Hello Social Work Warrior Community,

March is Social Work Month! Let's celebrate!

Last March our focus was diverted to the COVID pandemic. Although coined a pandemic during March 2020, the implications of COVID were not clear back then. Yes, the University moved to remote work and instruction but I think we all expected to be back by fall of 2020. But as the year unfolded we experienced so much pain and loss, not only from COVID, but national political discord and renewed calls for racial justice.

Like social workers everywhere, we did not quit we didn't even slow down! We kept going under difficult circumstances and continued to do our best; teaching, solving problems, giving our time and resources, bringing awareness and advocating! This newsletter is filled with stories about WSU School of Social Work alumni, students and faculty doing just those things in their everyday lives. We see and feel hope now and it is a bit easier to breathe.

This March we want to take time to reflect on all that has happened and all that we've learned. This reflection leads us to honor social workers who are often our hidden champions in difficult times. With the help and support of our Board of Visitors, we have started a media campaign to honor Michigan social workers. The newsletter provides profiles of these social work champions that will appear on WSU SSW media platforms. In addition, a half-page advertisement will appear in the March 17^th edition of the Michigan Chronicle paying tribute to social work heroes and the March 14^th episode of WXYZ's Spotlight on the News with Chuck Stokes (Channel 4) will feature faculty members Megan Hicks and Shantalea Johns. Here's to all the social work champions out there including the fantastic faculty and staff who have worked tirelessly this year and the students who have had the courage to finish their degrees in the middle of a pandemic!

Let's celebrate Social Workers who are coming through this pandemic, a bit weary of course, but hopeful for reunification with the people and places we have missed!

Wishing you safety and health,

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