April 4, 2022
Correction: Faculty member Deborah Robinson should have been listed as part of the team for the Taking Off the Cape: Removing the Cloak of Invincibility to Support BIPOC Graduate Students project in the March 21st e-blast.
Excellence in Social Work Practice Awards for Students
Excellence in Social Work Practice Awards recognize Master’s students in the Pitt School of Social Work who demonstrate exemplary commitment to their social work professional development. The awards are given to students who display outstanding potential as social workers, either through their scholarship in the classroom, in field-based learning, or community and school service. These awards are made possible by the generosity of alumni and friends of the School. Each award carries a small monetary recognition. See this year's winners.
Bradford alumni quietly making a huge difference
In the March alumni e-newsletter we are spotlighted alumni from Pitt Bradford. Carl McGowen (SOC WK ’19G), Mandy Reese (UPB ‘04, SOC WK ’07G), and Glenn Smith (SOC WK ’19G) shared how they use what they learned at Pitt Bradford in their current work with individuals, families, and communities. Read more.
Rauktis presenting at Katz symposium
Research Associate Professor Mary Beth Rauktis will be speaking about trans-species food security at the 2022 Katz Catalyst for Impact Symposium: Tackling Food Insecurity and Hunger through Ethical Analytics. Her presentation is at 10am April 8, 2022. Registration information is below.
ICYMI: 2022 S.W.A.G. Awards
Held March 26, 2022, this year's S.W.A.G (Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness) Awards honored alumni Jaquala Lowery, Dawn Gordon, Mark Brentley Jr., Jenna Weidner, and Ashley Pesi. See photos here.
2022 Diversity Forum: Call for proposals!
We welcome all members of the Pitt community, and community at-large, to submit virtual workshop proposals for the University’s 2022 Diversity Forum. Submissions due April 22. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3u2BNgr
Celebration of the Year of Data and Society
April 8, 1 - 4:30 PM; Hybrid (University Club Ballroom B and Virtual)
Join us on April 8 for a Celebration of the Year of Data and Society! The Year of Data and Society Initiative has provided support for a rich collection of projects. At this hybrid event, we will spotlight and celebrate the research, instructional design work, events, community partnered activities and more by recipients of Year of Data and Society funding. Visit the Year of Data and Society website for a schedule of sessions and join us for all or part of the afternoon.
Upcoming Events
  • April 4, 2022: Pitt MSW Curriculum-Specific Information Session. 5-6pm. Register here.

  • April 5, 2022: Dissertation defense: Dashawna Fussell-Ware. 12-2pm. Zoom link for the defense: https://pitt.zoom.us/s/96002757012 This will be a hybrid event and in-person guests can join us in room 2017 in the Cathedral.



  • April 6, 2022: Career Workshop: Salary Negotiation: What You Need to Know in 2022! 12-1pm. Register here.

  • April 8, 2022: 2022 Katz Catalyst for Impact Symposium: Tackling Food Insecurity and Hunger through Ethical Analytics feat. Dr. Mary Rauktis. 10am. Register here.

  • April 8, 2022: Queering Social Work: LGBTQIA+ Professionals in Child Welfare.3-5pm. Register here.

  • April 9, 2022: Continuing Education: What's New in Social Work Ethics. 9-11am. Register here.

  • April 9, 2022: Career Workshop: Effective Job Interviewing – In-person & Virtually. 12-1pm. Register here.

  • April 12, 2022: The Sisterfriend Story, Advocating for Menstrual Equity. Tamara L. Abney. 12pm. 2017 Cathedral of Learning. Lunch available for attendees to the presentation.

  • April 12, 2022: MSW Program at Pitt Johnstown Overview. 6-7pm. Register here.


  • April 13, 2022: Baker Fellows Research Poster Presentations. 3-6pm. 2017 Cathedral of Learning



For a complete listing of upcoming events please visit the
Please share our e-blast with your contacts and send any story ideas to shm87@pitt.edu.