Hello WSU SSW Community,

Well, we are getting ready to close out this unprecedented year of 2020. THANKFULLY! It has been a year that has challenged all of us personally and professionally - collectively! From global pandemics to demonstrations nationally highlighting racial inequity to a very contentious election we've had a lot on our plates. At times it was difficult to concentrate and to figure out this 'new' normal. We had to really focus on reducing our own stress and learn better self-care. But here we are, ending our first full semester online, stronger for it and fully cognizant of the hard work that went into making this successful. My newest heroes are all of our students, faculty and staff that juggle caregiving roles potentially including home-schooling simultaneously managing their own work/school responsibilities while all under the same roof!

As the newsletter points out our 2021 is looking very hopeful! First, the generosity of Dr. William Pickard, will allow us to recruit students from our community into social work with a greatly diminished tuition burden. This is a wonderful opportunity for these desired students, the SSW and our community. In addition, some very exciting projects that are putting the SSW on the map nationally: Poco Kernsmith's multi-year violence prevention program funded by the CDC; Richard Smith's Spencer Foundation funded project to intervene in the school to prison pipeline; and the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice's toolkit for jails to mitigate COVID-19 in jails that has been funded by CDC Foundation for national dissemination!

The SSW is not a 'building' it is an organization made up of many wonderful people working collaboratively for the greater good of SE Michigan. First, our students. December is a smaller graduation, but December 15^th marks our winter graduation. MSW student Lisa Gordon's inspirational speech at our virtual graduation was a wonderful example of the commitment of our students. We are also reminded of our talented study body as we recognize the awards and fellowships received by our students, including our Brehler Award winner, PhD student Kathryn Wright. Similarly, our alumni continue to shine bright with their careers. This is illuminated by our features on Althea Grant and Norm Olshansky. Second, our wonderful staff. The 'Spotlights' feature highlights the accomplishments of our many staff who are unparalleled in their dedication to the SSW! Please take note of these true Warriors! Finally, our faculty. The many triumphs in their teaching, research and service to community. In addition to the nationally recognized projects above, has been the work on our caregiver support line by Suzanne Brown, Tam Perry, Anwar Najor-Durack and Joy Ernst; the fatherhood/parenting project outreach by Carolyn Dayton and Joy Ernst's award for years of advocacy on behalf of elder abuse and neglect.

As we enter our semester break, I breathe a sigh of relief that we made it through! Knowing that there will be upcoming challenges, I'm leaning hard toward hope: A vaccine immunization project has begun worldwide; inauguration of a new president is imminent, and the WSU President's Social Justice Action Committee upcoming recommendations are emblematic of a worldwide renewed commitment toward racial equity.

For many of us celebrating holidays a bit differently than we would like this year please remember those who will not be with us this  and send love and gratitude to those who remain with you even if it is virtual! I am extending a huge bouquet of gratitude to each of you!

Wishing you safety and health,

Sheryl Kubiak, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Dean, School of Social Work