D. Interim Dean Antoinette Y. Farmer, M.S., Ph.D. Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Patricia A. Findley, M.S.W., Dr.P.H. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs 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. Assistant Dean for Admissions and Recruitment Rachel Schwartz, M.S.W. Assistant Dean, Innovative Learning Technologies Allison Zippay, M.S.W., Ph.D. Director, Center for Leadership and Management 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

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. 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 Prince Alvarado Jennifer Clark Mark Guido Latonya Johnson

Julia Katz Janeya Pecco Corrine Shoemaker Jesse Tucker

These students were nominated for an Outstanding M.S.W. Student Award Patrick Allred Karyn Barrera Briana Borges Aimee Brill Olivia Carrara Rachel Craig Alan Dodd Bassirou Drame Kaieta Farley Odalis Dominguez Flores Tymeera Freeman William Garner Charles Giraldo Basya Gruber Doris Guittens-Carr Deborah Halpern Makayla Jack Branden Jorge Douglas Keller Amy Keyishian Thomas Kinloch Edna Lopez Danielle Luczak Lauren Manley Sarah Manship Leah Martucci

Gabrielle McLean Kimberly Meersma Mavet Mendez Rita Mirabelli Kamiya Modh Jada Murray Mary Chris Ong Brianna Paden-Williams Jocelyn Pelaez Taylor Pickett Shirley Pierre Isabel Rodriguez Jamie Santopietro Sophie Sklar April Stallone Luke Stymest Ganaia Swinton Julia Taormina Michael Turner Nicole Vega Valerie Walburn Clayton Walton Deborah Wang Kayleigh Wharton Rebekah Worth

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 #RUSSW2024. 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 Take part in our endowed lecture series events throughout the year. 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.

Use this QR code to view our online program.