As we approach May 25th, we are remembering a year ago, when George Floyd was murdered and the world witnessed the racism and violence that have so long and so fully infected our nation. We have responded in public demonstrations, in private conversations and self-reflection, and in concerted efforts to change long-standing insidious underpinnings and vestiges of racism. Read full statement from Dean Betsy Farmer.

Friday, May 21st was the Nellie Leadership Awards Gala--Three Rivers Youth’s Annual Fundraising Event. Three Rivers Youth’s 2021 Gala inducted past honorees into its Hall of Fame including Cecelia Trower Epperson and Family, and Larry E. Davis, Ph.D. (posthumously). Dr. Kathy Humphrey, the University of Pittsburgh's senior vice chancellor for engagement and secretary of the Board of Trustees, was also inducted.

Many people already had pets before COVID-19, but a recent University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found as many as 10% of those individuals between ages 50 to 80 acquired a new pet between March 2020 and January 2021. In addition, almost 9% of those in that age group did not live with someone under age 18. Research Associate Professor Mary Beth Rauktis's report "Guide for aging in place with pets in Allegheny County" has been a important resource for local pet owners. Read more in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Doctoral candidate Christina Huerta was chosen for the Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research and Program for Research on Black Americans Virtual 2021 Summer Mentoring Workshop for PhD Students focusing on Latinx Research. The workshop objectives are to Identify and mentor doctoral students of diverse backgrounds who are committed to conducting Latinx research; and Provide participants with training on the publication process, interviewing for tenure track jobs, grant writing and how to overall negotiate the academy.

Join us Tuesday, May 25th at noon for the Pitt Social Work Alumni Speaker Series. The topic is "Black Mental Health Matters More Than Ever" featuring alumnus Julius Boatwright, MSW, LSW, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Steel Smiling. Register here.

Alumnus Johnnie Geathers, MSW was on a panel for Mental Health Action Day. The panelists were given the opportunity to share what they do, critical things that raised during the pandemic, and tips that individuals and families can use. Watch on YouTube (31 minute mark)

Mary Anne Mihallo McFeely of Eighty Four, passed away peacefully, in the early morning hours of May 14, 2021. She received her master's of social work from the University of Pittsburgh in 1992. Helping others throughout her varied and extensive career brought her a great sense of fulfillment. Read more in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.