L-R: Jessica Scott, Leanna Showalter, Brittany Thurmond, Casey Westmoreland, Katherine Shaw, Amanda Pettus, Melanie Kim Proctor, Audry Motlagh, Melissa Armstrong
UGA School of Social Work honors faculty, staff and students at annual awards luncheon The UGA School of Social Work celebrated the accomplishments of its faculty, students and staff at the annual awards luncheon held on April 17 at Trumps Ballroom in Athens. “I am always thrilled to recognize the extraordinary achievements of our students, colleagues, alumni, and friends,” Dean Maurice C. Daniels told attendees. “This event gives us an opportunity to shine a well-deserved light on our many outstanding faculty, staff, field instructors, alums and students.” This year’s awards included a new honor: the Robert A. Vonk Scholarship, created by Betsy Vonk (PhD ’96), Harry Vonk and Jodie Raney to support students who demonstrate an interest in developmental disabilities. Leanna Showalter (BSW ’13, MSW ’14) received the inaugural scholarship. Showalter has worked for several years with children who are identified with autism spectrum disorder. The Pauline Durant Lide Scholarship went to Melanie Proctor (MSW ’15), with thanks to scholarship supporter Ben Clark, who was present at the luncheon. Proctor, a cancer survivor, plans to work with patients and families dealing with that disease. Jerry and Judy Loyd saw the Elizabeth B. Loyd Scholarship awarded to Alyssa Behnke (MSW ’15). Behnke earned her undergraduate degree in child and family
studies and plans to pursue a career as a clinician in the mental health field. Among the faculty and staff honorees, Brian Bride was named Ph.D. Teacher of the Year. Bride recently accepted the position of director of the School of Social Work at Georgia State University. “We are losing an outstanding scholar, colleague and friend,” noted Associate Dean Harold Briggs. Three students received special recognition for academic achievement. Graduating seniors Mandi Moroz (BSW ’14) and Megan Gallagher (BSW ’14) both received the UGA Award of Excellence, which honors students who graduate in the top one percent of their graduating class. Madison Borst Parekh (BSW ’14) was recognized as a First Honor Graduate. Parekh completed a baccalaureate degree with an overall grade point average of 4.0. The James Dodd Distinguished Alumni Award went to Shelly Hutchinson (MSW ’00), owner and co-founder of the Atlanta-based Social Empowerment Center. The Center, which has experienced phenomenal growth since its founding in 2002, topped the Bulldog 100 this year as the fastest growing company owned or founded by a UGA graduate. To see a complete list of honorees, visit t.uga.edu/L1.
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