School of Social Work Summer 2024 Commencement

The School of Social Work Summer Commencement for Master of Social Work students will be held in person at Hill Auditorium and livestreamed on the SSW website. Hill Auditorium doors will open for guests and graduates starting at 9:00am.

A light reception will be held at the School of Social Work in the lower level atrium immediately following commencement.

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

The SSW Commencement will be livestreamed on this page and on the front page of the U-M School of Social Work website.

Letter from the Dean

Dear Graduates,

Congratulations! We are thrilled to celebrate your hard work and dedication together with your friends, families and loved ones.

In pursuit of your MSW, you have gained the skills, knowledge and training to make a difference in the lives of others. You are effective, practiced facilitators and leaders who know how to take a stand, address injustice and engage the community. As you begin the next chapter of your lives, remember that education is a lifelong process. Keep in touch with your faculty and classmates and keep listening and learning from your clients and colleagues.

University of Michigan social work graduates have a reputation for their expertise, dedication and achievement. Today you join 17,000+ alumni who lead the field as policymakers, agency directors and foundation leaders, who improve lives as accomplished and effective social workers. We look forward to hearing how you apply your talents for the good of people and communities.

You have earned the term “the leaders and best.” On behalf of the Michigan Social Work community, I wish you every success as you reach out, raise hope and change society.

Go Blue,

Beth Angell
Dean and Phillip Fellin Collegiate Professor of Social Work

Speakers

Keynote Harry Cohen, MSW ’80, PhD ’88

Harry Cohen is a psychologist, author, restaurateur, public speaker, blogger and podcaster. He graduated from Cornell University with a BS in psychology and received both his MSW and a Joint PhD in Psychology and Social Work from U-M. He worked in clinical practice for a decade until he shifted his focus to corporate training and executive coaching. His 2015 TEDx talk on heliotropic leadership — which focuses on the benefits of compassion, gratitude and forgiveness — inspired his book, “Be the Sun: Not the Salt.”

In 2008, he opened the Black Pearl restaurant in Ann Arbor. As a psychologist who travels the country giving talks to executives on leadership, customer service and personal development, launching the Black Pearl was a perfect opportunity to create an environment that embodies the essence of what he talks about: welcoming people with love, creating a great place to work, and delivering a memorable experience.

In 2020 he became the founding board chair of Friends of the Children - Detroit, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty for children born with the deck stacked against them.

Student Speaker Gisel Arriaga Barrios

Gisel Esmeralda Arriaga Barrios (she/her/ella) is a proud first-generation Latina. She is the daughter of Pedro Arriaga Garcia and Maria Barrios Martinez who immigrated from Mexico and El Salvador and loves being the sister to her little brother, Bubba. Arriaga Barrios was originally born in Simi Valley, CA and raised in Las Vegas, NV. She has always had a passion for creating change and serving her community: in 2018, her father asked her what she wanted to be to which she responded "I want to be a social worker." He told her to look up the number one school in social work and it was U-M. Together, they took a trip to visit the university, and ever since then, she dreamed of coming back. Arriaga Barrios received her associate degree from the College of Southern Nevada and her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Today, she will be receiving her Master of Social Work at the U-M. After working within local government and being an advocate throughout Ann Arbor and the university, Arriaga Barrios plans on dedicating her social work career to advocating toward a more equitable future by working with communities and policy.

Student Speaker Providence Cantalamisa

Providence Cantalamisa (she/her) is a dedicated social worker who has found solace in the power of music throughout her life. As a student in the Political & Policy Pathway with a secondary focus in Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse, she has skillfully balanced macro and micro social work. Cantalamisa recently accepted a position with CNS as an adult therapist and aims to integrate the diverse skills she acquired at U-M with her passion for music. Her dedication to human services is evident in her varied experiences, including speaking about her intersectional identities and leadership development in the "All Women are Leaders" event and her ability to generate creative ideas with her teams. Cantalamisa is excited to bring her dedication and expertise to her new role, where she is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.

Commencement Program

 

Photos from the Ceremony