School of Social Work News

Professor Lary Gant was interviewed on NPR about providing opportunities for college students to get out of their classrooms and to take what they're learning and put it into practice in Detroit.

ShariLynn Robinson-Lynk, LEO Adjunct Faculty and Assistant Director for Engaged Learning Partnerships at the Ginsberg Center will receive the Honorary Lavender Degree and deliver the keynote address at the Spectrum Center graduation ceremony. The Honorary Lavender Degree traditionally honors the work and commitment of an individual to the University of Michigan’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally and similarly-identified community. 

LEO Intermittent Lecturer Adrienne Dessel is being honored by the Simmons School of Social Work Alumni Association for her article entitled: "Intergroup Dialogue Courses on Sexual Orientation: Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Experiences and Outcomes," published in the Journal of Homosexuality.

The SSW Web Team worked with the Office for Institutional Equity to make the SSW website more friendly to the visually impaired. Improvements were made to color contrast and keyboard usability, as well as mobile behavior. The Office for Institutional Equity appreciates the SSW Web Team's prompt attention to accessibility issues.

Assistant Professor Desmond Patton had an op-ed "Internet banging reaches Detroit's police chief" published in the Detroit News.

Professor Robert Taylor has been awarded the 2014 Pearmain Prize.  He is being recognized for making outstanding contributions to the field of translational aging research that demonstrates excellence in bridging science to practice and/or  policy.  This prize recognizes the sustained body of work produced by Professor Taylor.

The University of Southern California Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging fosters and recognizes excellence in research and community  partnerships that further the needs of minority older persons, particularly  those from undeserved backgrounds. Toward that end, the Pearmain Prize for Excellence in Research on  Aging was established.

The Student Union Teacher of the Year Award for the 2013-2014 school year is Shari Robinson-Lynk. She was nominated by a member of the student body and was selected based upon a submitted essay detailing some of the remarkable ways that Shari has influenced the students in her classes.

Every year the SSW Student Union puts out a call for nominations to the students regarding the teacher of the year. This is an award asking students to submit the name of a teacher they feel has been particularly powerful in their learning and who they hold as the model for an educator in the SSW.

Cassie Zwart (MSW Candidate 2014) co-presented "Creating a Climate of Wellness and Dignity for All: Weight Stigma and Size Diversity Allyhood for Our Clients, Our Colleagues, Our Communities, and Ourselves" in Columbus, OH at the Big Ten Counseling Centers Conference 2014 on February 20, 2014.