School of Social Work Summer 2018 Commencement

Keynote by Justin Hodge

Incoming Clinical Assistant Professor Justin Hodge promotes socially just policies through his engagement in governmental and political organizations. He was elected to serve the Washtenaw County community as both the Chair of the Eastern Washtenaw Democratic Club and the Vice-Chair of the Legislative Committee for the Washtenaw County Democratic Party. He was also appointed to serve on the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Community Advisory Board for Law Enforcement where he brings a social justice perspective to the board.

Hodge is dedicated to mental health services on both a policy and individual level. He has provided therapy to children and families, case management to individuals with developmental disabilities and has coordinated clinics for children in crisis. By leveraging his experiences as both a clinical and macro social work practitioner, Hodge aims to bridge the gap between the two for students.

Read Justin's speech

Student Speaker Erin Keller

Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Erin Keller is a graduating student of Interpersonal Practice with a focus on Health. Keller has her Bachelor's of Social Work from Michigan State University. In 2018, she completed her field placement at Michigan Medicine Hospital within the Adult Palliative Care Department. During her time at Michigan Medicine, Keller had the honor of being chosen as the Social Justice Grand Rounds speaker, where she presented on “ End of Life Decision Making for Patients with a Mental Health Diagnoses”. Her past experience includes work with the Ingham Health Plan Corporation, Bronson Methodist Hospital, and as a resident advisor on campus.

Keller is best known for her strong communication skills, her positive attitude and optimistic perspective, and her ability to engage with any personality style. In the MSW program, Keller has had the opportunity to sit on multiple committees and represent a voice of the student body. With a strong interest in inter-professional education, she has dedicated volunteer time to educate undergraduate students on the value of multi-disciplinary collaboration within healthcare settings. Keller is passionate about empowering others through her work, and wishes to engage with a variety of different populations in the future. After graduation she intends to pursue work within a large hospital setting or university institution.