School of Social Work Holds Annual Undergraduate Picnic and Awards Presentation

Photo Submitted

Social Work undergraduate students enjoying the picnic. Sitting from left: Rachel Smith, Jamie Baergen, Christina Becerra, and Lindsey Odglen. Standing from left: Christopher Robinson, Erin Laumer, Sonya Castillo, Dorothy Ashmore, Catherine Franklin, Shaughn Reyenga, Julie Corbitt, Kaylee Lark, and Shambhree Maxfield.

The School of Social Work held its second annual B.S.W. picnic on April 19 at the Campus Gardens. The event celebrated another successful academic year for the School's undergraduate students and their friends and families. Awards for graduating seniors who excelled in education, research, practice, or service were also presented during the event. Approximately 60 students, family, friends, faculty, and staff attended.

While the School of Social Work provides most of the food and supplies, students also bring their favorite homemade dishes, which really adds to the picnic atmosphere.

“The B.S.W. picnic yesterday was a tremendous success. We had a good time eating and visiting. It was delightful to meet family members and guests of students,” stated Scott Burcham, the undergraduate program director. Janette Byrd, administrative support supervisor for the School of Social Work, summed up her impressions of the event. She noted, “There was a palpable sense of teamwork and pride among the students as they set up the event and cleaned up afterward. It is evident that they are more than a cohort and future colleagues; they have truly cultivated lifelong friendships.”

The 2012 graduating B.S.W. Award winners were:

• Shambree Maxfield: The Maxted/McGetrick Award to for Outstanding Academic Performance, Leadership and Service. This award, one of the oldest awards given by the school, includes a $100 prize.
• Catherine Franklin: Academic Excellence
• Sarah Lipscomb: Excellence in Research
• Rachel Weber: Excellence in Field Internship
• Sharon O’Grady: Excellence in Field Internship
• Julian Schroer: Commitment to Social Work Values
• Whitney Ghassani: Commitment to Leadership in the Celebration of Diversity
• Crystal Pitts: Outstanding Community Service
• Kaylee Lark: Outstanding Service to the School of Social Work

Previously, undergraduate excellence was recognized during the Master of Social Work Pinning Ceremony held each May. The Pinning Ceremony is a formal event where Graduate students receive awards for excellence and service in different areas. Central to the event is the presentation to all graduating MSWs of a “Professional Social Worker” pin provided by the National Association of Social Workers to signify their entrance into the profession as advanced practicing Social Workers. In 2011 Undergraduate students requested an opportunity to celebrate their successes in a less formal, more social venue, which lead to the creation of the Annual BSW Picnic.