Hello WSU SSW Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Friends,

As the academic year comes to a close and I count off my first year as Dean of the SSW I am continually reminded of the spirit of social work. The passion for the profession as well as the work we all do toward creating a more just world is everywhere. The activity and energy showcased in this Innovator's newsletter is testament to that spirit!

A special shout-out to the SSW Social Entrepreneurship Committee: They exude social work spirit, ingenuity, and ENERGY! This spring they not only sponsored Social Work Story Night, but they also hosted a very exciting and well-attended conference. The Story Night the first ever was a delightful evening where we celebrated ingenuity by hearing the stories of some of our finest social work entrepreneurs.  We are hoping that the event is an annual one. The conference (the 2^nd annual) featured a key note by Morgan Simon, author and leader on social impact investing. Over 250 attendees came from social work, business, and community organizations. There was an energy and a 'buzz' that I can still feel!

Our students are so impressive! Organizing events to educate the community about mental health issues in the African American and Muslim communities; passing out 'Blessing Bags'; presenting their research and panels on immigration reform; winning awards; hosting a Seder, engaged in the community and displaying social work spirit everywhere they go!  In fact, our current student leaders have been meeting with some of esteemed and activist alumni (Small Plates; Big Ideas) to gain insight into our more recent social movements. Paul Hubbard was our first alumni to engage in this exchange and both he and the students thoroughly enjoyed the interaction.

I am truly humbled by the experience of this first year! The ability to interact with such a dynamic faculty and staff; to witness their passion for the profession and commitment to the SSW; and to know the best is yet to come….who could possible ask for more?

My thanks to all of you for the support, kindness, and enthusiasm you demonstrate every day!

Sincerely,

Sheryl Kubiak, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Dean and Professor, School of Social Work
Wayne State University
5447 Woodward Avenue.
Detroit, MI 48202
313-577-04400
email: deanssw@wayne.edu